Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Embassy of Japan in Singapore was very proud to be part of Global Community Day 2017. The event was held on 7 July 2017 at Temasek Polytechnic, and was officially opened by Guest of Honor Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Mr Peter Lam, Principal & CEO of Temasek Polytechnic. The Global Community Day is an annual event organised by Temasek Polytechnic. Held...(Click here to read more)

A pre-departure orientation for selected Singaporean participants at the upcoming Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme was conducted on Friday, 7 July 2017 at JCC (Japan Creative Centre). Ms Junko Minagawa, Third Secretary of Embassy of Japan in Singapore, commenced the orientation by briefing them on general information about the programme, as well as details on their departure and stay in Japan. After which, two former JET...(Click here to read more)

The finals for the Japanese Speech Contest 2017 were held last Sunday, 9th July 2016, at the Japanese Association Singapore. This event was jointly organised by Japan Creative Centre, Embassy of Japan in Singapore, The Japanese Cultural Society Singapore, The Japanese Association Singapore, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Singapore, and The Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore. A total of 24...(Click here to read more)

Our annual yukata workshop was jointly presented by JCC (Japan Creative Centre) and Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme Alumni Association (JETAA Singapore) on Saturday, 15 July 2017. Held at JCC, more than 70 participants were able to master the art of the beautiful traditional costume and learn about the current yukata trends, as well as its history and background. The workshop was conducted by Singaporean yukata...(Click here to read more)

Our monthly JCC Cinema 58 was held at Tampines West Community Club (TWCC) and it was a blast! This month, we featured a film that consists of various genres - periodic, comedy and romance, entitled ‘BALLAD: Na mo na ki koi no uta’. The story centres on a present day family where their young son accidentally travels back into the Samurai period and encounters battles of those times. The film was a hit with the audience and saw...(Click here to read more)

The opening ceremony of Re-imagining Ishikawa’s Traditional Crafts Exhibition was held at JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on Wednesday, 19th July 2017. The exhibition showcases how Ishikawa’s traditional craftsmen adapt their craft in the modern era, while continuing to showcase their refined skills. There were also display panels, which introduce Ishikawa’s traditional dance...(Click here to read more)

As part of the Re-imagining Ishikawa’s Traditional Crafts Exhibition held at JCC (Japan Creative Centre) from 20th to 25th July 2017, some lucky participants had the opportunity to take part in a Yamanaka Lacquerware workshop last Saturday, 22nd July 2017. They had the rare experience of decorating a coaster with gold leaves under the guidance of Mr Yoshisuke Okada, President of Okadaya Shikki. Due to the overwhelming...(Click here to read more)

A farewell reception for the 2017 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme participants from Singapore was held at the Japanese Association, Singapore (JAS) on Friday, 21st July 2017. His Excellency Ambassador Kenji Shinoda hosted the reception and delivered a short speech to all of the guests. A total of 38 participants from Singapore will be taking part in this year’s JET Programme. Together with them, members of the JET...(Click here to read more)

We are delighted to share with you our PIECE OF PEACE World Heritage Exhibit Built with LEGO® Brick Singapore 2017 Satellite Exhibition at JCC! Our exhibition is in conjunction with the Piece of Peace World Tour Singapore 2017 at Fort Canning Arts Centre. The Opening Ceremony held Friday evening, commenced with a welcoming remark by our JCC Director...(Click here to read more)

JENESYS2016 Post-trip Presentation was held by Nanyang Polytechnic students who participated in the JENESYS2016 programme at NYP on Wednesday, 5th July 2017. A total of 26 students and 1 teacher from Nanyang Polytechnic visited Tokyo and Fukuoka Prefecture for 8 days in March 2017 and participated in the programme that aimed at promoting their understanding of Japan with regards to Japanese politics, economy...(Click here to read more)

Madam Yuko Shinoda, wife of H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and honourary member of Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135, was invited to grace the Souami-ryu Ikebana Demonstration held by Ikebana International Johor Bahru Chapter 235 at Mutiara Johor Bahru on Thursday, 13 July 2017. Accompanied by JCC Director Ms Akiko Sugita and Event Team Manager...(Click here to read more)

Japan Creative Centre (JCC) Director Ms Akiko Sugita joined the Tanabata celebration by Singapore Sogetsu Association, accompanied by Even Team Manager Ms Keiko Soeda, on 20th July 2017 at the Singapore Marriott Hotel, and was warmly welcomed by President of Singapore Sogetsu Association Ms Pandora Ip. During the Ikebana demonstration, a total of 6 beautiful flower arrangements were done by 3 Sogetsu practitioners..(Click here to read more)

