© 2014 George Lonezmoon Photography
Konnichiwa!
Last week, all of us at JCC wholeheartedly joined Singaporeans in mourning of the loss of her founding Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. As a new comer to this country, I was told that Singapore is a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-linguistic society. I am convinced of this firm solidarity by having experienced many moments during the past one week.
Singaporeans have wonderfully showed their unity by harmoniously extending their respect and love towards their founding father and mentor, Mr. Lee. Not only as a great world statesman, Mr. Lee also proved himself as a respectful role model - a doting and dear husband, father and grandfather to his loving family members.
The people of Japan are particularly grateful to Mr. Lee's profound insights in his leadership with respect to the “Power of Forgiveness”, as Prof. John Curtis Perry has described in his recent Wall Street Journal article. In order to move on as an independent state 50 years ago, Singapore decided to forgive, despite the terrible past and unforgettable hardships Singaporeans had to endure during the Japanese occupation. We are absolutely privileged to enjoy the friendship and mutual prosperous relationship between the two nations that was guided by Mr. Lee. As his grandson said in his touching eulogy, "He was our man of tomorrow."
On a separate note, JCC will be holding an exciting exhibition this month by Rie fu, a Japanese visual artist, singer and song-writer. Please join us for our first live acoustic concert at our lovely bungalow near Orchard Road. A place where you will be able to enjoy another legacy of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew – a green oasis within this Garden City of Singapore.
See you soon!
Misako Ito
5th April, 2015
Misako Ito
Director of the Japan Creative Centre
Embassy of Japan
|
