• Imagine you were one of the following individuals during the Japanese Occupation [You will be assigned according to your group:

  1. A Chinese business man

  2. A Malay student learning Japanese, or

  3. An Indian soldier thinking about joining the anti- British (INA)

• What would you have experience between February 1942 and September 1945?

• You may use the following type of experiences to help you complete the diary entries:

1. Survival

2. Leisure and entertainment

3.   Collaboration

4. Resistance

5. Any other experience of your choice

• Post your diary entries on the padlet according to the individuals you are assigned to do.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: XXXXXX

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Experience 2: Leisure

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Experience 1: Collaboration 

Date: 19 April 1943

Dear Diary,

Singapore has fallen to the Japanese! Despite the hardships, the Japanese help supported the INA. After thinking for a while, I thought of how the British had treated my family cruelly. How dare they! I will join the INA and see Britan fall!!! 

Experience 2: Survival.

Date: 19 April 1944

Dear Diary,

The food prices are so high! And the banana notes are literally useless. There is not enough food water for me. Luckily, I grew some vegetables in the garden and trade them for fish or chicken once very week. Even still, I lost around 10 KG. Everyone told that I weighted like a feather.

Experience 1: Leisure and entertainment

Date: 15 December 1942

Dear Diary,

To keeps us entertained, the Japanese introduced radio programmes consisting of Japanese songs, Malay music, and news in Hokkien and Cantonese; Japanese movies and documentaries at cinemas; and free open-air screenings of propaganda shows! It is nice that the Japanese are kind to give us these kind of entertainment in stressful times as every time I go to see Japanese movies and documentaries at cinemas or listen to the Japanese songs and Malay music that are played in the radio programmes that were introduced to the locals, I feel that it lifts my spirits and make me more relived during this tough times. I am planning to join the anti-British (INA) after seeing how the Japanese treat their locals. I think this would be a way for me to pay back to the Japanese for their kindness...

Experience 2: Collaboration

Date: 11 January 1943

Dear Diary,

Today is the day that the Japanese are recruiting anti-British soldiers and I willingly decided to join the anti-British (INA) as a way to pay back to the Japanese for their kindness to provide entertainment. The Japanese were nice to me when they were recruiting anti-British soldiers as they warmly welcomed me to the camp where all the other anti-British soldiers were living at and they even provided food and water to us for free! I happened to realise some of the soldiers looked scared to be there as they may have been forced into here or maybe something else happened to them... I was tasked to fight against British soldiers that come to Singapore and I think the British deserves it as they gave up Singapore and caused many people to suffer but the Japanese are kind and generous to the locals. I think the Japanese know what they are doing to make Singapore a safe and happy country by stopping all anti-Japanese people who goes against the Japanese's righteous rules for the country and treated all locals with kindness who followed them. With the Japanese governing Singapore, I can say that the future of this country will be good...

Experience 1: (Survival)

Date: 15 February 1942

The steep rise in food prices has turned the simple act of eating into a luxury. The local currency, once a symbol of stability, the banana notes are now useless.

Buying things is now very difficult for all of us.

Every day is a battle for survival, a stark contrast to the life I once knew.

Experience 2: Collaboration)

Today, Singapore has fallen into the hands of the Japanese. The city is filled with uncertainty and fear. The Japanese have provided support to the Indian National Army (INA), offering a glimmer of hope in these dark times. My friends and parents, like many others, had suffered under their cruel treatment. The injustices we have endured is unforgivable.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 15 feburary 1942

It was a very traumatic experience for me, one that i will never ever forget. The Japanese soldiers carried out this operation called operation Sook Ching, in which those seen to be anti-japanese would be executed. In some cases, imprisoned or tortured for information they japanese wanted. It was was hard to avoid drawing attnetion due to the circumstances and suspicion and lack of trust amongst the other chinese, but luckily i managed to. Despite this, I tried my best to mind my own business all the time in hope that i would not catch the unwanted attention of the Japanese.

Experience 2: Leisure and entertainment

The Japanese decided to let us have some forms of entertainment, such as malay music, new in hokkien and cantonese, documentaries at cinemas, as well as free open air screenings of propoganda shows. They also encouraged us to do some sports and cultural activities to reduce the stress of wartime conditions on the locals. I wont lie, i did enjoy some of the activites, However, I was still afraid of being suspected by the japanese and killed. I really dont want to die.

Experience 1: Collaboration

Date: 15 Feb 1942

Dear Diary,

A few Chinese and Malay people chose to work for the Japanese. While some were forced to do so, others did so voluntarily because it was advantageous due to the benefits. The Malays joined neighbourhood associations and acted as police for the Japanese, while the Chinese worked as informants. Their various responsibilities assigned by the Japanese were all intended to root out the anti-Japanese. In my case, however, I continued to support the British rather than the Japanese as I didn't want other locals to think I was a traitor!

Experience 2: Resistance

Dear Diary,

Soon enough, I discovered that there were, in fact, small secret associations formed by individuals who opposed the Japanese and wanted to drive them out of Singapore. Force 136 and the MPAJA were the two main groups. Although I understood that reporting them to the Japanese might enable me to receive additional extra benefits or better care overall, I chose not to do so. I truly did wish for them to leave Singapore, especially after what they had done to me...

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 26 February 1942

Dear Diary,

The Japanese soldiers are carrying out this

thing called “Operation Sook Ching”. They posted notices, requiring all Chinese men aged 18 to 50 to assemble at mass screening centres to be examined by the Japanese. We had to go before a officer, then informants would identify people who were suspected of being anti-Japanese and pass on the information to the Kempeitai; I think the informants were looking for those secret society members with tattoos particularly though. I was allowed to go home after the inspection where I was given a stamp on my arm. There were some Chinese men who got stamped with a triangular mark, and they got tied up and kept under guard.

Experience 2: Leisure and Entertainment

Date: 27 February 1942

Dear Diary,

The Japanese started and introduced these radio programmes which had Japanese songs, Malay music, and news in Hokkein and Cantonese. There were also Japanese movies and documentaries at cinemas, along with free open-air screenings. I also began seeing more and more notices of football, baseball, tennis and badminton matches every day in the media. I heard from some people that there were also boxing matches at Kim Seng Road, and the police band even performed at the Botanic Gardens!

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 27 March 1945

Ever since the Japanese invaded Singapore and kicked out the British, it became harder to get the products for me to sell, more or less because the Japanese wouldn't let other ships with my goods enter Singapore. And of course, business didn't go too well. Most people turned to the black market for their basic necessities, causing me to slowly fall out of business. Because of my own problems, of course i have to turn to the black market myself. Everyone has to survive, one way or another. It's already such a huge problem, knowing that the Japanese are always keeping such a close eye on us, especially us Chinese men. I watched my friend for 20 years get taken away for questioning after someone accused him of being anti-Japanese. Poor guy. He didn't deserve this. Where are the British when we need them?

Experience 2: Resistance

I've watched the Japanese take away too many innocent men get take away for questioning, just for them to be killed in the end, no matter what they try to say. I've also watched too many women get taken away for who knows what reason. They probably didn't even do anything. Honestly, why are the Japanese so determined to take over Singapore? It really doesn't make all that much sense in the end. I know I don't have that much knowledge about what's going on right now, and I know i didn't have the best education in m younger years, but i know how to tell the good from the bad. I really want to do something about this. It's just that, there's no way I can do this alone. I'm also not that willing to kill myself for no one to remember my name. Better to listen to their rules then to get hurt.

