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The same dichotomy between unofficial Japanese nationalist fervor and official governmental disinterest regarding the Philippines was reflected in the Japanese role in the Philippine revolution during 1896-1898.

If the Philippines was a small concern to Japan in its phase of giant awakening, Japan loomed large in the the nationalistic consciousness of the Philippines. While the French and the American revolutions had only an ideological appeal, Japan's rise had touched deep kinship chords in Filipino hearts, especially after revolutionary nationalism developed. In the early 1890's, when Japan was trying to negotiate a revision of its existing treaty with Spain, with a view to seeking free Japanese settlement in the Philippines in return for corresponding rights for Spanish settlers in Japan, Filipino nationalists endorsed the idea. Marcelo del Pilar, in a series of articles in La Solidaridad, pleaded for Japanese immigration to the islands on the grounds that "Japanese immigration to the Philippines as well as that of Philippine immigration in Japan would fill an important gap in the economic existence of both archipelagos."

After Japan's victory over China in 18895 Filipino nationalists definitely began to look to Japan as a possible redeemer of their freedom. Even during the Sino-Japanese war in 1894-1895 a few efforts were made to obtain Japanese assistance. A propagandist, Jose Ramos and two associates, had planned to seek Japanese aid, but the plan fell through and he had to escape to Japan in August 1895.

During his early stay in Japan, Dr. Jose P. Rizal had discussed with a Japanese minister the possibility of obtaining three merchant vessels to transport arms to Manila. He had contemplated settling down in Japan as a director of a proposed University for Filipino youth. Of course, Rizal's life veered sharply ina different direction. A really serious attempt to obtain Japanese aid was made by the Katipunan, supported by certain Japanese nationalists, called Shishis, who balanced the paucity of their numbers with ample enthusiasm. While preparing for an armed rebellion against Spain, Bonifacio and Jacinto struck upon the idea of enlisting the help of the Japanese government. They probably recalled how, earlier in history, their prototypes had sought Japanese help. Japanese residents in Manila also conveyed an impression that Japan was interested in Asian peoples (unfortunately they were wrong--Japan was interested in the growth of its own in Asia). On March 1895 the Katipunan appointed a committee comprising Emilio Jacinto, Jose Dison, Jose Basa and Mariano Crisostomo to go to Japan to enter into necessary agreements to acquire arms.

(to be continued)

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