JCC E-Magazine April 2020

Photo courtesy of INTERIOR COMPANY

Overview

JCC is currently closed from the 7th of April in response to the COVID-19 situation until further notice. While we are closed, please enjoy our cultural articles about traditional Japanese toys and bento. These are also topics which you can easily enjoy at home, during this virus outbreak situation. So please do try them out!

As you may have already heard, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will now take place no later than summer 2021. We hope that everyone can stay healthy as we look forward to 2021!

Director's Message

While the heat continues on in Singapore, Japan is currently welcoming the season of spring with warm breezes and of course, the blooming of cherry blossoms. Pink blooms are unfurling their petals all over Japan, and although we are discouraged from gathering in large groups, technological advancements have allowed admirers to view cherry blossoms from the comfort of their own homes through live-streams!

JCC will be closed from 7 April in response to...(Click here to read more)

Cultural Articles

Playtime With Traditional Japanese Toys

Adored for their innovation and revered for their quality worldwide, toys made in Japan have become one of Japan’s signature exports since the 1950s. Corporations such as Nintendo, Bandai, and Takara are household names to many for their high quality modern toys, games, and models that capture the imagination of children worldwide. However, did you know that Japan has a rich collection of traditional toys and games as well? Before...(Click here to read more)

Unboxing Each Bento

Bento, or Japanese lunchboxes, are ubiquitous in Japan. They are enjoyed by most everyone, from students to salarymen, and because of how conveniently they are packed, can be eaten almost everywhere! A nutritious meal, usually consisting of rice, meat or fish, and pickled vegetables (such as umeboshi, or pickled plum) is packed neatly into a compact lunchbox that can be brought to school or work for a fulfilling refreshment. This way of...(Click here to read more)

JCC Related Events

Sakura Matsuri 2020

H.E. Ambassador Jun Yamazaki and Mrs. Junko Yamazaki attended the launch of Sakura Matsuri at Gardens By The Bay, Flower Dome, on 10 March. The Guest-of-Honour, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, and special guest Professor Tommy Koh joined the ceremony as well. Guests were greeted by beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom. They had the opportunity to enjoy the taiko and traditional dance performances by Hibikiya, as well as experience a tea ceremony conducted by Omotesenke...(Click here to read more)

Visits

Visit by Tokyo Marine University students

Students of Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology who are currently in Singapore as part of the Global Education Programme visited Japan Creative Centre (JCC) on Tuesday 24th March 2020, and were welcomed by Third Secretary Ms Haruna Mori, and Event Team Manager Mdm Keiko Soeda. They were given an introduction about Singapore, the local Japanese community, as well as the activities of the Embassy of Japan in...(Click here to read more)

Japanese Cultural Fact for April

Kambutsu-e (the Buddha's Birthday Festival)

April 8 is the Buddha's birthday and is celebrated at Buddhist temples in Japan as the Kambutsu-e nativity festival - more popularly known as the Hana Matsuri (Flower Festival). On this day, a small hall called the hanamido (flower hall) is set up on the grounds of every Buddhist temple and bedecked with colorful flowers. A basin of water with a statue of the Buddha at birth is placed in the middle, and people who visit the temples pour sweet tea (amacha, or hydrangea tea) on the head of the statue. The sweet tea is...(Click here to read more)

Notice

■ [CANCELLED] July 2020 Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) in Singapore

■ Calling for Application: Japanese Speech Contest 2020

■ Information on Invitation for Application: The Japan World Exposition 1970 Commemorative Fund

■ The Japan Foundation grant program for FY2019 (Japanese / English)

■ Enjoy Free Japanese Lessons here on NHK World!

Notices regarding the COVID-19 situation

■ Japanese Government Initiatives for COVID-19

■ Embassy of Japan in Singapore Facebook