Title:Diary of a Malay student learning Japanese

Date:28 February 1942

Experience 1: Survival

Dear Diary,

During Singapore's Japanese invasion, food costs increased significantly, with eggs costing three cents and then rising to $10. This led to people selling their items, with gold decorations being the most valuable. My mother used to make ends meet by selling her jewelry, which she used to buy rice and sugar from. She stored the money in crates, old trunks, and other objects to make ends. Hopefully things will get better.

Experience 2: Education

Today marked the initiation into my schooling. The Japanese language class challenges the past and present by focusing on character development, physical education, and career guidance. The curriculum is a blend of language instruction, basic crash courses, and rituals that reinforce loyalty to imperial Japan. Teachers lead students through a combination of language instruction and survival skills.

Date:30 March 1943

Dear diary

It has only been less than a year since the Japanese took over the impregnable fortress but the terrors that has unfolded are some that will live on for eternity. The countless beatings executions that happened in broad daylight has made the local population worried sick wondering if and when they would suffer the same fate. To survive is to do the unimaginable, from fighting to death just for a days supply of rations or stealing from others just to go by. Every door knock makes me think it would be my very last moments in this hellish world. I have been forced to “donate” all my savings to the Japanese or i would face the same fate many have before me.

Experience 2:Resistance

Date: March 27 1944

Dear diary

Ever since the Japanese arrived, they have only brought pain and suffering. The Brits have started a force tasked to fight against these inhuman monsters. They have asked me to join this Force 136 where we gather information and sabotage their plans in an effort to drive these monsters out of this very place we call home.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 1 July 1944

Dear Diary,

Everyday during the war my family struggled for survival due to the shortage of food and my family lived in fear daily. Many people were relocated, like my family. Thankfully we were relocated to a place with rich soil. However, this doesn't mean life got easier we still had to pay extremely high prices for one egg($15), one fish use to cost $0.20 now its $320💀, sugar used to cost $0.04 now its $60. The inflation was crazy and we grew poorer as each day passed. Thats why my family decided to start to grow our own crops such as sweet potato, tapioca etc... We could not no longer rely on the Japanese. They were heartless and did not bother about the plight of the local people. They channelled most of the available resources to Japan war's efforts rather than to the poeple. I hope this war will end soon and life will get easier.

Experience 2: Leisure and Entertainment

Dear Diary,

The days of war were very hard. However, the Japanese let some leisure activities and entertainment to continue. They also introduced radio programmes consisting of Japanese songs, Malay songs and news in Hokkien and Cantonese; Japanese movies and documentaries at cinemas; and free open air screenings of propaganda shows. The Japanese officials encouraged sports and cultural activites to reduce the stress of wartime conditions on the local population. Football, baseball, tennis, badminton appeared almost everyday in the media. Boxing matches took place at Kim Seng Road. All these events are fun to watch. These events helped me to relieve stress after the hardships we are going through everyday. I hope these hard times end soon.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 15 February 1942

Dear Diary,

The Japanese actually managed to capture Singapore, what am I supposed to do now? The prices for almost every food item has risen so much, now I even struggle every day just to get a couple of eggs. The banana notes do not work anymore, now what am I supposed to pay with? I hope I can find a stable job to provide for myself.

Experience 2: Collaboration

Date: 15 February 1943

It has been a year since the Japanese have invaded and conquered Singapore and these days it has been so hard to buy even rice. I heard that the Japanese formed the Indian National Army and fully support them, so if I join and get the support from the Japanese, food and essentials would not be a problem, right?

Experience 1: Survival

Date 1: 15 February 1942

Dear Diary,

This was the day Singapore fell to the Japanese. It was chaos, there was panic, fear and confusion everywhere. Everyone felt doom and dread. We did not know how to react to this major crisis. Because of this, it had limited our resources of food that mainly comes from other countries. Even daily food before the war became precious and priceless! Rice, water, sugar and salt were all strictly rationed. Sometimes, we could only eat once per day 😭. Prices for these essentials doubled and tripled in value. Sometimes people had to pay 5 times the price as per they did before the war! Because of this, the black market started to thrive. It got so bad that we could barely get by day after day after spending so much money on food from my earnings.

Experience 2: Leisure and entertainment

These days during the Japanese occupation of Singapore, life is very extreme and tiring. We have to work hard for money to buy food for survival. However, despite life going hard on us, we never backed down and never gave up. This was the spirit that us Singaporeans had to endure through the pain and hope for the best to regain back our own country.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 19 April 1944

The war had disrupted trade which limited the import of good from overseas. Everyone is scared about having even enough food to last for another month. Shortage of items also caused them to increased rapidly, business has been hard during the war and I’m barely earning enough to make ends meet moreover stressed about the increase in prices of food and necessities. After operation sook ching, I can’t even sleep peacefully at night. Time passes by so slowly. I wish this could end soon. So many chinese have died and I wonder when my i would be next.

Experience 2: Leisure

After all the Japanese have done, they’re trying to sweep it all under the carpet by being nice to us after killing so many innocent lives. They introduced radio programmes consisting of Japanese songs, Malay music, and news in Hokkien and Cantonese; Japanese movies and documentaries at cinemas; and free open-air screenings of propaganda shows. Japanese officials encouraged sports and cultural activities to reduce the stress of wartime conditions on the local population. Notices of football, baseball, tennis and badminton matches appeared almost every day in the media. Boxing matches took place at Kim Seng Road, and the police band even performed at the Botanic Gardens. Although I do have fun participating in these activities, but it’s so stressful keeping my guard up at all times, not knowing when will I ever just get executed.

Experience 1: Leisure and entertainment

Date: 23 July 1943

Dear diary,

The Japanese invited us to watch The Fall of Singapore and one of the generals has been entertaining us. Hmm should i join the anti- British? The Japanese is actually treating us quite well and life is now more entertaining than when the British was in control, its as if i owe to the Japanese

Experience 2: Collabartion

Date 24 July 1943

Dear Diary,

After what happened today, I am considering joining the anti-British group, after all i have found out that the Japanese would help those who are willing to listen to their instructions and my current occupation is not worth the chance of suddenly getting tortured. This is seriously nervewrecking....

Date: 4 June 1942

Dear diary,

After the Japanese had invaded Singapore, everything before that happened had came crashing down and the locals were already trying their best to survive. As a local, I had always tried my best to ensure that the Japanese does not think that I am attempting to attack or harass them whatsoever, but I feel like there was a bias between the Chinese to the Malays and Indians. It had always seem like the Japanese had usually given the benefits to them, whereas us Chinese locals have to suffer even more. Then when I could start continuing by selling of supplies, I had realised how much inflation hit us due to rationing. As shipping was now limited, all of the prices had skyrocketed to an undesirable amount, but we had to get what we need to survive.

Experience 2: resistance

3 April 1945

Dear diary,

I was selling my wheat and rice, some "customer" came up to me and gave me a note that read," I know your reluctance on being controlled by the Japanese, so why not you come to our place to talk." I hesitated, as it could have been a trap, but I knew I had to something, for the country. I had decided to join them as after the days and months of being under the Japanese's control, I had always felt mistreated, like I was receiving less supplies for my family and I's wellbeing. After we and a few others had completely finished planning out our strategy, we came up with a temporary solution, attempt to sabotage the Japanese. No matter the risk, I would still this for my country.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 31 October 1942

The Japanese rule is bringing us a lot of hardship. The war has disrupted trade, thus limiting the import of goods into Singapore from overseas. The shortage of items has caused prices to go up, causing a drastic inflation. Extremely high prices are being paid for basic necessities, and the black market is flourishing.

