American Strategic Deception Bureau

　Relying on massive investment from the United States, the Philippines quickly healed the wounds left over from the world wars. During the Korean War and the Vietnam War, the Philippines, as the strategic rear base of the United States in Asia, quickly achieved industrialization. Factories sprang up across the country, industries flourished, and the country entered a brief but glorious moment of glory.

　In the 1950s, Manila, the capital of the Philippines, was once known as the New York of Asia. The Asian Development Bank was headquartered in Manila, demonstrating its importance in the Asian financial world at the time, surpassing even Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

　Therefore, in some hardcore old Hong Kong movies shot in the 1950s, there is such a confusing thing as the "Philippine Consortium".

　If the Philippines later became famous for exporting maids, then at that time, a large number of laborers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam and South Korea were exported to the Philippines for employment. The last batch of Japan's "Nanyang Sisters" were also exported to Philippine brothels at this time.

　Looking at the map, the Philippines during the Cold War should have been a happy country with a bright future.

　Compared with South Korea, whose capital is right next to the 38th parallel, the Philippines is far away from the front line of confrontation between the two major camps of the Cold War, and its safety factor is more guaranteed.

　In terms of population and land size, the Philippines far exceeds South Korea and is only slightly behind Japan, but they are also of the same order of magnitude.

　In terms of industrial strength, thanks to the heavy investment from its American benefactor, the Philippine industry in the 1950s was not much worse than Japan in terms of GDP.

　As for agriculture? The Philippines' rubber and sugarcane have been coveted by Japan for many years, and like Japan, the Philippines also produces a lot of rice.

　Convenient ports and shipping? As an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, how are the Philippines' external shipping and transportation conditions worse than Japan's?

　Therefore, in the eyes of international observers in the 1950s, if the Philippines continued to develop along the trajectory of the previous years, even if it could not ultimately compete with Japan, a veteran imperialist power, it should at least be able to sit firmly on the throne of the second richest country in Asia after Japan.

　As a result, in the economic field, a two-horse confrontation pattern has been formed, with Japan dominating Northeast Asia and the Philippines dominating Southeast Asia.

　Although this country is deeply influenced by the United States, as long as the Philippines has not reached its development ceiling, the United States will not use its big stick to hit it.

　But in fact, the American father's big stick did not fall down. But the Philippines did not have time to touch the edge of the ceiling.

　——On the world stage, the Philippines’ moment of glory was extremely short.

　Since the 1960s, the Philippine economy has stagnated and has been left far behind by Japan.

　In the 1970s, with the end of the Vietnam War and the disappearance of the war dividend, the Philippines began to experience an economic avalanche. It was completely surpassed by the subsequent Four Asian Tigers and became the "Banana Republic of Asia", forcing itself to look like a Latin American country.

　Why was the Philippines, which was treated as its own son and received blood transfusions and construction by the United States, easily overtaken and crushed by Japan in post-war economic development?

　What unique advantages did postwar Japan possess?

　Why is there such a huge difference between China and the Philippines, which is also a little brother of the United States?

　Opening up advanced European and American technology and sales markets? Japan gets this treatment, but the Philippines doesn't?

　The dividends of the Korean and Vietnam Wars? Japan got these dividends, but the Philippines didn't?

　In fact, compared to Japan, the slave with a broken leg, the Philippines is the biological son of the American father in Asia.

　When it had a choice, the Pentagon would try to place logistical and military supply orders for the Korean War and the Vietnam War in the Philippines.

　However, many Philippine companies, unwilling to make a living, simply wanted to make a quick buck. They were too lazy to even produce the products themselves, so after deducting a portion of the payment, they subcontracted the military supply orders to manufacturers in Japan and South Korea, leaving the Pentagon's logistics department in a state of confusion when they learned the truth.

　From the US's perspective, the Philippines, this little brother, is a hopeless case! They've been given multiple opportunities and have consistently provided hands-on instruction, yet they still haven't grasped the opportunities presented by the times. You can't really blame the US for being unfair, can you? You need to look for your own problems!

