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Director's Message

Konnichiwa!

Spring is in full swing this month. In Japan, cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom in earnest, marking new life and fresh beginnings. Here in Singapore, we were able to enjoy a slice of Japanese springtime at Gardens by the Bay with “Sakura Featuring Hello Kitty”! I was glad to see many Singaporeans enjoying the sight of live cherry, plum, and peach blossoms without having to travel.

In addition to Japanese springtime sights, this event also featured a plethora of cultural performances. Although there was a limit on the number of audience members allowed, I was encouraged to see such strong enthusiasm and support from the local crowd for Hibikiya, who performed traditional Japanese music and dance from different regions. We hope that their passionate performance resounded in the hearts of everyone there!

Aside from “Sakura Featuring Hello Kitty”, our beloved film series JCC Cinema also made a comeback! In collaboration with NUS Department of Japanese Studies, we presented online screenings of the film “Care Nin – Thank God You’re Here –”, coupled with an online panel discussion with the film’s producer as well as an expert on community ageing. It was heartening to see many participants, both students and working adults, participating in the lively discussion during the panel discussion. I hope to see more of such interactions between our Friends of JCC after future events.

The newest edition of our printed magazine is also out now! This issue features our latest Kizuna Story interviews with Founder of Hibikiya Namiko Sakai, and Principal Dancer at Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT) Chihiro Uchida. Do come by JCC to pick up your copy now, and learn more about how they have contributed to the local performing arts scene.

We are also in the midst of preparing more interesting events, so to keep up with us, do follow us on our social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram! Do also follow the Embassy of Japan’s Facebook page for more interesting articles about Japan and Japanese culture!

Toru Furugori
Director, Japan Creative Centre (JCC)
Embassy of Japan in Singapore

5th April 2021

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Japan Creative Centre

4 Nassim Road, Singapore 258372
+65 6737 0434 / jcc@sn.mofa.go.jp
https://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/JCC/
Nearest parking at Orchard Hotel & Delphi Orchard