Healthcare and sanitation has also worsened, and the death rate is increasing.

Experience 2: Resistance

I do not want to learn about the Japanese ways anymore, and instead want to contribute to ending the suffering of the people in Singapore. I am going to join the Malayan People's Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA) and help to take down the Japanese and their cruel rule over the people of Singapore. I know I may die horribly while doing this, but I do not want anyone to suffer any longer, and want to contribute to the Japanese surrender.

date: 20 February 1942

Dear diary,

I'm really considering joining the anti-Japanese after finding out that the Japanese would threaten or force many to collaborate with the Japanese if they didn't want to. we were entitled to assist the japanese in establishing their authority, whether we like it or not. I'm going to be 100% honest, i do not like it. I am still forced to do it however, if not i might just regret it. I don't really support the Japanese in this situation. only if i could be brave like them and choose to actively resist without being scared or being a coward...

experience 2: survival

date: 9 September 1944

Dear diary,

Singapore fell into the hands of the Japanese. there was a shortage of food and essential items, and we were limited to a fixed quantity of essential items that i could only get by using ration coupons. Sometimes, i would just starve myself. They changed the currency to banana notes. Only if i could eat it and feel full. I can't even use them to pay for necessities anymore. What to do? I want all of this to be over.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: March 14 1942

Dear Diary,

It has been a month since the Japanese invaded Singapore, but life has already been terrible. Firstly, I had to be on everybody's good side if not I could be told on to the Japanese soldiers for being "anti-Japanese". I heard that those who were reported would be tortured or even executed by the Japanese if information they needed, that we did not have, was not given to them. They would even target me just because I'm Chinese! How absurd is that? The only thing I can do right now is boycott Japanese goods because I am not much of a fighting person and would not do well on that field, I hope I survive through this occupation and hopefully life would go back to normal.

Experience 2: Leisure and entertainment

Date: 19 January 1943

Dear Diary,

Today, I was allowed to "enjoy" some leisure activities to seem like a "happy society". I got to watch documentaries at cinemas, that was fun, could be better if we were not under the Japanese, it'll do for some entertainment I guess. Although we can get tortured when suspected to be anti Japanese, it is still better than nothing to have at least something to pass the time with shows or sports. Overall, life under the Japanese is still pretty bad, but with the addition of leisure and entertainment, life is not as bad anymore.

Experience 1 : Survival

Dear Diary,

It has been only a few months since the Japanese has taken over Singapore however there has been drastic changes ever since. For example, I overheard my father complaining about there about a shortage of food and there being a limit of how much rice could be bought. There was also another problem my parents kept talking about - the food prices. There has been a change of the currency used and the food prices had shot up massively. Eggs which used to cost 3 cents before the Japanese had taken over has shot up to 15 dollars so did the prices of fish and sugar. The prices of such were so unaffordable my parents had to sell many of their treasured and beloved items to buy food for us to survive. I hope the situation will get better as I do not know how long we are able to survive living like this.

Experience 2 : Leisure and Entertainment

The Japanese also allowed some of the leisure activities and entertainment to continue such as radio programmes consisting of Japanese songs, Malay music and news in Hokkien and Cantonese. There are also Japanese movies and documentaries at the cinemas which my family would sometime go and watch. However my favourite activity to watch in my free time is sports. There is many sports you can watch such as football , baseball , tennis and badminton but my favourite is going to watch boxing matches which took place at Kim Seng Road with my father. These activities help ease the situation and I hope the suffering will end soon.

Experience 1 : Survival

Date : 24 May 1942

Dear diary,

After the Japanese invasion, there was lots of hardship and we lived in fear. Trade was disrupted, which limited the import of goods from overseas to Singapore. As a result, there was a shortage of food and essential items. Essential food items such as rice, salt and sugar was strictly rationed. Due to the shortage of items, the cost of prices went up and caused drastic inflation. The black market also flourished. We had to pay extremely high prices for basic necessities. We were weaken by the food shortage. Lots of people died and the death rate climbed. I lost a lot of weight. We could not rely on our earning anymore. We decided to plant and grow crops like tapioca and sweet potatoes to consume. Although life was not easy, we managed to get through the day. I hope the Japanese rule will end soon.

Experience 2 : Leisure and Entertainment

Date : 21 September 1942

Dear diary,

The days during the Japanese rule was tough. We were taught the Japanese language. Life was tough, but there were activities to keep us entertained. The Japanese introduced leisure activities like radio programmes consisting of Japanese songs, Malay music, and news in Hokkien and Cantonese. There was also Japanese movies and documentaries at cinemas; and free open-air screenings of shows that were propaganda. The Japanese officials encouraged sports and cultural activities to reduce stress. The leisure activities helped me to reduce stress from the wartime conditions. I hope the conditions we live in gets better.

Experience 1: Leisure and entertainment

Date : 02 May 1942

Dear diary,

It’s been a while since the Japanese took over Singapore. Though some may disagree with me, but to be honest, I feel that the Japanese treats us, who aren’t even the same nationality as them, better than the British. The Japanese showered us with entertainments like radio programmes, movies and documentaries in the cinemas, and even sports and cultural activities to watch on the media almost everyday ! Where could we find a life this good if the Japanese hadn’t taken over Singapore ? If the British had treated us better than the Japanese did, by all means I would have sided with the anti-Japanese, but look at the amount of effort that the Japanese had put in just to let us live comfortably, it really shows how much they care for outsiders like us! Maybe, just maybe, the Japanese taking over might be a blessing in disguise !

Experience 2: collaboration

Date : 22 January 1943

Dear diary,

It has been almost a year since the Japanese took over Singapore , and I must say, I’m quite happy living under the control of the Japanese. I heard that the Japanese were recruiting people to join in the anti-British (INA) and I would really love to join it as I wish to repay the Japanese for their kind efforts through my service to them. But, I didn’t join only for that particular reason. I also heard that there were rewards for joining them and I also have to start to make a living as my parents are getting older by day. With this perfect timing, it was as if they were sent down from heaven to answer and fulfill my prayers, but as far as I know, nothing lasts forever. I hope that this is just my wishful thinking but, will everything still remain the same as now? What if they run out of supplies ? I hope everything remains as peaceful as it is now.

experience 1 :leisure and entertainment

date:11 November 1942

Dear diary:

I have come to realised that it had been awhile since the Japanese took over Singapore ,however,the Japanese are actually very friendly and kind to locals.For example,they allowed some leisure activities and entertainments to continue.For the convenience of the locals,they played Malay songs and news in Hokkien and Cantonese!! The Japanese really cared about us!!Furthermore the Japanese thought and encouraged sports and cultural activities to help the locals like me reduce the stress of wartime.All time loved sports like football,baseball,tennis and badminton also appeared on media almost every single day!Boxing matches and police band took also took places various places to show to locals !Lastly,even due to the miserable life conditions,the Japanese still keep the local sprits up through these various activities! They really know what could cheer us up !!This made me realised that the Japanese actually cared about the locals and understand that they deserve some breaks to have fun and enjoy! Thus,through these I am planing to join the anti-British INA!!!

experience 2:collaboration

date:15 July 1944

Dear diary,

it has almost been 2years that the Japanese took over Singapore.Recently i heard that the japenese are recruiting members to help established their authority!!I could not believe it!! my chance has come!!I have been waiting for the longest time!! I wanted to join the anti-British INA to pay back my respect to the japenese kindness in helping and providing needs for locals like me! Furthermore I heard that rewards would be given!! who doesn’t like rewards??For me I personally loved them so I would definitely not want to miss this great opportunity!!wish me the best of luck!