　——Indeed, the reason why the Philippines was easily overtaken by Japan after the war was that it had too many problems of its own.

　First of all, Japan has an innate advantage that is often overlooked, which is that it formed a very pure mono-ethnic country very early on.

　While there are small numbers of Ainu (indigenous people of Hokkaido), Ryukyuans, and Korean expatriates in Japan, their combined population numbers no more than a few million. In contrast, the Yamato people make up almost 99% of the Japanese population, demonstrating an undeniably strong national cohesion.

　In short, Japanese citizens basically consider themselves Japanese; but a considerable number of Filipino citizens may not admit that they are Filipinos!

　Because the Philippines is not a mono-ethnic country. On the contrary, in terms of ethnic composition, it is more like a smaller version of the Soviet Union and India.

　Well, strictly speaking, it is not as good as the Soviet Union - the Russian population in the Soviet Union at least accounts for half, so it can be considered a decent main ethnic group.

　The ethnic composition of the Philippines is as follows: the Visayans are the largest, accounting for 40% of the total population; the Tagalogs are the second largest, at 20%; and the Iloks are the third largest, at 10%. In addition, there are numerous smaller ethnic groups, ranging in population from millions to hundreds of thousands, such as the Moros, Chinese, Bilans, and Ifugao. Some of these ethnic groups, despite their small populations, occupy vast swathes of territory.

　——It is conceivable that with such a complex ethnic composition, just the domestic language communication can make people feel their blood pressure soar.

　To make matters worse, the Soviet Union was at least composed mainly of Russians, and India was mainly composed of Hindustani people, the most populous people.

　However, the ruling ethnic group in the Philippines is not the Visayans, the largest and most populous ethnic group, but the Tagalogs, whose population is only half that of the Visayans! Manila, the capital, is a Tagalog city. Ultimate power in the country is primarily held by the Tagalogs.

　In other words, in the Philippines during the Cold War, the Tagalogs, who accounted for only 20% of the population, actually ruled over the other 80% of the population, forming a "small tribe ruling a big country" situation similar to that of the Qing Dynasty.

　Even worse, the Eight Banners of the Qing Dynasty conquered their country through military force, which at least makes people admire the Manchus. However, the Tagalogs' dominance in the Philippines was not earned by themselves, but was granted by white masters - how could other ethnic groups accept this?

　In fact, the name "Philippines" was not given by the indigenous people, but was named by the Spaniards in memory of King Philip.

　Before the Spanish colonized the Philippines, there was no unified political entity. Instead, each ethnic group had its own kingdoms, city-states, and tribal alliances. Whether in Luzon or Mindanao, the land was divided among warlords, with rival powers vying for power.

　However, the Spaniards chose Manila as their capital, and then promoted the local Tagalogs and made them their lackeys.

　At the same time, other ethnic groups in the Philippines continued to resist the Spanish conquest and persisted for hundreds of years before gradually surrendering.

　Therefore, in the eyes of other ethnic groups, the Tagalogs are not that powerful. What qualifications do they have to ride on their heads?

　This ethnic issue has persisted since Philippine independence into the 21st century. In the southern Philippines, various insurgent groups have consistently operated, some waving red flags, others religious extremists. Ultimately, however, they are all unwilling to accept Tagalog rule.

　——Even the Scots are always clamoring for independence from Britain, so why should the ethnic groups in southern Philippines have to obey Manila?

　The fact that modern Philippines is ruled by more than 200 families is just a superficial phenomenon, while the gap between different ethnic groups is the deeper problem.

　As a result, due to the lack of a dominant ethnic group and cultural centripetal force, successive Philippine rulers had to use considerable energy and resources to suppress other ethnic groups in the country, unlike Japan, which could centrally allocate national resources and focus on development.

　Secondly, in addition to having ethnic problems that Japan does not have and the resulting serious internal friction, the Philippines' social order is also not as good as Japan's.

　At the end of World War II, although the major cities in Japan were severely burned by General LeMay's fire attack, they surrendered as a whole before the US military landed.

　Operations were not greatly affected.

