Tribune: Laurel and Vargas received the First Order of Merit and Aquino got a lesser decoration. Tojo felt at ease. Talking to Laurel "is like talking to a big brother," he said. The visitors in turn were astonished that Nippon could serve decent food [champagne and sandwiches] "while carrying on the war for Asians." What surprised Manila was that they met and shook the Emperor's hand. "The Japs must be weaker than I thought," said one.

"Touching scene enacted as P.I. Officials meet sons in Tokyo."

With the command 'Yasumé' [Stand at Ease], Mariano, Ramon, Eduardo and Benjamin^†, who had been looking at their fathers with their mouths twitching and their eyes growing misty, ran forward with outstretched arms. 'Father,' they shouted as they approached the representatives who waited also with their arms extended. The meeting was typically Filipino.

They must've said, "Dad, get me out of here."

^† Pensionados: Mariano Laurel (21), Ramon Yulo Vargas (15), Eduardo M. Vargas (17), Benjamin C. Osias (19)