The Japanese Association, Singapore (JAS) Sports Festival 2017 was held at ITE College West on Sunday, 23 July 2017! His Excellency Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Madam Yuko Shinoda, together with various Japanese residents, communities and organisations in Singapore, attended and greatly enjoyed the event. Our Embassy team participated and challenged some...(Click here to read more)

The Opening Ceremony of PIECE OF PEACE World Tour was held at Fort Canning Arts Centre on 27th July 2017! Piece of Peace World Tour is a UNESCO World Heritage art exhibition that is soley created with LEGO® bricks and features 43 reconstructed sites from 34 countries of which, nine are from ASEAN member countries to commemorate ASEAN’s 50th Anniversary...(Click here to read more)

Sachiyo – The Journey Concert that celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Singapore-raised Japanese singer-songwriter Sachiyo music career was held at Esplanade Recital Studio on Saturday, 29 July 2017. H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Madam Yuko Shinoda, together with Deputy Chief of Mission Mr Naohiro Tsutsumi and Madam Yuri Tsutsumi, JCC Director Ms Akiko Sugita, and Professor Tommy Koh and Mrs Tommy Koh...(Click here to read more)

H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda had the pleasure of having a full tour of Gardens by the Bay (GBB) on a very sunny morning on 30th June 2017. Accompanied by JCC Deputy Director Mr Kazunori Matsunaga and JCC Event Team Manager Mdm Keiko Soeda, H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda had an in-depth briefing by Chief Operating Officer of GBB Mr Felix Loh, Director of Conservatory Operations/Engineering Mr Andy Kwek, Director of Programming...(Click here to view more)

Mr Kiyoshi Odawara, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member of the House of Representatives, and his delegation visited JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on 10th July 2017. Accompanied by Mr Naohiro Tsutsumi, Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms Akiko Sugita, JCC Director, Mr Kazunori Matsunaga, JCC Deputy Director, and Ms Junko Minagawa, Third Secretary of Embassy of Japan in Singapore, Mr Kiyoshi Odawara had a tour of the...(Click here to read more)

After the successful sharing session, H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda dropped by JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on 11th July 2017, where he was given a tour of the ongoing JENESYS2016 Exhibition by Ms Junko Minagawa, Third Secretary of Embassy of Japan in Singapore. The exhibition included various exhibition panels and a video made by Temasek Polytechnic students, which shared about their experience in Japan. Also accompanied by Ms Akiko...(Click here to read more)

Students from MAGES Institute of Excellence visited JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on 12th July 2017. Ms Junko Minagawa, Third Secretary of Embassy of Japan in Singapore, gave a guided tour around our centre and the ongoing JENESYS2016 exhibition. Led by Ms Regina, the students also had the chance to browse the available brochures about Japanese universities and Tohoku region, as well as the JCC E-Library...(Click here to read more)

Mr Junji Nomata, president of Nomata Gakuen, which has Hakodate University and Chori Seika Vocational School attached to Hakodate Junior College etc., and his delegation visited JCC in order to discuss the exchange program through cooking on 14th July...(Click here to read more)

His Excellency Kenji Shinoda, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, visited Tan Tock Seng Hospital on 17th July. Dr. Eugene Fidelis Soh, CEO, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, explained about the latest challenges together with a guided tour of Tan Tock Seng Hospital...(Click here to read more)

Mayor’s delegation of Aichi Prefecture visited JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on 20th July 2017. Accompanied by Ms Akiko Sugita, JCC Director, and Mr Masanori Kawabata, Second Secretary of Embassy of Japan in Singapore, the delegation had a tour of the Re-imagining Ishikawa’s Traditional Crafts Exhibition. Be sure to catch this spectacular exhibition from now till 25th July 2017!...(Click here to read more)

Representatives from Shiga Prefectural Government, Koga city, visited Japan Creative Centre (JCC) yesterday, 21st July 2017. As you may have noticed, the representatives came dressed as Ninjas with shurikens! Mr Masanori Kawabata, Second Secretary of Embassy of Japan in Singapore, explained about the current Re-imagining Ishikawa’s Traditional Crafts Exhibition at JCC, and discussed the potential future collaborations...(Click here to read more)

After the successful opening ceremony, H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda dropped by JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on 3rd August 2017, where he was given a tour of the ongoing PIECE OF PEACE World Heritage Exhibit Built with LEGO® Brick Singapore 2017 Satellite Exhibition by Ms Akiko Sugita, JCC Director. Also accompanied by Mr Kazunori Matsunaga...(Click here to read more)

