During the Japanese era in the Philippines, which spanned from 1942 to 1945 during World War II,

the
music landscape underwent significant changes and influences. The Japanese occupation had a profound
impact on various aspects of Filipino culture, including music. Here are some key points highlighting the
evolution of music in the Philippines during the Japanese era:

1. Ban on Western Music: The Japanese forces imposed strict regulations and restrictions on Western
cultural influences, including music. Western music, particularly American popular music, was banned or
heavily regulated during this time. The Japanese sought to promote their own cultural values and music,
as well as traditional Filipino music.

2. Promotion of Japanese Music: The Japanese authorities encouraged the Filipino population to
embrace Japanese music and cultural expressions. They established cultural organizations and
institutions that promoted traditional Japanese music, such as gagaku (court music), min'yo (folk music),
and enka (popular ballads). Japanese songs were played on the radio and performed in public
gatherings.

3. Adaptation of Japanese Songs in Filipino Language: Some Japanese songs were adapted and translated
into Filipino or Tagalog. These adaptations aimed to make the music more accessible to the Filipino
audience. Filipino artists and composers worked on translating the lyrics and incorporating Filipino
cultural elements into the songs.

4. Emergence of Patriotic and Resistance Songs: Despite the restrictions, Filipino composers and
musicians found ways to express their patriotism and resistance against the Japanese occupation
through music. They created songs with hidden messages of hope, unity, and defiance. These songs
served as a form of protest and inspiration for the Filipino people.

5. Underground Music Scene: Underground music scenes emerged during this era, where Filipino
musicians gathered in secret to performand share Western music styles that were banned by the
Japanese. These gatherings provided a space for artists to express themselves freely, away from the
watchful eyes of the authorities.

6. Influence of War and Occupation Themes: The themes of war, love, loss, and resilience became
prominent in Filipino music during the Japanese era. Many songs portrayed the struggles and hardships
faced by the Filipino people, while others expressed longing for freedom and the hope of a better future.
It's important to note that the Japanese occupation had a complex and challenging impact on the
Philippines, and the evolution of music during this time reflects the dynamics and responses of the
Filipino people to the circumstances they faced.

EXAMPLE

One notable example of the evolution of music in the Philippines during the Japanese era is the song
“Bayan Ko” (My Country), which was composed by Constancio de Guzman in 1928 but gained significant
popularity and became an anthem of resistance during the Japanese occupation.

“Bayan Ko” expressed the love for the country and served as a rallying cry for national unity and
resilience. Its powerful lyrics resonated with the Filipino people and became a symbol of defiance against
the Japanese regime.

During the Japanese era, “Bayan Ko” took on a new significance as it was embraced by Filipinos as a form
of protest against the occupation. The song was often performed secretly in gatherings and underground
concerts, where it served as an expression of nationalistic fervor and a source of inspiration for the
resistance movement.

The enduring popularity of “Bayan Ko” during this period exemplifies how music became a powerful tool
for Filipinos to express their patriotism, preserve their cultural identity, and unite in the face of adversity.
It stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Filipino people during the Japanese
occupation.

Another example of the evolution of music in the Philippines during the Japanese era is the emergence
of Kundiman songs with Japanese influences.

Kundiman is a traditional Filipino love song that was popular prior to the Japanese occupation. During
the Japanese era, Kundiman songs underwent changes in style and content to adapt to the cultural
context imposed by the occupation.
Some Kundiman composers and singers incorporated elements of Japanese music into their
compositions. They experimented with melodies and instrumentation that reflected Japanese musical
influences, such as the use of pentatonic scales and traditional Japanese instruments like the koto and
shamisen.

Lyrically, some Kundiman songs during this period began to incorporate themes of longing, separation,
and resilience in the face of wartime challenges. These songs often portrayed the experiences and
emotions of Filipinos separated from their loved ones due to the conflict.

The fusion of Kundiman with Japanese influences illustrates how music in the Philippines during the
Japanese era was influenced by the cultural exchange and adaptation that occurred under the
occupation. It reflects the artists’ attempts to navigate the restrictions imposed by the Japanese
authorities while still expressing their emotions and experiences through music.

1. “Tulog Na, Bunso” (Sleep Now, Little One) – This lullaby, composed by Francisco Santiago,
reflects the emotional turmoil experienced by Filipino families during the Japanese occupation.
It conveys a sense of comfort and reassurance to children while subtly conveying messages of
hope and perseverance to adults.

2. Harana Songs – Harana, a traditional Filipino serenade, evolved during the Japanese era to
incorporate themes of love, longing, and separation. The lyrics of harana songs often depicted
the pain and yearning felt by individuals separated from their loved ones due to the war. The
melodies and arrangements also underwent changes to reflect a blend of Filipino and Japanese
musical influences.

3. “Pandangguhan” – Pandangguhan is a lively Philippine folk dance that underwent modifications

during the Japanese era. The dance steps and movements were adapted to incorporate
elements of Japanese traditional dances, resulting in a fusion of Filipino and Japanese dance
styles. The music accompanying the pandangguhan dance also incorporated Japanese-inspired
melodies and rhythms.

4. “Ang Bayan Kong Hirang” (My Chosen Country) – This patriotic song, composed by Felipe Padilla
de Leon, emerged during the Japanese occupation and became a symbol of resistance and
nationalistic fervor. The lyrics conveyed messages of love for the country, calls for unity, and a
 sense of defiance against the Japanese regime. The song served as an anthem of hope and
resilience for Filipinos during that challenging period.

These examples demonstrate how music in the Philippines during the Japanese era underwent changes
in style, lyrics, and themes to reflect the sentiments and experiences of the Filipino people under
occupation. It showcases the adaptability and creativity of Filipino musicians and composers who sought
to express their emotions, preserve their cultural identity, and inspire resilience in the face of adversity.