The Japanese occupied Singapore from February 1942 to September 1945. During this period, Singapore was known as ‘Syonan’, which means ‘Light of the South’. The Japanese committed numerous atrocities against civilians and basic necessities were scarce during the occupation. The Japanese announced their surrender on 15 August 1945. The Japanese military in Singapore signed the instrument of surrender on 12 September 1945, officially ending three and a half years of occupation.
