The exhibition, “Syonan Years: Singapore Under Japanese Rule, 1942 – 1945”, captures the vivid recollections of true war survivors through extensive use of oral history accounts which have been collected by NAS since 1981. The exhibition begins with the fall of the British Empire following the capitulation of the British to the Japanese forces. Within the exhibition, the entire 3 years and 8 months of life under Japanese rule are presented in thematic sections. Building on first-hand oral history accounts, archival records and primary documents, the courage, resilience and ingenuity of Singaporeans are highlighted as they defied the atrocities of Sook Ching and mass screenings; the massive changes brought about by the Japanese administration; the mass migration brought about by the "Grow More Food" campaign; as well as the Japanese treatment of POWs, civilian internees and different ethnic communities. The return of the British in 1945 signalled a period of nation rebuilding, setting Singapore on the road to independence two decades later.

As you walk through the gallery, you will find important lessons of creativity, adaptability and entrepreneurship from the annals of history, displayed by those who lived through the Occupation years.