AMKSS Chpt 6 (sec 2 hist)

A NG M O K IO S ECONDARY S CHOOL S ECONDARY 2 H ISTORY C HAPTER 6 – L IFE UNDER THE J APANESE IN S YONAN - TO (1942-1945) Name: _____________________________ ( ) Class: _______ Date: __________ By the end of this chapter, you should know: □ What did the people in Singapore experience during the Japanese Occupation □ How the Japanese tried to control the population in Syonan-to Introduction/Background • After the British surrender, Singapore fell under Japanese rule on 15 February 1942. • The Japanese renamed Singapore “Syonan-to”, which meant “Light of the South” and went on to adopt different methods to control the population in Singapore. • Under Japanese rule, the people’s experiences varied. While many were forced to obey Japanese rule, there were others who chose to collaborate with the Japanese for other benefits. What do I know about the Japanese Occupation? What do I want to know about the Japanese Occupation? What have I learnt about the Japanese Occupation? Let’s Explore! Look at the following historical sources to find out more about life in Syonan-to: a. Illustrations by Liu Kang about the Japanese Occupation in Singapore Page |1 Based on the sketches by Liu Kang, (i) What do you think life was like for the locals in Syonan-to?

(ii) How do you think the Japanese treated the locals in Syonan-to? (iii) Why do you think the Japanese treated them in this manner? b. Newspaper article published in The Syonan Times , 16 March 1942 Saturday, 14 March, brought to a close the first month of Japanese rule over Syonan-to. A complete transformation had taken place, and we now see a smiling, clean looking city, looking forward to a greater period of prosperity under Japanese rule. Indeed, there was no doubt that Syonan-to was benefiting under the Japanese Greater East-Asia Co Prosperity Scheme. The greatest benefit to Syonan people during the month has been the continuation of the electric light and water services and supplies. Today, we are free and equal members of a new government which offers freedom and equal opportunities to all. (i) What does the newspaper article tell you about life in Syonan-to? Page |2

(ii) What is different between the newspaper’s account and Liu Kang’s account of life in Syonan-to? (iii) Why do you think this newspaper’s account is different from Liu Kang’s account? How did the Japanese establish control over the people living in Syonan-to? M ETHODS USED BY THE J APA