Life under the rule of the Japanese was one of distrust and fear. The Japanese Military Administration took over the reins of power from the British and in an initial exercise of might, decapitated looters of all races as a demonstration of how the newly named Syonan-to would be governed. Food shortages were rampant and the people who could not afford the exorbitant black market prices went hungry and under-nourished. The creation of new settlements to relieve the shortage of food supply failed. Rationing only fueled the black market economy. All efforts were made to "nipponize" the residents of Syonan-to through propaganda and education. The Syonan years left a lasting impression on the people who were oppressed - they developed a realisation that in a crisis, Singapore must rely upon its own resources and were determined to ensure that the island would never again be occupied and exploited by others. ^^^