Experience 1: Leisure and Entertainment

Date: 21 February 1942

Dear diary,

I’m surprised that the Japanese authorities allowed some leisure activities and entertainment to continue! They introduced radio programmes consisting of Japanese songs, Malay music, and news in Hokkien and Cantonese. There is even Japanese movies and documentaries in cinemas, and free open-air screenings of propaganda shows! The Japanese officials also encourages sports and cultural activities to reduce the stress of wartime conditions on the locals! Notices of football, baseball, tennis and badminton matches appeared almost every day in the media while boxing matches took place at Kim Seng Road. The police band even performed at the Botanic Gardens! Even though the POWs had to endure the tough and miserable living conditions, they still kept their spirits high by organising and participating in social, religious and sporting activities, such as publishing a newspaper, organising theatrical performances and religious services, and painting murals at Changi Chapel. Even though learning Japanese is hard, these activities helped me to relief stress and continue to push myself to do my very best every day, especially during this tough time, and be more positive in life. I hope the future would be even better than now!

Experience 2: Survival

Dear diary,

My family and I are barely surviving through each day... Because of the war, trades were disrupted and limited the import of goods into the country from overseas. Even if there is import of goods, most of the available resources were channelled to Japan’s war efforts rather than us, the people! Isn’t it absurd?! We are humans too!! This resulted in a shortage of food and essential items. After the first few weeks of the Japanese Occupation, essential food items like rice, salt and sugar were strictly rationed. We were limited to a fixed quantity of essential items that we could obtain using ration coupons. The shortage of items also drove prices up as shops did not have enough goods to cater to our needs. The prices of essential goods increased rapidly over time, causing drastic inflation. Because of this, black market flourished and people had to pay extremely high prices for basic necessities! The Japanese government responded by printing more money which resulted in massive drops in the value of the banana notes. I overheard all these from my parents when they were discussing what to do with my neighbours. I’m really hungry… I can barely cope with learning Japanese at school because I'm always feeling hungry... my family can only afford 1 meal per day as eggs, which used to be very cheap, became more than $10 while fishes, which used to be affordable for my family, became so expensive that we can’t even afford it now. I do hope that the Japanese government will do something about the limited essential food items although I doubt it. Hopefully, all these will end soon… the future will definitely be better than now… 

Date: 14 July 1942

Experience 1: Leisure and Entertainment

Dear Diary,

The Japanese introduced radio programmes consisting of Japanese Song, Malay Music, and news in Hokkien and Cantonese; Japanese Movies and documentaries at cinemas; and free open-air screenings of propaganda shows. The Japanese Officials encouraged sports and cultural activities to reduce stress of wartime conditions on the locals population Notices of football, baseball, tennis and badminton matches appeared almost everyday in the media. Boxing matches took place at Kim Seng Road, and the police band even performed at Botanic Gardens. This made me realised that the Japanese are actually very kind and friendly.

Experience 2: Collaboration

Date: 24 July 1943

Dear Diary,

I have decided to join the anti-British group because, I do not want to get executed by the Japanese. And the Japanese would help those who join the anit-British, so I do not have to worry about food and water.

Experience 1: Resistance

Date: 31 December 1944

Dear Diary,

Everyday since they took over is a bad day. Ever since the Japanese took over, nothing has been good. The Japanese targeted us because we were contributing to the China Relief Fund, as they saw us as “anti-Japanese”. I have witnessed some of the other Chinese businessmen getting tortured by the Japanese army, and it was traumatising to watch. Now everything is being controlled the Japanese, and I am not making much for myself. How am I going to survive like this struggling to make ends meet?

Experience 2: Collaboration

Fearing the Japanese, I decided to collaborate with the Japanese and become an informant to the Kempetai during Operation Sook Ching. I didn’t have other choices unless I wanted to live. Sometimes after I reported of someone being anti-Japanese, I see them getting tortured by the Kempetai. The Japanese were ruthless; they do not care about you. Sometimes I regret collaborating with the Japanese, and feel like a traitor. But this was what I knew I had to do if I wanted to have a better life here. Hopefully the Japanese occupation will end soon for the good of everyone.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 12 March 1943

Life was really tough under the Japanese rule. I felt like my life was at risk each and every day! I could not continue with my business, in fact, the Japanese controlled and restricted us mainly. I was definitely not earning enough for myself and my family, let alone having enough food to feed us all. There were food shortages because the war disrupted trades from coming in so there was insufficient food for everyone. The Japanese relocated the Chinese to the Endau settlement in Johor where we could carry out agriculture as the soil there was rich and water supply was ample. There were street lights, a hospital, a small chapel, a bank and several coffee shops. I thought this was the start of a new beginning away from the trauma in Singapore. However, attacks by bandits and anti-Japanese guerrillas disrupted our peace there and we had to move again! The Japanese created the Bahau settlement in Negeri Sembilan, another state in Malaysia for us. Who knew that the lad was too hilly and the soil was too poor to support agriculture. Some of us even had to resort to eating rats and maggots, which many of them perished.... Life was not better at all, thinking of the sight of these just makes me feel disgusted.

Experience 2: Leisure and Entertainment

Date: 4 April 1942

The Japanese did make some effort to bring some entertainment and joy to the community, but it was all propaganda. They introduced radio programmes consisting of Japanese songs, Malay music, and news in Hokkien and Cantonese. There were also Japanese movies and documentaries at cinemas, as well as free open-air screenings of propaganda shows. Well, it was actually better than not having any freedom to do all these with my family. The Japanese officials encouraged sports and cultural activities to reduce the stress of wartime conditions of us. Notices of football, baseball, tennis and badminton matches appeared almost every day in the media. There were boxing matches that took place at Kim Seng Road, and the polic band even performed at the Botanic Gardens. At least I still had the opportunity to catch sports and boxing matches, which I hardly get to as a busy businessman previously.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 19 April 1944

The Japanese has ruined our lives. Ever since they took over, it has been so hard to acquire enough food and items we used to be able to get anytime. We had to pay high prices just for basic necessities from the black market because of inflation from the lack of goods. It was very difficult to get the things we needed.

Experience 2: Leisure

All the Japanese wanted was to cover up their bad deeds with the appearance of us enjoying life under Japanese occupation. However, at least it was a bit of an escape from the constant misery we were in. At least we could relax a bit an play some sports or have some entertainment. It wasn't too bad considering the other days we had to endure.

Date: 24 August 1944

Experience 1: Survival

Ever since the Japanese took over, my lifestyle had to downgrade. Due to the Japanese invasion, trade had been disrupted and that limited the import of necessities in Singapore from countries around the world. Thus, a shortage of food and basic supplies occurred. Essential food items were strictly rationed. There was a limited supply of food that we could purchase with the ration coupons. Due to the shortages, the prices of food increased which is leading to inflation. Thus, many people, including me, are using the black market, thus it flourished.

Experience 2: Leisure and entertainment

The Japanese restricted the leisure activities but only allowed some to continue as they wanted to portray a harmonious and happy society. They introduced radio programmes which include Japanese songs, Malay music and new in Hokkien and Cantonese. They also had Japanese movies and documentaries at cinemas. Furthermore, they tried to reduce the stress of wartime conditions on us by encouraging sports and cultural activities. A lot of football, baseball, tennis and badminton matches were broadcasted on television. At Kim Seng Road, boxing matches took place and it was also amusing to watch the police band to perform at Botanic Gardens.

