VJ Day 80: The forgotten story of Hong Kong’s liberation
The liberation of Hong Kong is an often overlooked World War II event caused by Japan's surrender. Read on to find out more.
The liberation of Hong Kong celebrations at the Cenotaph in 1945 | Historic Collection / Alamy Stock Photo
15th August 2025 marks 80 years since Victory over Japan Day, otherwise known as VJ Day. It refers to a specific day during World War II when imperial Japan surrendered, which effectively brought an end to the war entirely.
One often overlooked element of VJ Day is the liberation of Hong Kong. The liberation came about due to the Japanese surrender, but also because of efforts from the British to take back the territory. The liberation is also an important moment in Hong Kong’s history and post-war Asia. Join us here at Sky HISTORY as we dive deeper into the story of the liberation of Hong Kong.
The Japanese occupation of Hong Kong
Hong Kong had been a British colony since 1841, but in December 1941, the Japanese took over the city. This occurred not too long before the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor.
The Japanese rule was cruel and harsh, and the people of Hong Kong suffered greatly while under the country's occupation. Citizens were forced into labour and repressed, with living conditions becoming unbearable.
How was Hong Kong liberated?
Britain and the Allied forces planned to take back the invaded, occupied territories as World War II continued. The advancements of the Allied forces in the Pacific were a big factor in taking back Hong Kong, as were the issues that Japan had with their military forces dwindling and resources becoming scarce.
After the nuclear attacks on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Japan had no choice but to surrender. With this surrender, the Japanese reign over Hong Kong came to an end. The city and its people celebrated their freedom, but the complexities of reoccupation and rebuilding created a long and hard road to recovery.
Headed by Rear Admiral Cecil Harcourt, a British task force sailed on the HMS Swiftsure in 1945 to restore British command in Hong Kong.
Why was Hong Kong liberated?
Liberation was absolutely necessary after the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong. The harsh conditions led to suffering amongst the Hong Kong population, and this lasted for three years and eight months.
As well as a necessity on a human, ethical level, the liberation was also necessary from an economic and strategic level. Hong Kong had been a British colony since 1841, and the United Kingdom needed to get that sovereignty back.
In addition to being an important part of the British Empire, Hong Kong was also a vital economic hub in Asia. The British claim had to be reasserted to establish that dominance and ensure that the economic hold in Asia was maintained, so liberation was vital.
VJ Day’s impact in Asia
The impact that VJ Day had in Asia, including in Hong Kong, was a massive historical moment for the continent and region. Hong Kong was not the only city that suffered under the tyrannical Japanese reign during World War II. Korea, the Philippines, and Manchuria are just a few examples of other places in Asia that were invaded by Japan.
The people within these occupied areas faced repression, exploitation, and, in some cases, attempts to completely suppress their culture. The road to restoration following Japanese Imperialism was far from easy, but it was the end of the torment that came with Japan's brutal reign.
Various Asian regions also saw an opportunity to fight back against colonisation, which stemmed from seeing Japan, a smaller Asian power, significantly weaken the colonial powers of Europe. Certain countries, such as Vietnam and Indonesia, declared their independence from the European colonies. India and Pakistan were also determined to gain their independence and had fought for decolonisation beforehand, but the efforts intensified after VJ Day.
VJ Day was a momentous time for the city of Hong Kong. The people celebrated their freedom immediately following Japan’s surrender, though they faced a long and difficult path to rebuild what they had lost from the occupation.
There is also no doubt that VJ Day was one of the most important historical moments for Asia as a whole. A collective sense of immediate relief was felt throughout the continent thanks to the destruction of the Japanese regime. However, VJ Day also led to a period of post-war instability and attempts to deconstruct European colonisation.
As we celebrate 80 years since VJ Day, let us always remember the struggles of the oppressed and the brave people who fought for their freedom and independence.
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