From late July to late August, fireworks displays are held in various parts of the country. This is a tradition that goes back several centuries in Japan. Watching the burst of colors against the nighttime sky can make Japan's hot, humid summers seem more tolerable. Fireworks are something kids look forward to as a highlight of their summer vacation. Fireworks are hand-made by artisans, who devote most of the year to preparing for the summertime pageantry. Fireworks first reached Japan's shores in the late sixteenth century, when they were brought over by...(Click here to read more)

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has for the first time disclosed images and movies taken by the JEM Internal Ball Camera called "Int-Ball"－its first camera drone that can record video while moving in space under remote control from the ground. Int-Ball was delivered to Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" on the International Space Station by the US Dragon spacecraft launched on June 4, 2017, and is currently undergoing initial...(Click to read more)

JAXA announced the month-long project to invite the public to rename the Global Change Observation Mission – Climate (GCOM-C) and the Super Low Altitude Test Satellite (SLATS), both to launch together this fiscal year. After careful examination of the 12,895 applications, SHIKISAI, meaning colors in Japanese has been chosen as new name of GCOM-C, and likewise, TSUBAME, or swallow, of SLATS. JAXA is sincerely grateful for the applications. JAXA will...(Click to read more)

Sayaka Wakayama (Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi), Teruhiko Wakayama (Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi), Sachiko Yano (Space Environment Utilization Center, JAXA) and other researchers examined the damage that irradiation causes to mouse spermatozoa held in Japanese KIBO experiment module aboard the International Space Station. Using freeze-dried spermatozoa, the research team produced healthy offspring, and thus accomplished the unprecedented feat in biological sciences. Their results were nominated in “In This Issue” of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, and were published on the website on May 22, USA time/ at 4 am, May 23, Japan time...(Click to read more)

The piece contributed by Dr. Horikawa, former JAXA technical counselor, got published on IAPS Dialogue. (Institute of Asia and Pacific Studies, The University of Nottingham) In the piece themed “The Race for Asian Space Collaboration”, Horikawa notes “Utilizing space applications for sustainable development of the Earth is extremely important.” Dr. Horikawa served as the first Asian Chairman of the fifty-fifth to the fifty-seventh United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space...(Click to read more)

Since Sputnik 1 was launched in 1957, humankind has launched thousands of satellites. Many old, worn-out spacecraft, as well as the upper stages of rockets, remain in orbit around the earth – part of what is known as “space junk” or “space debris.” The amount of space junk continues to grow every year – more than 17,000 pieces of debris 10 cm in diameter or larger have been identified. These pieces travel at extremely high speeds...(Click to read more)

RIKEN Research is RIKEN's flagship English-language publication, highlighting the latest research at RIKEN labs and centers...(Click to read more)

For past issues of the print magazine please visit this archive.

New system promises more rapid and accurate prediction of rainfall

Using a powerful technique known as “3D nowcasting,” an international team including scientists from the RIKEN Advanced Institute for Computational Science (AICS) has begun to provide, on an experimental basis, forecasts that predict the likelihood of precipitation in a given location ten minutes in advance. The group will use the system to determine if the experimental forecasts, based on data that is updated every 30 seconds, could be used to prevent damage from torrential rains. The work, conducted by a team including researchers from AICS as well as the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Tokyo Metropolitan University, and Osaka University, uses a combination of phased-array radar and computer algorithms that make predictions based on data from the radars...(Click to watch video)

What is the weight of a proton? Scientists from Germany and Japan have made an important step toward better understanding this fundamental constant. By means of precision measurements on a single proton, they were able to improve the precision by a factor of three and also correct the existing value...(Click to read more)

On June 24, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology (CDB), Kobe, Japan. Dr. Masayo Takahashi, Project Leader, Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, whose work led the world first clinical trial to use induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells in humans explained developments of her recent research. After the site visits, the Prime Minister had a meeting with RIKEN President Matsumoto, Executive...(Click to read more)

Into the Future with the Post K Computer -Solutions to Global Challenges-

The K computer has been a powerful scientific tool that has made possible many world-leading research results. RIKEN AICS is now developing a new supercomputer, the post-K computer, scheduled to be launched around 2020. This video introduces what the post-K computer is expected to achieve and how it will be used for advanced scientific research as well as for solving challenging issues affecting society...(Click to read more: Website | Video)

JST hosted the Gender Summit 10 – Asia Pacific 2017 by cooperating with the Science Council of Japan and Portia Ltd., U.K. at Hitotsubashi Hall, Tokyo, on May 25 - 26, 2017. The Gender Summit is a global platform where scientists, policymakers, gender scholars and various stakeholders discuss and improve the quality of research and innovation by embedding the perspective...(Click to read more)