Experience 3: Collaboration

During Operation Sook Ching, some of the Chinese betrayed us and became informants for the kempeitai, rooting out those of us who were identified as Anti-Japanese. Lucky, I made it through alive.

Experience 4: Resistance

Most of us hates the Japanese but only some decided to resist the Japanese rule. However, many of the people who resisted the Japanese were executed. There were 2 main groups defending the rights of present day Singapore, Malayan People's Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA) and Force 136. Following Lim Bo Seng, many of the Chinese businessmen, including me, boycotted the Japanese goods.

Experience 5: Disease and Death

The healthcare and sanitation got worse during the Japanese Occupation. As I wrote about before, the food shortages led to higher death rates. Beriberi (lack of vitamin B1), pneumonia (lung infection) and dysentery (intestinal inflammation) were the main causes of higher death tolls. Lucky for me, I did not as tough as a time compared to the POWs and civilian prisoners as they face shortage of food, shortage of medicine and acute overcrowding. Such living conditions led to poor hygiene and the spread of diseases.

Experience 1 : Leisure and entertainment

Dear Diary,

The Japanese let us have radio programmes with many song in the category of Japanese songs, Malay music, news in Hokies and Cantonese. They also let us watch Japanese movies and many documentaries at cinemas, and free open-air screenings of propaganda shows. The Japanese also encouraged sports a cultural activities to let us not stress too much on wartime conditions on the local population, there are notices of football, baseball, tennis and badminton matches could be seen almost everyday. Boxing matches took place and the police band even performed at the botanic gardens. They also tried to keep our spirits up by organising and participating in social, religious and sporting activities

Experience 2 : survival

Dear diary,

The war had disrupted trade which limited the amount of goods, and most of the goods were given to the Japanese War efforts instead of the people. Hence there will be too little food for us and all the essential food items were strictly rationed , and the shortage of items drove the prices up as shops did not have enough food for us. Hence causing drastic inflation . Hence causing the Black market to flourish and all the money become banana notes!

Experience 1:

Dear Diary,

Today Singapore has fallen into the hands of the Japanese. Although everyone of us tried our best to defend against the Japanese the British surrendered to japan today since we were outnumbered. Despite the hardships helped support the INA and I would join the INA as the british treated my family in India cruelly and enslaved them. How dare they lay their hands on my family members! I will join the INA so that I can bring the UK down.

SURVIVAL

Experience 2:

Dear Diary,

Ever since the Japanese left, life in Singapore became hard as the food prices are so high and the hard earned banana notes are now basically useless as the Japanese used as a currency when they were here but now since they are not here it is useless. Luckily I started growing plants in my backyard and used it to trade for any kind of meat.and used some of the vegetables. Due to this i look very skinny and bony even my family members from India cannot recognise me. Well unlike last time I am more free. I just wish the British would give us something as an compensation for the useless banana notes.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 22 February 1942

Dear Diary,

Ever since the Japanese took over, prices of goods increased and high inflation occurred. An egg used to be 3 cents but the price rose to $3 then $10 ever since the Japanese came. I live in constant fear of the prices rising even more. The war had severely disrupted trade which limited the import of goods from overseas. As a result, there was a shortage of food and essential items. Other than me, many people struggled for survival due to this shortage of food. Today, I realised my shop would soon not have enough goods to cater to the needs of the people. Despite how much I want to help the people out, I had no choice but to drive the prices of my items up and earn enough money for my family. Maybe I should consider selling my items at the black market that seems to be flourishing, to ensure my survival since drastic inflations are happening.

Experience 2: Leisure and Entertainment.

The Japanese are horrible for having make us businessmen have to deal with shortages they caused but they provided leisure activities and entertainment. However, I think they do so only to maintain the appearance of a harmonious and happy society while others enjoy them. The Japanese introduced radio programmes consisting of Japanese songs, Malay music, and news in Hokkien and Cantonese. There were also Japanese movies and documentaries at cinemas and free open-air screenings were all propaganda shows. The Japanese officials also encouraged sports and cultural activities to reduce the stress of wartime conditions. Nonetheless, I feel that the Japanese should focus on running Singapore well and not waste efforts on leisure and entertainment activities that do not help with our sufferings and hardships much.

Experience 1: Leisure and Entertainment

Date: March 5 1942

Surprisingly, the Japanese continue to run radio programmes. They added their own Japanese Songs but they kept some of the Malay music. There was also free open-air screening about how the Japanese were doing the right things, which i was pretty sure it was propaganda. The Japanese encouraged sports and cultural activities, which was surprising, not that I was complaining. There were matches of many different sports like basketball, football, badminton and tennis practically every day in the media. It gave me something to look forward to after coming back home from learning Japanese at school. If I had the time, I would go to Kim Seng Road to watch the boxing match, it was really entertaining. Life hasn't been that bad with activities to look forward to in the media.

Experience 2: Survival

Date: 23 March 1945

Dear Dairy,

My family and I hadn't had a proper meal in weeks! Why do us normal civilians need to suffer so much during this unfortunate war time. While I was at school learning Japanese, I overheard some students were going through the same situation as my family, not having enough food! They said that the import of goods from overseas to here has been disrupted due to the war. I thought to myself that maybe the Japanese were going through the same thing as us but no! The students said that the Japanese were using most of the very limited resources we had on their war efforts instead of distributing it to the people. It's simple absurd! How is my family supposed to be well fed and they might even be malnourished! It is unthinkable how we had to use ration coupons to get essential goods! As expected, with such a huge shortage of items, the price of goods skyrocketed! Inflation, they called it. Unexpectedly, the black market flourished. The prices on the black market for basic necessity was absurd! To give you an example, the price of fish used to cost $0.20, which was before 1942, and it was now $320! The price went up more than a thousandfold! The Japanese responded by printing more banana notes, which made the value of it drop. They printed so much that it was practically worth dirt. My family and I are barely surviving. I don't want to get my hopes up but I really do wish that the Japanese would do something about this...

March 3rd 1942,

Ever since the jp took over, it has been hell on earth. selling or purchasing food items or goods have never been so hard before. The proces have also risen up like crazy. The cheap food items anyone used to be able to afford, like egg, has risen from 3 cents to $10.

However on the other hand, the black market seems to be doing well. Maybe I should try?

At least the japanese seem to be providing leisure and entertainment to us. However I think all the happy people on the posters and shows are all just a coax. The jp are just trying to get us to convert to their side. However much entertainment they provide, I still cannot make ends meet.

Due to Operation Sook Ching, I had to go into hiding, in fear of any of the Chinese informants accusing me wrongly. I fear for my life.

The food shortages have led to many deaths. There is also the problem with lack of healthcare. I pray that I will make it out of this alive.

I admire the efforts of those resisting against the jp, like force 136 or MPAJA. There is also some brave soul out there boycotting the japanese goods. Maybe I should make an effort against resisting

the japanese?

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 12 March 1943

Under Japanese rule, life became exceedingly difficult. Acquiring basic necessities became a constant struggle due to food and item shortages, leading to exorbitant prices on the black market fueled by inflation. The Japanese not only restricted freedoms but also disrupted trade, exacerbating food shortages and making it nearly impossible to sustain businesses. Forced relocations, like the one to the Endau settlement in Johor, we initially offered hope for stability, but it was short-lived as attacks by bandits and guerrillas shattered any semblance of peace. Even subsequent attempts at resettlement, such as the Bahau settlement in Negeri Sembilan, proved futile due to inhospitable terrain and poor soil, forcing desperate measures like consuming rats and maggots just to survive. Life under Japanese control was marked by constant fear, deprivation, and the indignity of struggling to meet the most basic of needs.