　Afterwards, the US occupation forces did not rashly dissolve the Japanese government, but continued to rule with the help of Japan's existing political institutions.

　This prevented post-war Japan from becoming a country ruled by warlords or dominated by numerous feudal lords, and allowed it to maintain the basic order of a unified country.

　In contrast, the Philippines, despite being a victorious nation, was swept back and forth by the US and Japanese armies twice. Its already fragile political system essentially collapsed, and warlords abounded, with constant fighting. In particular, the 40-strong Red Guerrilla Army, led by the Communist Party of the Philippines, engaged in bloody battles for years with the US-backed government forces.

　Combined with the ancient ethnic conflicts and the wave of national liberation that erupted in the 20th century, the Philippines' domestic security has always been far from Japan's level. If the United States' support and financial support were cut off, the country would directly become a chaotic mess like the Latin American countries in Asia.

　Finally, during the crucial period of economic growth in Asia after World War II, the Philippines did not have a capable and honest ruler like South Korea's Park Chung-hee. Instead, it encountered a super-corrupt official like Marcos, who amassed billions of dollars in national wealth, and was plagued by a negative buff that caused it to continuously lose money.

　Therefore, even with the United States' desperate financial support, the Philippines' economic level in the early Cold War was only mediocre.

　After the end of the Vietnam War, the United States' strength was greatly weakened and it began to strategically shrink and reduce its overseas spending. The Philippine economy soon began to deteriorate. Coupled with the impact of the oil crisis, a large number of Philippine factories closed down in the 1970s or were transferred by investors to Japan and South Korea.

　In short, it was to deindustrialize the Philippines before the United States, leaving behind huge slums in the cities.

　At the same time, the Southeast Asian rubber market was also seized by Malaysia and Thailand, resulting in no one wanting rubber, which had once been the Philippines' flagship export product. Only bananas and other fruits, along with English-speaking Filipino maids, could continue to sell well overseas for the next half century...

　Therefore, there is really no need to be in a certain national sentiment and deliberately underestimate Japan's economic boom in its post-war golden age, thinking that as long as the United States is willing to inject capital and open up technology and markets, it can easily replicate the miracle of Japan's post-war economic rise.

　In fact, failed countries that have access to American capital, technology and markets but still cannot catch up with Japan are the mainstream in this world!

　Compare it to the economic development of the Philippines. While Japan has always been trapped in the US prison, facing a ceiling, the fact that its economy has grown to the point where its per capita GDP surpasses that of the US and its total output has reached its ceiling is truly remarkable.

　Looking at the history after World War II, apart from Japan, how many of America's minions can reach the ceiling?

　-

　Ahem, back to the topic, with her ex-husband DiMaggio running around, Marita and Ferry, two "atypical CIA spies" cheering, and Dr. Kissinger taking a break from work to go shopping, Marilyn Monroe's concert at the foot of the Tokyo Tower finally got underway in a lively manner.

　Of course, the ones who really made a big contribution were the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) and a group of Japanese entertainment professionals. They seemed to be treating this "Japan-US" concert as a rehearsal for the Olympic opening ceremony, and they all looked very enthusiastic.

　In order to create a grand scene, they even decorated the entire Tokyo Tower with colorful lights and hung it with Japanese flags and American Stars and Stripes.

　However, the name of this concert made Philip feel a little embarrassed.

　"Tokyo Hot? Tokyo Hot? Marilyn Monroe's 'Tokyo Hot' concert? Isn't this name... a bit too sexy?"

　Looking at the huge letter titles made of colorful plastic boards above the concert stage, Fili couldn't help but have the illusion of traveling through time and space.

　Of course, Marilyn Monroe, who decided to choose this name, could not predict the future and did not have any unhealthy thoughts in her mind.

　It was simply because Tokyo was really hot in late July, and the enthusiasm of Japanese fans moved even this American sweetheart.

　——Tickets were sold out a week before the performance, and reporters who wanted to interview her lined up three blocks away.

　In fact, apart from the extraordinary enthusiasm of the audience, this "Tokyo Fever" concert held at the foot of the Tokyo Tower was actually quite serious.

