Yamashita's Gold

**Yamashita's Gold** is the 18th episode in Season 2 of Expedition Unknown.

## Plot Synopsis

Gates searches for Yamashita's Gold, millions of dollars in Southeast Asian gold and jewels that was looted by Japan and transported to the Philippines under the direction of Japanese general Tomoyuki Yamashita during World War II. The fortune was hidden in tunnels and caves somewhere in the conquered country.

## Historical Context

"As World War II rages in the Pacific, the Japanese loot millions from across Asia. The treasure is covertly transported to the Philippines under the direction of Japanese general Tomoyuki Yamashita. But when the Allies win the war, the location of this vast fortune is lost. Flash forward to 1970, when a Filipino treasure hunter makes an astounding find, part of Yamashita's Treasure in the form of gold bars and a golden Buddha filled with diamonds. But a dictatorial government seizes the loot and imprisons the man who found it."

- Josh Gates

## Summary

Josh heads to Manila, Philippines and to Fort Santiago, where people once thought the treasure was buried. He goes to meet historian Dr Arnel Joven and they go into the tunnels which were once Yamashita's headquarters but they don't find any physical evidence. The next day, Josh goes to meet government explosive expert, Hernan Cruz who teaches him how to see booby traps and how to get past them.

He then goes to Alaminos and meets an anonymous man who tells him about how he saw a group of foreigners taking gold bars out of a cave. He then meets Inyang Garan and Arlie Juarez and they swim to the cave. The cave floods but they are able to keep searching and they find a small rail system and drill holes. They find another entryway into the caves that is flooded so they dive and find World War II-era bullets.

Josh goes to Baguio City and meets Henry Roxas, son of treasure hunter, Rogelio Roxas who found part of the treasure in 1970 but was arrested and mysteriously died after winning a court trial in which he sued Ferdinand Marcos. Henry and Josh take water buffalo to a big cave in the jungle and they find part of a Japanese container and Josh finds a couple of coins which are rare World War II-era centavos.

## Final Words

"My expedition across the Philippines has been a journey into secret spaces, from forgotten passageways beneath the streets of Manila, to flooded caverns, submerged tunnels, and remote caves. Along the way, I discovered how ruthless armies can be when it comes to hiding stolen wealth and how ruthless governments can be to claim it for themselves. But it's also clear that brave explorers and determined believers are willing to risk life and limb in their quest to recover the riches. Their determination, their humour, and their passion are an inspiration. And in this treasure-obsessed country, I sincerely hope that one day soon, they stumble upon the rest of Yamashita's Gold."

- Josh Gates

## Notes & Trivia

* *This is where you can put notes and trivia, anything that is interesting or strange can be included here*

## Quotes

* "So this is a real frog that has been dried out and turned into a purse."
* "The owner of this Jeepney, obviously, a big fan of 'Murica. Very patriotic, which I appreciate."
* "Snakes aren't dangerous enough. Now they can fly? Come on, Philippines."
* "I give Kermit here some strong encouragement to vacate the premises straight towards my camera team."

## References

1. ↑ https://travel.home.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullrights/2016/07/12/0/TEXU213H\_Josh-Gates-Yamahitas-Treasure-Bison\_209759\_725132\_1269481.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725.suffix/1491593023538.jpeg