In September 2025, the Department of History at Hong Kong Baptist University will host an exhibition showcasing a selection of rare aerial photographs of Hong Kong taken between 1941 and 1945 by American and Japanese forces. These recently-discovered images provide invaluable visual documentation of the city and its built heritage under Japanese occupation.
To coincide with the exhibition, Dr. Kwong Chi Man, the Principle Investigator of the research project behind it, will deliver an illustrated talk introducing these remarkable historical photographs to the public. The presentation will highlight key themes covered in the exhibition, including:
The role and experience of Hong Kong during World War II, focusing on the Japanese occupation period
Wartime aerial reconnaissance and photography technologies used by the Allied and Axis powers
A firsthand visual record of Hong Kong’s urban landscape and neighborhoods under Japanese control
The value of historical aerial photos for identifying and preserving Hong Kong's built heritage
An overview of interactive displays in the exhibition, such as 3D mapping of period landscapes
By sharing these evocative images and the stories behind them, the talk aims to offer a new perspective on a pivotal era in Hong Kong's history. We hope to bring this rich visual archive to life, connecting the past and present by revealing what has endured and what has been lost. For researchers, students, and the public alike, this exhibition presents a rare opportunity to rediscover Hong Kong’s cultural heritage through the unique vantage point of the aerial photos.
The Speaker
Dr Chi Man KWONG was born and raised in Hong Kong and had completed his doctorate degree in Cambridge, United Kingdom. His interest lies in military history in East Asia.
Apart from his recently published Hongkongers in the British Armed Forces,1860-1997, Dr Kwong is also the author of Old Soldiers Never Die (老兵不死：香港華籍英兵), Road to Liberation (重光之路：日據香港與太平洋戰爭), and the co-author of Eastern Fortress, among many other of his publications. He is now the Associate Professor at the Department of History, Hong Kong Baptist University.
PROGRAMME
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Reception starts at 6:30 pm)
Venue: Lecture Theatre, Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre (Map & Transportation)
Admission: $110 for members, $150 for guests /non-members
Registration: Please email <membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk> and provide your membership number, if applicable, at the time of registration. Please kindly complete your registration by advance payment via Stripe's payment links below (using your Credit Card):
Members ($110):
https://buy.stripe.com/14k3fi3Lr2x87SMg1a
Non-member / Guest ($150):
https://buy.stripe.com/14k3fi3Lr2x87SMg1a
Details about the other payment option will be sent on registration. Upon receipt of payment, your registration will be confirmed by email. Registration will be closed at 12 noon on 29 May 2025.