Imperial Japan occupied the former British colony of Singapore from 15 February 1942 when its military forces defeated the combined Australian; British; Indian and Malayan garrison in the Battle of Singapore. The occupation lasted until Japan's defeat in 1945.

During Japanese occupation; Singapore was renamed Syonan-to; meaning 'Island of the Light of the South'. Singapore was officially returned to British colonial rule on 12 September 1945; following a formal signing of surrender in at City Hall. Pictures From History