　In the hot breeze of midsummer night, the actresses of the Takarazuka Revue, wearing colorful and gorgeous dresses, sang English songs in a clear and melodious voice.

　In Japan, the all-female Takarazuka Revue is a top-tier entertainment company. Those who join the Takarazuka come from middle-class or higher-class families. An ugly duckling like Marilyn Monroe, born in an orphanage, wouldn't even be able to enter the Takarazuka.

　Next, American and Japanese singers took the stage at the foot of Tokyo Tower, singing their hearts out. As if to suit the occasion, even the Japanese singers sang not traditional Japanese ballads, but the most popular American pop songs of the day.

　Of course, as the finale of this concert, accompanied by extremely loud and deafening music, Marilyn Monroe, wearing a swimsuit, also made a graceful and dazzling appearance surrounded by a group of Japanese girls in sailor suits and American bikini girls!

　Well, Miss Monroe originally wanted to wear a bikini to show off her good figure.

　The surgical scar on her lower abdomen was still there, so she couldn't wear a bikini. She had to change into a one-piece swimsuit with more coverage, which is what Japanese school anime call "sukushi".

　In real life, when Marilyn Monroe stripped naked for her first nude photoshoot in the summer of 1962, she only photographed her back. Why? Because a full-frontal shot would have exposed her surgical scars from a previous failed pregnancy.

　In short, looking at the blonde Monroe wearing swimsuit, Fili couldn't help but feel a strange sense of contrast in his heart.

　At the same time, while the stage was filled with energetic singing and dancing and the atmosphere was heated, there were also many celebrities and stars gathered below the stage.

　In addition to General LeMay, who flew in from the United States in a wheelchair, and the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, the Japanese Prime Minister, the Emperor and his wife, and many well-known figures in Japanese high society also appeared in the audience seats built at the foot of the Tokyo Tower, making the reporters excited and taking photos one after another.

　When the concert ended at nine o'clock in the evening, the Emperor made an exception and awarded Miss Monroe a "Cultural Medal" in the shape of a citrus petal.

　According to regulations, Japan's Order of Culture is awarded to those who have made significant contributions to science, technology, art, and culture. Not only is a ceremony held at the palace on a designated date each year, but candidates must also undergo prior assessment and selection by a specialized committee...

　Of course, since this time the purpose is to show support for the "chief mistress" of the US president, all the rules are naturally thrown aside and special arrangements are made.

　In short, in a fiery atmosphere, Marilyn Monroe's "Tokyo Fever" concert held under the Tokyo Tower came to a successful conclusion.

　Next, according to the planned schedule, she and General LeMay would go their separate ways. General LeMay would travel north from Tokyo to inspect the air force base of the US military stationed in Aomori in northeastern Japan, and then go to Hokkaido to inspect this frontier position of the Cold War confrontation between Japan and the Soviet Union.

　——Throughout the Cold War, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces were defending against a Soviet invasion from Hokkaido, and the only armored unit was deployed here.

　Marilyn Monroe and her entourage traveled west from Tokyo to attend the atomic bomb commemoration events in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

　However, before heading to Hiroshima, they decided to take a break from their busy schedule and find a beautiful place to soak in a hot spring and rest...

　The author's words:

　——Considering the speed of reconstruction in the Fukushima disaster area, who knows whether the water supply will be cut off for four months or four years?

　Some readers pointed out that I described bananas as too rare earlier. Actually, I referenced this with an old book I found in a corner of the library, a popular science book translated from the Soviet Union in the 1950s, which explained that bananas from the Caribbean are only available in the US market for a few months each year.

　There is no clear date in the book, so I thought it was describing the situation when the book was published. I didn't expect that the content was probably outdated at that time.

　Chapter 173: You can’t stop taking the medicine! Miss Monroe!

　90 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, Mount Hakone

　Mount Hakone, located at the border of Kanagawa Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture, is part of the foothills of Mount Fuji.