Experience 2: Leisure and Entertainment

Date: 4 April 1942

Despite the façade of enjoyment painted by the Japanese, life under their occupation offered a brief respite from our constant misery. We found solace in moments of relaxation, whether through sports or entertainment, providing a welcome escape from the harsh realities we faced daily. While the Japanese's efforts to bring joy to the community were steeped in propaganda, they introduced radio programmes consisting of Japanese songs, Malay music, and news in Hokkien and Cantonese. There were also Japanese movies and documentaries at cinemas, as well as free open-air screenings of propaganda shows. Encouraged to partake in sports and cultural activities, we seized opportunities to unwind amidst the chaos, The Japanese officials encouraged sports and cultural activities to reduce the stress of wartime conditions. Notices of football, baseball, tennis and badminton matches appeared almost every day in the media. There were boxing matches that took place at Kim Seng Road, and the police band even performed at the Botanic Gardens. Despite the pervasive control, these small freedoms provided a semblance of normalcy in an otherwise tumultuous existence and it really helped me as a very stressed out businessman.

Diary Entry - February 22, 1943

Experience 1 (Leisure and Entertainment):

Today, amidst the turmoil of the Japanese occupation, I found solace in learning Japanese. Despite the hardships, mastering hiragana characters brings a sense of accomplishment. In the evenings, a small group of us gather clandestinely to practice basic Japanese phrases, exchanging stories of hope and resilience. These moments, though brief, offer a reprieve from the harsh realities of our daily lives. Learning Japanese not only serves as a form of leisure but also fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie among us.

Experience 2 (Survival):

Every day presents new challenges under the Japanese regime. Food rations are scarce, and the fear of arbitrary violence looms large. We must tread cautiously, navigating through the streets with trepidation. Basic survival skills become paramount; scavenging for scraps and bartering for essentials are daily rituals. Trust is a luxury we cannot afford, as betrayal lurks in every shadow. Despite the adversity, we cling to hope, drawing strength from each other as we navigate this perilous existence under the Japanese occupation. Today, survival means enduring another day, clinging to the hope of liberation.

Experience 1: Leisure and Entertainment

Date: 14/July 1942

Dear diary,

The British has fallen and the Japanese have taken over. But I have find life bearable as the Japanese have introduce radio programmes consisting of Japanese movies and documentaries at cinemas. In addition, the Japanese officials encouraged sports and cultural activities to reduce the stress of wartime conditions on the local population. After that notices of football, baseball, tennis and badminton matches appeared almost every day in the media. There was even boxing matches taking place at Kim Seng Road, and the police band even preformed at the Botanic Gardens.

Experience 2: Resistance

Dear diary,

Although life has been ok since the Japanese toke over but there are still thousands of people dying due to the operation Sook Ching as if the Japanese soldiers finds Chinese people with tattoos, former Chinese civil servants and journalist they would be kill as these people were thought to have stronger links with china and we're seen to be resistant towards the Japanese soldiers.Like this there will be many innocent people getting kill, so to stop this from happening I will join the anti-British (INA)!!

Experience 1: Collaboration

Date: 15 July 1945

Dear diary,

Ever since the Japanese took over Singapore, life became very difficult. When I heard that the Japanese were recruiting soldiers, I had to join. It's hard to get by under the Japanese rule so collaborating with them might be a better choice for me. It's better to be safe than sorry. Hopefully, I would have a better lifestyle after I join the Japanese forces.

Experience 2: Leisure and Entertainment

Date: 3 January 1942

Dear diary,

Despite the difficult times, we were still provided with some entertainment. The Japanese introduced radio programmes which consisted of Japanese songs, Malay music, and news in Hokkien and Cantonese. Many children loved the movies and documentaries at cinemas! I enjoyed watching the football matches the most! It kept my spirit high during hard times and these activities helped many people reduce stress. Maybe the Japanese aren't so bad?

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 30 September 1943

Dear Diary,

Survival consumes my days in occupied Singapore. My family has barely any food and we have to ration what little we have. Violence lurks around every corner with every Japanese Soldier I see, My relatives have received beatings and things even worst. Yet, amidst the despair, our community unites, sharing resources and strength. Each day is a battle, but I cling to hope, believing in our resilience to endure and survive.

Experience 2: education

Date: 28 November 1943

Dear Diary,

I really hate school now. Ever since the Japanese came here, my education has been worsening. I used to find school as something I can look forward to, to meet my friends, to learn and understand but now it just feels all too much. My school barely has any resources to even learn. I feel now compelled to learn Japanese which sidelines my own language and identity. I hope that one day everything return to normal but I fear that day will never come.

I can't believe I have to learn Japanese after learning Malay after all these years! It's soo frustrating. Can't even get through school without being scolded

After the Japanese invaded Singapore, they introduced video problem consisting of Japanese song,Malay music and new hokkien and Cantonese, Japanese movie and documentaries at cinemas and free open air screening of propaganda shows. I noticed there was football,baseball,tennis and badminton matches appeared almost every day in the media. Boxing matches took place at Kim Seng Road,and the police band even performed at the Botanic Gardens.

Date: 24 February 1942

The Japanese have finally invaded! They busted down the doors to my business, shouting in a language I'm not familiar with while they waved their guns and swords around. What I do know is if we do not comply we will die, a couple of my workers tried resisting but ended up getting shot or stabbed. It was a long march to Changi Prison, there merely was any food and we had to work long hours under the sun, we even resorted to growing our own food.

Experience 2: Leisure

Date: 18 June 1945

It was not as bad as I thought it would have been, my fellow POW's are really talented in sports and dancing which has kept us quite entertained for the past three years we have been holed up here. The Japanese have been trying their best to keep our morale up but it is always related to their propaganda, there are many Japanese movies and documentaries in the cinema but there are radio programmes that consist of Malay music, news in Hokkien and cantonese.

Experience 1: collaboration

Date: 📅 1942

I'm an informant for operation sook Ching because the Japanese forced me to. I identified people who are suspected to be anti Japanese and pass on the information to the kempeitai. I looked out for the secret society members with tattoos, former Chinese civil servants and journalists since the Japanese thought that they had stronger links to China and seemed to be resistant to the Japanese. The people who got identified were killed.

Experience 2: survival

I had enough money to deal with food shortages since the Japanese paid me for being an informant. The Japanese gave me a lot more banana notes. I had enough food to eat and the Japanese let me buy more food compared to the other locals since the Japanese favoured me for being an informant.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 15 February 1942

Dear Diary,

February 22, 2024

In these trying times, the quest for stability is ever-present. Contemplating joining the Indian National Army (INA), backed by the Japanese, arises as a potential solution to the scarcity of essentials like food. Yet, it dawns upon me that relying solely on this alliance for sustenance may not guarantee long-term security. The support from the Japanese, while seemingly promising, brings with it inherent risks and uncertainties. As I reflect on this decision in my diary, I am reminded of the importance of weighing the broader implications and potential consequences before committing to such a path. Joining any military force demands careful consideration of the sacrifices and uncertainties it entails.

Experience 2: Collaboration

Date: 15 February 1943

It has been a year since the Japanese have invaded and conquered Singapore and these days it has been so hard to buy even rice. I heard that the Japanese formed the Indian National Army and fully support them, so if I join and get the support from the Japanese, food and essentials would not be a problem, right?

