16 February 1942, Singapore was renamed Syonan-to, Light of the South.

Malaya and Singapore went through three and a half years of Japanese occupation. It was a period of great hardship and suffering for the population.ÊThe Japanese set up a military government in Malaya and Singapore with the President or Gunseikan as its head.

The people thought that they were freed from British rule and that this would lead to a better life under the Japanese. But it was the reverse. The new Japanese colonial masters brought more fear and terror in the lives of the people.

The Japanese Military Administration demanded immediate cooperation.To restore order, the Japanese issued edicts listing a number of prohibitions, all ending with the ominous warning that those who disobeyed "will be shot". Those who disturbed public order and peace or interfered with the work of the Japanese Army were subjected to gruesome public executions. The heads of the victims were later exhibited at public places.

There were heads displayed at Dhoby Ghaut, near Cathay Cinema, Anderson Bridge and Kallang Bridge. Japanese search parties went around to houses to look for stolen goods and people who could not explain how they came by certain goods were taken away to be executed. The Japanese solution of shooting and beheading criminals made everyone so terrified that crime was at an all-time low during the Occupation. You can either click on the video link or the next button to continue to the other pages.