VIPs - Mitsubishi MC-20

Another photo from the "Asahi Shimbun" collection. On May 5, 1943, Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo landed in Nichols Field, an airfield south of Manila, for a state visit to the Philippines. On his right is General Wachi Takaji, Chief of Staff of the 14th Army responsible for the Philippines.

At least three Mitsubishi MC-20 transport aircraft are seen in the background. Unfortunately no tail markings are visible.

There is also a video from the NHK collection.

The Second Philippine Republic was established a few months later, on October 14, 1943, during the Japanese occupation.