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 15 February 1942

Dear Diary,

In these trying times, the quest for stability is ever-present. Contemplating joining the Indian National Army (INA), backed by the Japanese, arises as a potential solution to the scarcity of essentials like food. Yet, it dawns upon me that relying solely on this alliance for sustenance may not guarantee long-term security. The support from the Japanese, while seemingly promising, brings with it inherent risks and uncertainties. As I reflect on this decision in my diary, I am reminded of the importance of weighing the broader implications and potential consequences before committing to such a path. Joining any military force demands careful consideration of the sacrifices and uncertainties it entails.

Experience 2: Collaboration

Date: 15 February 1943

It has been a year since the Japanese have invaded and conquered Singapore and these days it has been so hard to buy even rice. I heard that the Japanese formed the Indian National Army and fully support them, so if I join and get the support from the Japanese, food and essentials would not be a problem, right?

23/3/1943

School just started again after the Japanese invaded, I can't believe that I have to learn Japanese after all those years learning English! It is so frustrating. I can't even get through school without being scolded. I recently learned that the MPAJA was going against the Japanese...

Leisure and entertainment

Life in Singapore became dark and gloomy after the Sook Ching massacre. However to lighten the mood the Japanese military officials hosted a performance

Dear Diary,

I am an Indian soldier thinking about joining the Anti-British(INA). The Japanese helped to free India from the British. They helped my country gain Independence. The INA is led by a prominent Indian politician who campaigned for India's independence. This is why i would like to repay the Japanese by working with them.

Date 17 March 1943

during the Japanese occupation it was very disastrous and traumatic as everyday there was always killing and torturing of Chinese people who were suspected of anything like if someone was suspected not to be Japanese the Japanese soliders would take in that person and question and also torture him using very gruesome methods like inflating water into his stomach and having the Japanese soldiers step on him making vomit and vomit and it was a very gruesome scene for me after seeing all that type of torturous methods the Japanese soldiers would use on us i was terrified and had no choice but to just collaborate with the Japanese helping them as i really wanted to protect myself and my family so the locals would always call me a traitor as i have decided to collaborate with the people that were torturing my fellow friends and family but all i could do was just to collaborate as even if the locals would call me a traitor it would not change my mind not to collaborate with the Japanese that was how terrified i was of getting tortured by the japanese

Date: 15 February 1942

Dear diary,

The Japanese just took over Singapore, what am I supposed to do now,  there was a shortage of food and essential items and the prices have grown ,the banana notes do not work anymore and sometimes i would just starve myself.

Experience : Survival

Date:22 February 1942

Dear diary,

Today there was a knock on my door, my mother heard that knock and thought that it will be our relatives that wanted to come to our house. My mother told me: "Quickly! Go open the door!" When I opened the door I realised that it was not our relatives it was the Japanese. I told them in Japanese that we were not the anti-Japanese and beg them to let family go as they understood what I had said they nodded their head left the house. My mother said that she is lucky to have someone who knows how to speak Japanese so that they can communicate with the Japanese.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 26 February 1942

After the Japanese invaded Singapore, I was targeted by the Japanese because of their generous contributions to the China Relief Fund, which supported China's resistance against Japan. And I was carried out for operation Sook Ching which was to identify and eliminate anti-Japanese. I felt very terrified when waiting at the queue to go to sit on the table heavily guarded barber wire enclosure. Seeing the informants terrified me more as I was worried that i might get killed. But luckily, I was not identified as anti-Japanese and was allowed to go home.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 1943 March 2nd

Life has gotten so tough recently, after the Japanese jnvaded singapore, all food prices has risen drastically and and with the strict Japanese, they changed our currency from banana notes making it useless. And with the Japanese coming to singapore, they are organising mass screening events for adult Chinese men and most don't come back. Luckily I was noy born Chinese but we were still uninvolved and involuntarily dragged into this fruitless war. I just hope life gets better and our living conditions get better.

I had enough money to buy food since the Japanese paid me for being their informant. The Japanese gave me a lot of banana notes.Thus, I had enough food to eat and the Japanese let me buy more food compared to the other locals since the Japanese liked me for being an informant.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 19 February 1942

It was a traumatic experience that I will never forget. After the Japanese took control of Singapore, they carried out Operation Sook Ching which aimed to identify and eliminate the anti-Japanese among the local population. It was a brutal purge. The Chinese population was targeted as we were viewed by the Japanese as a potential source of opposition and threat to their rule. The Japanese posted notices requiring all Chinese men aged 18 to 50 to assemble at mass screening centres to be examined by the Japanese. I somehow barely survived it. However, I had to see all my friends get killed in front of me.

date :10 January 1943

the Japanese has taken over Singapore for awhile now, Clothing was a particular problem because Singapore had almost no domestic production, and as supplies dwindled, clothing prices rose to very high levels. Rice shortages caused even greater difficulties.

when the Japanese arrived ,the war interrupted schooling for most, as schools were destroyed or seized for military use. The Japanese Military Administration required all students to speak Japanese, and to take instruction in the Japanese language.

experience 2:collaboration

date:20 January 1943

many people have been collaborating with the Japanese solders as the Japanese would promise them more better living conditions if the rat out the people who oppose the Japanese rule.

therefore many people ratted out their own friends and family members just so they can live a better life .

just the other day there were rumors of my Neighbour have been ratted out by his own brother,i believed this rumors because i have not seen him for 2 weeks by then.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: February 5 1942

Dear Diary,

The Japanese managed to take control of Singapore, what am i supposed to do now? The prices of food increases, even I struggle to get some eggs. Banana notes don't work anymore, what currency do they do accept? The war also disrupted the trades and most goods were given to the Japanese. I hope that there is stable enough job for me to earn money and support myself.

Dear Diary,

I think my life is becoming harder. Today my teachers have changed. The new teachers only speak Japanese! We are forced to learn this new language to replace our first language English!

Now most of the school books and newspaper are in Japanese.

They gave students extra rewards to encourage them to learn the Japanese but i am not going to learnt it.

Experience 1: Collaboration

Date: April 1942

It was April 1945 when the Indian National Army was officially formed, I thought for quite awhile and wanted to join the INA as have to survive and the The Indian National Army (INA) was a Japanese sponsored Indian military wing in Southeast Asia during the World War II. INA was involved in various military operations fighting under the command of the Japanese forces against the British and Allied Forces. That is why i do not want to risk my life just to oppose the Japanese. Hence, i thought the plan of joining the Indian National Army into consideration.

Experience 1: Survival

Date:13 March 1943

It has been about a year since the Japanese came and invaded Singapore, a lot of things has changed. Now there is some new banana note currency and as a shop owner not only do i have to worry about my business but also my own safety. The Japanese are very cruel people everyday left and right someone is getting beaten up. The Japanese hated us Chinese men and were very cruel towards us, everyday there is thousands of chinese men getting killed for being a suspect of having links to China and were anti-Japanese. I hope the war ends soon

Experience 2: Collaboration

I am now a informant for operation sook ching after the Japanese forced me to be one. My job was to identify the people who were suspected of being anti-Japanese of had links to the Chinese secret society. Sadly everyday thousands of 'innocent Chinese men' were getting killed by the kempeitai. Since i helped the Japanese they rewarded me with more banana notes but i didn't feel to good about it... Why?

Experience: survival

Date: march 14 1942

The food price in the market were so expensive. The banana notes were useless. My brother went out fishing for fish and my parents even grew their own vegetable. I went out trading for some food but the prices went up by 2 times. Making the people having difficulties buying food. When I was in school, my parents had to pack me food. Some days I even had to go to school without food. Life was so hard.

