Japanese Occupation

The Japanese Occupation, widely believed to be the darkest period of Singapore's history, was a trying time for Singaporeans and tested the people's ability to cope in times of adversity. The Occupation highlighted their adaptability, resourcefulness and resilience, as well as the importance of positive thinking.

The people were forced to adapt quickly to new rules laid down by the Japanese and learn to accord the Japanese soldiers the respect they demanded from them. Problems like food shortages and lack of medical care also took their toll on the people. In order to overcome these problems, the people came up with creative solutions such as food substitutions and home remedies.

During this period, the people did their best to live life as they had in times of peace. Some changes were inevitable, but Singaporeans adapted to them and controlled the situation they were in instead of allowing the situation to control them. Despite their sufferings, many people did not doubt that the Japanese would eventually be defeated by the British and Singaporeans would once again be able to regain their freedom. The possibility of a better future kept the people cheerful and gave them the determination and will to survive.

Singaporeans also witnessed human nature at its worst and best during the Japanese Occupation. The cruelty of the Japanese towards the people, and the greed of some who took to exploiting their countrymen during the Occupation showed us human nature at its worst. However, there were others who made life enjoyable for others and gave aid whenever possible, sometimes at the expense of their own lives. The POWs and other European civilian internees also showed dignity in the face of defeat, holding their heads high and never giving in to the demands of their Japanese captors.

The Japanese Occupation helped young Singaporeans to mature ahead of their time. Invaluable lessons that the survivors of the Occupation walked away with helped shape the generation of Singaporeans who developed Singapore from a Third World country during independence to become what she is today. Future generations of Singaporeans can also learn from these timeless lessons. Adaptability, resilience and resourcefulness are qualities that can help Singaporeans achieve success on the global stage today and in the future. Positive thinking will also aid the future generations in overcoming their own difficulties as they will not throw in the towel so easily and keep themselves positive in trying times.

These are the lessons that we can learn from the Japanese Occupation of Singapore. The Singapore government has also learnt from this occupation and built up the SAF, a strong defence force that will act as a deterence to any potential aggressors. In Singapore, 15 February is also Total Defence Day, when Singaporeans remember the British surrender and the importance of staying vigilant in order to prevent a repeat of the events that took place on 15 February 1942 and those that followed.