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...(Click here to read more)

Astounding Aomori ~sights, sounds and tastes of Mutsu City ~

Astounding Aomori ~sights, sounds and tastes of Mutsu City ~ was held successfully on Friday and Saturday, 8 and 9 March 2024. The event kicked started exclusively on the first day by JCC Director Ms Akiko Kawabe and a special video message from Mr Tomoya Yamamoto, the Mayor of Mutsu City. The event showcased the charms and flavours of Aomori Prefecture, which was presented by Mr Kosuke Iida of Fifty One Media...(Click here to read more)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Dr Yutaka Matsuo

JCC welcomed Dr Yutaka Matsuo from the University of Tokyo for his lecture on Artificial Intelligence on 12 March during the fourth installation of the JCC 15th Anniversary Talk Series. Dr Matsuo has been at the forefront of AI research, particularly on Generative AI, for many years. Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Singapore, Minister Yoshiaki Takahashi, gave his opening remarks and introduced Dr Yutaka Matsuo...(Click here to read more)

Launch of Sakura 2024

H.E. Ambassador Hiroshi Ishikawa and Mrs Yuko Ishikawa attended the launch of Sakura floral display at Gardens by the Bay (GBTB) on 22 March. The ceremony enjoyed the attendance of Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and National Development, as The Guest-of-Honour as well as many distinguished guests from the Singaporean entities and the diplomatic and business circles...(Click here to read more)

Japanese Cultural Programmes at Sakura 2024

Our JCC Cinema: Josee, the Tiger and the Fish was held in collaboration with Gardens by the Bay at Sakura 2024’s Japanese cultural programmes on Sunday, 24 March! The animation, which was set in the city of Osaka, attracted over 300 audiences and visitors. In addition to learning about some of Osaka’s locations and scenes featured in the film, they also had the opportunity to see the breathtaking cherry...(Click here to read more)

Visit by participants of participants of the JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) programme

On 6 March 2024, participants of the JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) programme visited Japan Creative Centre (JCC) as part of their programme. Second Secretary Ms Mana Yamaguchi briefed about Singapore, the local Japanese community, as well as the activities of Embassy of Japan in Singapore and JCC. Event Team Manager...(Click here to read more)

JCC Director's Visit to the Singapore-Japan Friendship Handbell Concert

JCC Director Akiko Kawabe attended the Singapore-Japan Friendship Handbell Concert on 10 March at the NUS University Cultural Centre Theatre. The Concert featured a joint performance by Ministry of Bellz, a Singaporean handbell arts company, and the Kinjo Gakuin University Handbell Choir, visiting from Nagoya, Japan, conducted by both Mr Toshikazu Yoshida, a leading...(Click here to read more)

JCC Director’s Visit to “Where Fire Meets Earth: An Ember's Serenade”

JCC Director Akiko Kawabe had a pleasure to see Bizen potteries produced by Japanese artists including Mr Jun Isezaki, one of the National Living Treasures (Ningen Kokuho) of Japan at Mulan Gallery on 19 March. The exhibition "Where Fire Meets Earth: An Ember's Serenade” also features artworks from Isezaki's son Koichiro Isezaki, Kazuya Shida, and Hiroko Mita...(Click here to read more)

Visit by students from Seitoku Primary School

On 21 March 2024, students from Seitoku Primary School visited Japan Creative Centre (JCC). They were welcomed by Second Secretary Ms Mana Yamaguchi, who briefed about Singapore, the local Japanese community, as well as the activities of Embassy of Japan in Singapore and JCC. The students were enthusiastic and asked many questions about Singapore during the Q&A session at the end...(Click here to read more)

JCC Director’s Visit to Sakura 2024

JCC Director Akiko Kawabe was at Sakura at Gardens by the Bay during the opening weekend to enjoy the exciting line-up of many Japanese cultural programmes. Among them were performances by Hibikiya , Koto Group and Minyo Club of The Japanese Association Singapore, Yosakoi dance group, and Sendai Suzume Odori Singapore. There were also Aikido martial art demonstrations by Aikido Shinju-Kai Singapore and...(Click here to read more)

Visit by BRIDGE Challenge Trip 2024

A group of 15 students from Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, visited Japan Creative Centre (JCC) on 1 April 2024, along with their homestay families in Singapore. Ambassador Hiroshi Ishikawa welcomed the students with his remarks, and Second Secretary Ms Mana Yamaguchi briefed about Singapore, the local Japanese community, as well as the activities of the Embassy of Japan in Singapore and JCC. The students were visiting...(Click here to read more)

Castella: Wagashi Inspired by the West

Located on the northwest coast of Kyushu, Nagasaki has been a flourishing trading port with other countries since the Muromachi period, late 16th century, including the Netherlands, China and Korea. Even during the Edo period when there was a ban on diplomacy and trade with other countries, the sole exception was a special port called Dejima, which was established in Nagasaki. Being Japan’s only gateway that was open to foreign...(Click here to read more)

The Evolution of Kamon

In Japan, you may notice that various symbols are printed on lanterns, flags and even roof tiles. These are known as kamon, or family crests. Similar to the coat of arms found in Europe, kamon also symbolises one’s identity. While the coat of arms represents the individual, kamon represents the family. In other words, kamon signifies one’s heritage, family lineage and social status since ancient times. Over 20,000 kamon designs can be...(Click here to read more)

School Entrance Ceremony

School entrance ceremonies are held across Japan in early April, when the school year starts. The ceremony gives incoming students a chance to think about the kind of school life they'd like to lead and allows older students to welcome their new schoolmates.

The ceremony is usually held in the school gym. The older students and parents take their seats first and give the new students a big round of applause as they march into the room...(Click here to read more)