Experience 1: survival

Date: 23/3/1942

The march holidays just ended and we went back to school. That's when I saw a Japanese teacher in my classroom. He said that he will be teaching us Japanese from now on. I got worried about my original teacher before he came. When I was walking past the Cathay building to go back home, I saw that something was wrong. There was no more British flag hanging. Only the Japanese flag was there. That's when I realised that the British had lost and surrendered Singapore to the Japanese. I then realised we were going to have a hard time because I heard that if we do not listen to the Japanese's instructions, we would be in big trouble. Thus, we need to listen to the japanese and what they say.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 22 October 1942

Dear Diary,

When I have encountered the Japanese, I was very scared and they wanted my little sister and when she heard it, she ran away. I was incredibly angry when I saw the Japanese made my little sister run away. So I did nothing as I don't want to be taken away and remain silent. A few years later, the Japanese had returned back to their country, I saw there is a person who wants to take revenge on the Japanese and started to make an army. I decided to join the army to take revenge. When the Japanese are back, we hid with guns and we shoot one of the Japanese soldiers and started the war most of the Japanese died and some of our soldiers died. We managed to kill all the Japanese and i was lucky that I was alive.

Date: 1942, 23 Feb

It was the most scariest day of my life hearing the British lost to the Japanese forces and what the Japanese did to us chinese . like operation Sook Ching or how they would chop off our heads lest we did something wrong

experience 2 : Leisure and entertainment

Despite being a Chinese business man I was let by the Japanese to different forms of entertainment but they have a lot of propaganda everywhere - posters and in the news and would even encourage sports and cultural activities .

experience 1: collaboration

date: 23 July 1943

Dear diary,

I am an informant for operation sook ching, the Japanese forced me to identify the people who are suspected to be anti -Japanese and give the information to the kempeitai. I was looking for secret society members with tattoos, former Chinese Civil servants and journalists. These people were thought to have stronger links with china and were seen to be resistant to the Japanese.

date: 26 february 1942

Experience : survival

the british took my country to my country to support the japanese helped us in being freed to gain independence therefore i will like to repay the japanese by joining the anti-japanese

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 15 june 1943

I had to stop my business give the Japanese money during the Japanese occupation as i wanted to live. There was very little food and prices of essentials kept on increasing but everyone's money kept decreasing. Many people grew their own crops to not starve

i tried not to get caught by the japanese and usually minded my own business

Experience 1: Leisure and entertainment

Date : 02 May 1942

Dear dairy,

To keep us entertained, the japanese introduced radio programmes consisting of japanese songs, malay music and news in hokkien and cantonese; japanese movies and documentaries at cinemas; and free open-air screenings of propaganda shows.They also tried to keep our spirits up by organising and participating in social, religious and sporting activities.

Experience 1: survival

Date: 15 Feb 1942

Survival

I was shocked when i heard over the radio that the British surrendered to the Japanese . A few days after the British surrendered , i heard about a operation call operation 'sook ching ' it was about the Japanese killing all Chinese men or people who were heard to be anti-Japanese . i was scared since i was Chinese , i tried to ask some people about what happen to the anti-Japanese since i heard there was more than just killing. Some people explained to me that not all are killed but some are tortured , thrown/imprisoned or just starved to death. After hearing about this , i heard Japanese troops on their way to search the house i was in asking my neighbours , they hid me quickly and tried to remain silent about my location , luckily the Japanese did a lousy job of searching so i wasn't found , i knew eventually i was going to be called out for a screening .i went to the screening to be checked and i was cleared , while i was in the camp, i heard gunshots in the distance which made me tremble. After the screening i was able to live peacefully with the Japanese not helping nor supporting.

Date : 26 February 1942

The Japanese introduced radio programmes consisting of Japanese songs, Malay music and news in Hokkien and Cantonese, Japanese movies and documentaries at cinemas and free open-air screenings of propaganda shows. The Japanese recommend sports and culture activities to help locals feel at ease during the war

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 25 February 1942

This year, due to the still ongoing war, major shortages of food has caused many of us to grow malnourished. This is due to the strict rationing and the drastic inflation. Fish used to be affordable but now it's price is unbelievably high. I could barely buy the basic necessities for me and my family. Fortunately, I still have a small vegetable farm to survive off, but deep down I know that it is not going to last and that I need to find out how to overcome these tragic times.

Experience 5: Disease and Death

To add to my tragedy, I lost my son to beriberi. So many people have died due to such diseases. We hardly have enough money to buy medicine and buy proper sanitation tools. Unfortunately, we do not know when this time of need will end

Date:12 Feb 2024

Dear Diary,

An indian soldier thought of joining the anti-british after seeing how the Japanese has treated them so nicely

Date: 26 February 1942

Experience 1: The Survival

Dear Diary,

It's been days since the Japanese invaded Singapore. Many were injured and buildings were damaged due to the Japanese Bombings. Those seen as enemies to the Japanese were harshly punish. after the British Surrender, those who looted were immediately executed. Heads were displayed publicly inplaces such as the open area outside the Cathay Building and on bridges across the Singapore River. The Kempeitai was the most feared. They would arrested those suspected of being anti-japanese. Over time, people learnt to do their business unless they want unwanted attention by the Japanese.

Experience 1: Survival

Date: 15 feburary 1942

life was traumatic thats time i would never forget how the japanese have trageted the chinese businessmen in singapore becaues of the contributions to the china relief fund which supported china's resistance against japan. the overseas chinese association was created to act as a channel of the communication between the chinese community and the japanese government.

Title of diary: Diary of Malay student learning japanese

Date: the 30 April 1944

Experience 1: survival

Dear diary,

I am a Malay student learning japanese.The japanese forced us students to learn their language,I didn't liked the fact that I was forced to learn Japanese instead of Malay，but language lesson became popular because there was competition,awards salary increments and promotions

Experience 1: Collaboration

Date: 20 May 1943

Today i started going for classes to learn Japanese. We were taught to speak and write Japanese in the place of English. The lessons were conducted daily over the schools broadcasting services

date: February 16 1943

Dear diary,

Ever since the Japanese took over Singapore,my life and many others,has been brought great hardship,people live in fear daily.The Japanese invasion had disrupted trade,and limited the import of goods,and high inflation occurred. the prices of essential goods is increasing rapidly, causing drastic inflation.There was a limit on how much food we could purchase with the ration coupons. Im starting to consider to sell my items on the black market that seems to be flourishing.I realised my shop would not have enough goods to cater to the people's needs

Experience 1: Collabration

Date: November 1 1943

Dear Diary,

Today i was sent to school to learn the Japanese language and it was very hard to learn. The teacher to looked very strict was japanese

Experience 1: Leisure and entertainment

Date: 05 May 1942

Dear diary,

It's been sometime since the Japanese took over Singapore. To keeps us entertained, the Japanese introduced radio programmes consisting of Japanese songs, Malay music, and news in Hokkien and Cantonese; Japanese movies and documentaries at cinemas; and free open-air screenings of progaganda shows. In addition, the Japanese officials encouraged sports and cultural activities to reduce the stress of wartime conditions on the local population. Notices of football, baseball, tennis and badminton matches appeared almost every day in the media. Boxing matches took place at Kim Seng Road, and the police band even preformed at the Botanic Gardens.hence, it is very fun during the Japanese oputation and I would like to join the anti-British (INA).