After Japan surrendered to the United States on 15 August 1945, the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong ended. The Imperial Japanese Army handed over Hong Kong to the Royal Navy on 30 August 1945, restoring British control over Hong Kong. Until 1997, Hong Kong celebrated “Liberation Day” on 30 August. Sakai, who led the invasion of Hong Kong and later served as governor-general during the Japanese occupation, was tried as a war criminal, convicted, and executed on 30 September 1946.
Here are some fascinating historical photos that show Hong Kong in late 1945, just after the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong ended.