　About 40 years ago, this was a volcanic crater with plumes of smoke rising into the sky and lava splattering everywhere. Now it is a famous hot spring town and health resort, surrounded by emerald peaks, misty hot springs, lush forests and beautiful scenery, making it an excellent tourist destination.

　If you ask people in Tokyo where the best places to connect with nature are, nine out of ten will answer: "Hakone!"

　So, after the "Tokyo Fever" concert at the foot of Tokyo Tower came to a successful conclusion, the blonde beauty Marilyn Monroe and her ex-husband Mr. DiMaggio, at the warm invitation of NHK, went to a hotel in Mount Hakone to soak in the hot springs, rest and relieve the fatigue accumulated over the past few days.

　Dr. Kissinger, Fili and Marita, who were his followers, naturally had to go along as well.

　It has to be said that the scenery of Mount Hakone is truly beautiful. So much so that when Marilyn Monroe saw it for the first time, she couldn't help but exclaim: "Jesus Christ! My God! I thought your garden was built on the clouds, but I didn't expect it to be built on this mountain!"

　Her ex-husband, DiMaggio, also nodded in agreement, saying it was a pity that he did not visit Mount Hakone when he came to Japan eight years ago.

　——In January 1954, when DiMaggio and Monroe came to Japan for their honeymoon, they originally planned to travel around Japan.

　However, upon their arrival in Tokyo, Monroe was tricked by an American officer into flying to the Korean front to entertain the troops, leaving DiMaggio alone and bored in Japan. Apart from Tokyo, he barely visited any of the city's attractions, instead spending his days in bars.

　So, although it was not their first time in Japan, it was indeed their first time to visit a place outside the Tokyo metropolitan area.

　At the same time, in Firi's eyes, the green mountains and trees of Mount Hakone are indeed quite impressive.

　Vermilion birdhouses are hidden in the bamboo forest, stone tablets and statues are scattered along the roadside, and terraced fields planted with rice and fruit trees are scattered between the valleys and foothills. Strange peaks are steep, canyons are winding, and deep blue pools are deep. They sometimes appear under the scorching sun, sometimes hazy in the mist and rain. Between the gaps in the clouds and fog, wild flowers are in full bloom, and the mountains are green, giving people a sense of oriental mystery and delicate poetic and picturesque feelings, thus condensing into a concise and elegant feeling.

　nice.

　After crossing another mountain pass, the rippling blue waters of Lake Ashi appeared before the car. Rice paddies, vegetable gardens, orchards, bamboo forests, and ponds were scattered around the lake in an orderly manner. Despite the diversity, it was not chaotic, but rather seemed more refined, with a sense of natural and wonderful rhythm.

　To the Americans in the convoy, this bonsai-like Eastern countryside was truly novel—the American countryside had long been dominated by large, mechanized farms. Whether orchards, vegetable gardens, or crop fields, they were all arranged in rigid rows, as neatly arranged as a military camp.

　From Virginia to Kansas, from Miami to Seattle, farmlands and orchards across the United States are all pretty much the same.

　An apple orchard is an apple orchard, a wheat field is a wheat field, and a cabbage patch is a cabbage patch.

　Although the orderliness is shocking, it lacks the vitality of nature, which makes people feel bored after looking at it for a long time.

　In contrast, the scenery of Mount Hakone before us seemed much more vibrant and vibrant. The moist mist and cool breeze lingering in the mountains completely dispelled the summer heat that everyone had endured in Tokyo, leaving them feeling refreshed and refreshed.

　As a time traveler, Firi was reminded of some distant and hazy memories...

　Uh, now I remember, the prototype of "Touhou Gensokyo" is Mount Hakone, which is less than a hundred kilometers away from Tokyo. The Scarlet Devil Mansion stands on the shore, and the misty lake where the ice fairy Cirno freezes frogs is based on the Lake Ashi in front of us!

　Of course, Mount Hakone isn't Gensokyo, and there's no Scarlet Devil Mansion on the shores of Lake Ashi. However, on the south shore of Lake Ashi, there's the red-brick, green-tiled, Western-style hot spring inn, Fujii. This is where NHK hosted Marilyn Monroe for a hot spring retreat.