 ..\..\mind map msia stud\japan.

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 JAPANESE
OCCUPATION
THE RISE OF JAPAN
 In the period up to 1941, Japan emerged as
a major power strong enough to challenge
the United States.

 the growth of Japanese power was

demonstrated in the Russia-Japanese
War of 1904 – 1905.
THE RISE OF JAPAN
 during World War One, Japan’s power was
further increased.

 Although Japan developed rapidly as an

industrialized nation, its people faced many
problems.
THE RISE OF JAPAN
 Population was growing – rice production
could not keep up with this increase.
 No raw material – valuable commodities
such as oil, rubber and iron had to be
imported.
 World went to into economic recession
after 1929.
THE RISE OF JAPAN
 The answer to Japan’s problems was
provided by the army.

 if more land, more raw materials and

alternative markets were needed, then they
should be taken by force. Therefore, in
1931, Japan went to war.
JAPAN’S PLAN FOR A “NEW ORDER”

 In 1938, Japan devised a plan for

establishing a “New Order” in Asia (Greater
Asia Co. – Prosperity Plan).

 this involve setting up an organization

under Japan’s leadership to provide
economic growth and political
independence.
JAPAN’S PLAN FOR A “NEW ORDER”

• in reality, it meant Japan gaining control of

Asia and exploiting Asia raw material for its
own use.
The Japanese Occupation
 The Japanese occupation was an important
event in the history of Malaya.

 Although the occupation was short, they had a

great impact on the country.
The Japanese Occupation
 The conquest of the whole Malaya was fast and
effective.
 The whole Malaya and Singapore were
defeated in only 70 days.
Reasons for Japanese Invasion of Malays
 The Japanese propagated “Asian Economic Co-
Prosperity Sphere” and “Asia for the Asians” to gain
support from Asian people.

 The Japanese promised to declare independence in

certain South East Asian countries.
Reasons for Japanese Invasion of
Malays
 To get raw materials (tin)

 To get new places to accommodate Japan’s

increasing population

 To drive out the Europeans

The Japanese Victory
 They conquered Malaya quite easily although the
British military was equipped better firearms and
were greater in number than the Japanese.
The Japanese Victory
 The British were not prepared for the war.

 They did not anticipate that the Japanese would

attack from land/north.
Japanese troops advancing in Malaya,
14 January 1943
Factors for the Japanese Victory

 The Japanese had a comprehensive plan – network

of spies in Malaya.

 Japanese soldiers were in excellent form due to

intensive training.
Factors for the Japanese Victory..
 Led by capable and experienced leaders –
Yamashita and Tsuji.

 Enthusiastic and inspired to fight for the importance

and supremacy of Japan.
YAMASHITA'S GOLD?
Winning factors..
 The Japanese had practical war tactics
e.g. using bicycle even in jungles and
villages.
Winning factors..
 The British soldiers lacked the spirit of war
especially after the first round of attacks.

 British soldiers – young and inexperienced

 Japanese
administration
Japanese administration

 Malaya changed to New Malai, ruled Malaya and

Sumatra as a single unit

 Singapore changed to Syonan, separate

administration from Malaya

 Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu ceded to

Siam for allowing Japanese to invade Malaya
through Thai territory
Japanese administration
 Military government

 Head of Malay states: Japanese Governor

 Sultans’ position was maintained but under

Japanese influence
Japanese administration
 Implemented a policy of Japanization using the
education system, mass media and the economic
system

 Promises of “Asia for Asians” and “Greater East

Asia Co-prosperity Sphere” remained slogans
 The effects of the
Japanese occupation
The effects of the Japanese occupation
 The effects were social, economic and political.

 From the social aspect, it worsened the relationship

among the races.
The effects of the Japanese occupation
 The Japanese were against the Chinese and on the
side of the Malays.

 This made the Chinese seek refuge at the edge of

the jungles.

 The misunderstanding continued even after the

Japanese had surrendered.
Economic effect

 Malaya was in complete confusion.

 Economic infrastructure was destroyed and

economic activities were disrupted.

 Worsened the lives of people.

Shortage of food
  Life under the Japanese
administration was terribly
difficult one.  
 There was shortage of
water, electricity, gas, food
and other basic
essentials. 
 Rubber trees were cut
down to grow subsistence
crops for the Japanese
(mainly tapioca, millet and
maize.)  
Inflation escalated.
 The Japanese printed as much money as they
liked.  
 These dollar notes were known as the banana and
coconut notes.   
 Due to over-printing, the value of these notes were
very small.   in many cases, trade was reduced to
barter.
Currency..
Political aspect
 The Japanese administration was a period of
misery.
 This bad experience raised their political
awareness.
 The Malays were attracted to the slogan “Asia for
Asians” which stirred them to build their own
government.
Political aspect
 Malays were employed to run the administration.

 This gave them experience and self-confidence,

and made them prepared to stand against British
rule after the war.
Political aspect
 Malays were also employed in the military and
police force to hunt down anti-Japanese insurgents
who were mainly Chinese.

 This therefore led to a worsening of the Sino-Malay

relationship.
Political aspect
 Furthermore the Japanese authorities tried to get
the collaboration of the Malay nationalist leaders.

 Before the war, the Malay left-wing party, the

Kesatuan Melayu Muda (KMM) had been banned
by the British and its leaders, Ibrahim Yaacob and
Ishak bin Haji Mohammad were arrested.
Political aspect
 These were released when the Japanese arrived. 
Political aspect…
 The Chinese established the MPAJA to fight the
Japanese.

 The Chinese strengthened the Communist Party of

Malaya (MCP).

 The Japanese used the police force (mainly

Malays) to fight against the MPAJA ( consisting
mainly Chinese) thus caused racial friction.
 Hence the Chinese
suffered most under
the Japanese rule.
 They were arrested
and executed at the
slightest excuse.
Political aspect…
 When the Japanese surrendered after WWII,
the MPAJA took advantage to terrorize and
take revenge on the Malays.
 The bloody conflict between the Chinese and
the Malays lasted two weeks until the British
established the British Military
Administration.
Political aspect…
 This experience had left lasting negative
racial sentiment between the two
communities.
Social Conditions
 The inadequate food
supply led to poor health
among the people.   Many
died from diseases such
as beri-beri, tuberculosis
and malaria.  
 Medicine and medicinal
equipment were seized
and sent to Japan while
preventive measures
against diseases were not
carried out.
Education & Japanese Indoctrination
 Japanese became the official language and the
medium of instruction in schools.  

 Japanese songs were taught to the teachers who

were then required to transmit these to the
students.
Education & Japanese Indoctrination
 All had to sing "Kamigayo" every morning while
raising the Japanese flag.  

 Japanese instructors were employed to teach

respect for the Japanese Emperor and contempt for
the British. 
Education & Japanese Indoctrination
 Only Japanese and other Asian films were allowed
in cinema.  

 English films were forbidden.

 They also took over control of newspapers and

radio station, and broadcasts consisted mainly of
Japanese propaganda and cultural programme.