Japanese government–issued dollar in Malaya and Borneo
The Japanese government-issued dollar was a form of currency issued for use within the Imperial Japan-occupied territories of Singapore, Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Brunei between 1942 and 1945. The currency was also referred to informally as banana money, named as such because of the motifs of banana trees on 10 dollar banknotes. The Japanese dollar was in widespread use within the occupied territories where the previous currency became scarce. The currency were referred to as "dollars" and "cents" like its predecessors, the Straits dollar, Malayan dollar, Sarawak dollar and British North Borneo dollar.
Banana banknotes in the possession of civilian internees at Batu Lintang camp, Sarawak, Borneo. The term "banana money" originates from the motifs of banana trees on the currency's 10 dollar banknote, seen here at the bottom.
Different denominations of the banana money (top and left) on display at Memories at Old Ford Factory, Singapore. As banana money was rendered worthless immediately after World War II, banana money notes are now either museum exhibits or collectors' items.
Image: MAL M1b Malaya Japanese Occupation One Cent ND (1942)
Image: Japanese invasion one cent front
Japanese occupation of Singapore
Syonan , officially Syonan Island , was the name for Singapore when it was occupied and ruled by the Empire of Japan, following the fall and surrender of British military forces on 15 February 1942 during World War II.
Britain surrenders Singapore to the Japanese. Lieutenant-General Yamashita (seated, third from the left) faces Lt. Gen. Percival (sitting second from the right, back to camera)
A ten-dollar "Banana Money" note issued during the war
Ivan Lyon (centre) celebrating with two other members of Z Force following the success of Operation Jaywick
The Japanese delegation leaves the Municipal Building after the surrender ceremony on 12 September 1945