The Japanese realized that they were imposing increasingly heavy burdens on Southeast Asians populations.

To ensure the continuing loyalty of these populations, they tried to persuade them that they too, had a stake in a Japanese victory, that is the maintenance of their 'independence'.

Burma and Philippines were given the status of independent countries within the Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere. Advisory Councils made up of indigenous officials were formed in Malaya and Indonesia.

On 22 Janurary 1932, Prime Minister Tojo, in his speech to the Japanese Diet(Parliament) announced that Japan would grant independence to Burman and the Philippines because of their contributions to the 'substantial progress' of the Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere.

In these colonies, the Japanese military administration would officially cease to function. The new governments would conclude treaties with Japan and declare war upon the United States and Britain.