JCC E-Magazine April 2024

Director's Message

JCC Director Akiko Kawabe (right) and local superhero Sacred Guardian Singa (left) at Sakura, Gardens by the Bay.

Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

The scent of spring has swept across Japan, with beautiful cherry blossoms being sighted in various locations. Despite being away from home, I too was able to see the gorgeous flowers at the annual Sakura floral display at Gardens by the Bay (GBTB). In partnership with GBTB, JCC organised different Japanese cultural programmes to enhance the festive mood, be it through traditional stage performances or JCC Cinema film screening. It was certainly an exciting weekend. For those who have yet to catch a glimpse of cherry blossoms, you can still do so until 21 April.

The festive mood also filled JCC during ‘Astounding Aomori ~ sights, sounds and tastes of Mutsu City ~’. Visitors at JCC were able to soak in the joyful vibes of a local summer festival with various games and trying on happi and yukata. Besides learning more about Aomori and sampling local delicacies, people also enjoyed the infectious enthusiasm of the live performance by Aomori’s very own J-POP idol group RICEBALL!

We also had the pleasure of welcoming Dr Yutaka Matsuo for our JCC 15th Anniversary Talk Series. It was a rare and valuable opportunity to hear firsthand from a prominent researcher in the field of AI, especially since generative AI is starting to impact both business and our everyday life.

I realised that JCC indeed offered both ancient and novel aspects of Japan in the month of March, from traditional performances to a J-POP concert and cutting-edge technology. And of course, we have more in store, so please look forward to it!

To keep up with our JCC15 activities, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram! You may also follow the Embassy of Japan in Singapore on their Facebook page for the latest news and updates from Japan.

Akiko Kawabe
Director, Japan Creative Centre (JCC)

5th April 2024

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