The Siege

On 8 December 1941, the Japanese army began its invasion of Hong Kong, launching a fierce assault that culminated in the landing of Hong Kong Island on the evening of 18 December. On 25 December, the Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Mark Young, surrendered to the Japanese army, marking the beginning of a three-year and eight-month dark period under Japanese Occupation. Amid severe food shortages, the Japanese Military Government implemented "population repatriation" and stringent rice rationing. Besides, residents were also coerced into exchanging Hong Kong dollars for military notes, representing a seizure of private property in a disguise. Life during this dark period was marked by immense hardship and suffering, leaving a lasting and painful imprint on Hong Kong’s history.

The Japanese troops attacked the downtown of Hong Kong Island.

The Japanese troops advanced towards the west from their landing point in North Point.

The Japanese troops landed in North Point.

The entry of Japanese troops marked the occupation of Hong Kong.

The Japanese troops made announcements to the public through loudspeakers.

The Japanese Military Government carried out "population repatriation" in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong residents who were "repatriated" to their hometowns underwent inspection by Japanese troops at a checkpoint.

In 1942, each person was only allocated 6.4 taels of rice per day.

The Japanese Military Government issued "rice ration cards" to ration rice in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

In 1942, The Hongkong News reported that there were only 57 authorised depots to sell rice in Hong Kong Island. XN000006 The Hongkong News (7-3-1942)

A British military intelligence report indicated that Hong Kong experienced food shortages in the early stages of the Japanese Occupation. Many people resorted to eating congee to stave off hunger, and had to queue for hours to buy rice. HKMS230-1-6 (1942)

During the Japanese Occupation, food scarcity forced the public to grow vegetables on rooftops for sustenance. XN000006 The Hongkong News (19-11-1942)

During the Japanese Occupation, even the supply of firewood was scarce. XN000006 The Hongkong News (7-7-1944)

During the Japanese Occupation, the Japanese Military Government issued military notes. These images show the military notes in circulation in Hong Kong at that time.HKMS208-1-1

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