Japanese occupation (part of the question by joranna)
Japanese occupation:
- generally regarded by Singaporeans as the darkest period of Singaporean history.
- In addition to civilian casualties, numerous atrocities were committed by Japanese troops, particularly by the Kempeitai, the Japanese military’s secret police; the Japanese military used rape and comfort women (women forced into sexual slavery).
- Banana money was issued during the war, and would become worthless after the war was over.
- Resources were scarce during the Occupation. The price of rice, for example had increased a thousandfold from five dollars per 100 catties of rice, or about 60 kilograms, to five thousand dollars.
- The Japanese issued ration cards to control the amount of resources the population received: adults could purchase 4.8 kg of rice per month, and children 2.4 kg. The amount allowed for adults was reduced by 25% as the war progressed.
- Food quality and availability decreased greatly. Tapioca, sweet potatoes and yam became the staple food of most diets of the population of Singapore because it was considerably cheaper than rice and could also be grown in gardens.
These are the important points during Janpanese occupation. [comments welcome (:]
