JCC E-Magazine April 2021

Overview

Last month, JCC was delighted to present our JCC Cinema by screening the film “Care Nin – Thank God You’re Here –” online, in collaboration with NUS Department of Japanese Studies. The online panel discussion about community ageing garnered much interest too, and we hope to continue to share such relevant and engaging topics with everyone.

For this issue's cultural articles, you can take a closer look at the Evergreen Sugi of Japan, as well as learn more about Japanese seasonal words. It was also our pleasure to be able to interview Chihiro Uchida, a Principal Ballet Dancer with Singapore Dance Theatre.

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...(Click here to read more)

JCC Events

Conversations on Community Aging in Japan (JCC Cinema 81: Online Screening of "Care Nin – Thank God You’re Here –")

JCC and NUS Department of Japanese Studies held an online panel discussion on Conversations on Community Aging in Japan last Saturday, 13 March 2021, as part of our JCC Cinema 81: Care-nin – Thank God You’re Here – which was available for online viewing from 10 - 17 March 2021. Nearly 50 participants attended the event, as moderated by Dr. Thang Leng Leng...(Click here to read more)

JCC Related Events

Hibikiya: Traditional Music Ensemble

Hibikiya performed at Sakura Floral Display at Gardens by the Bay on Sunday, 14 March. Audience members (who had to pre-register for seats, and practiced social distancing during the performances) enjoyed Hibikiya’s two sets, during which presented a variety of traditional festival tunes from all over Japan. Although Singaporeans are not yet able to travel to Japan, they can still experience a slice of Japan through cultural performances...(Click here to read more)

Cultural Articles

		The Evergreen Sugi of Japan Cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer, red maple leaves in autumn, and camellias in winter. No matter the season, there are no shortages of beautiful plants to admire in Japan. However, there is an evergreen tree that, despite not being flashy or bright, is a mainstay in the Japanese landscape and is used widely in daily life. This plant is the sugi, which is also known as the Japanese cedar in English. Sugi trees are endemic to Japan and can be...(Click here to read more)

		Admiring the Seasons Through Words The concept of seasonality is considered an important part of Japanese culture, and is commonly observed through festival celebrations and food. There are festivals that mark seasonal weather patterns like the heat of summertime and the peak of snowfall, and yearly practices like rice-planting season and Hina Matsuri. Food-wise, restaurant menus change regularly, serving dishes made with vegetables and fish that fit the current...(Click here to read more)

Featured Article of the Month

Dancing on in Singapore - Interview With Chihiro Uchida

In February, JCC interviewed Chihiro Uchida, a Principal Ballet Dancer with Singapore Dance Theatre. Originally from Tochigi Prefecture in Japan, she moved to Singapore 15 years ago and has not only established a name for herself in Singapore’s dance scene, but has also created a second home on the island.

Japan Creative Centre (JCC): When did you start ballet, and when did you move to Singapore? (Click here to read more)

Do you have any comments on the Featured Article(s)? Kindly fill up our Feedback Form here.

Japanese Cultural Fact for April

Showa Day

Showa Day is a day for remembering the Showa Era (1926 to 1989), when the Japanese people worked hard to rebuild the country, and for wishing for a bright future.

Until 1988, April 29 was celebrated as the birthday of Emperor Showa. It was decided to keep this day a holiday even after his passing away in January 1989 and to name it Greenery...(Click here to read more)

Supported Events

01.03.2021 - 11.04.2021

Japanese Cultural Performances & Workshops Sakura featuring Hello Kitty @ Gardens By The Bay

Related Events

11.07.2021

Japanese Speech Contest 2021 [Application Deadline 6 June!]

Notice

■ The Japan Foundation grant program for FY2021 (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