The Center for Low Carbon Society Strategy, LCS, with an aim to construct a sustainable low carbon society, tries to broadly lay out the image of the society compatible with affluent life, and then realize it...(Click to read more)

SAKURA Exchange Program in Science (SSP) by JST

Asia is undergoing a period of dramatic progress. Promoting science and technology is a key engine to materialize a bright future of Asia and it is vitally important to enhance the exchange of Japanese and Asian youths who will play a crucial role in the field of science and technology. Based on this concept, “Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science” (SAKURA Exchange Program in Science) is the program for enhancing exchanges between Asia and Japan of the youths who will play a crucial role in the future field of science and technology through the close collaboration of industry-academia-government by facilitating short-term visits of competent Asian youths to Japan. (Click here to read more: Website | High School Student Special Course Videos | Pamphlet)

NIMS, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Sumitomo Chemical Company, Ltd., Asahi Kasei Corporation, and Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding on the operation of the Materials Open Platform (MOP) on June 19, 2017. The MOP initiative is expected to promote open innovation in the chemical industry...(Click to read more)

NIMS, Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation, JFE Steel Corporation, and Kobe Steel, Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding on the operation of the Materials Open Platform (MOP) on June 30, 2017. The MOP initiative is expected to promote NIMS-led open innovation in the steel industry...(Click to read more)

National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) renews its researcher directory “SAMURAI” on 10th July 2017. SAMURAI is a search tool enabling access to profiles of NIMS researchers based on their names, affiliated groups, and keywords from scientific papers (title and contents). The success of SAMURAI is underscored by the fact that the directory has had over 700,000 page views annually since being launched in 2009...(Click to read more)

This October, NIMS, one of the world’s foremost materials research institute, will hold a 3 days event, showing its most advanced research results and promoting technology transfer.　 Schedules from October 4th 2017 (Wed) to October 6th 2017 (Fri)...(Click to read more)

The Arctic region research project, called ArCS (Arctic Challenge for Sustainability), is a national flagship project funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and Hokkaido University are playing the key roles in this project, and will continue to carry it out for approximately four-and-a-half years from September 2015 to March 2020. (Click here to read more)

The Arctic Sea Ice Forecast 2017 is a part of two international collaborative researches of the Arctic Challenge for Sustainability(ArCS) Project; Theme 1 (Predictability study on weather and sea-ice forecasts linked with user engagement) and Theme 5 (Study on Arctic climate predictability). You can see the daily extents on the website of theme 8 (Arctic Data archive System (ADS), so please visit and see with your own eyes! (Click here to read more)

The National Cancer Center (NCC) of Japan (President: Hitoshi Nakagama; Location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan) announces a clinical study to validate an experimental pancreatic cancer screening technique using a novel blood biomarker. The research team for this study is led by Dr. Kazufumi Honda, Laboratory Head of the Department of Biomarker for Early Detection of Cancer in the NCC’s Research Institute...(Click here to read more: English | Japanese)

Japan has a long history of tackling rare and intractable diseases (known locally as Nan-Byo). Building on this heritage, AMED’s IRUD is combining expertise and technology to develop a systematic approach to supporting patients with medically unidentified conditions. These efforts have led to the...(Click here to read more)

"Student Guide to Japan" is an essential book for international students planning to study in Japan.

(Click to read more: English | Mandarin)

"Scholarships for International Students in Japan 2017-2018" contains details about scholarships provided by various organisations that have responded to a questionnaire survey carried out by JASSO. (Click here to read more)

Our new Student Advisor Ms Regina provides free student counselling for people interested in studying in Japan. The counselling will be held at the Embassy of Japan, 16 Nassim Road, Singapore 258390. No appointment is necessary. Please call 62358855 if you have any queries. There will be no counselling sessions on Embassy holidays. (Click here to read more)

Job Hunting Guide for International Students 2018 was released by Japan Student Service Organisation (JASSO). (Click here to read more)

Japan Student Service Organisation (JASSO) publishes Japan Alumni eNews every month. The contents are as follows:

1. Life in Japan by Photo
2. Alumni News
3. Academic News
4. Business News (Job Hunting)
5. Visit Japan
6. NIPPON Information
7. JASSO News
8. From the Editor

The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is used to evaluate whether international students who wish to study at the undergraduate level at universities or other such higher educational institutions in Japan possess the Japanese language skills and the basic academic abilities needed to study at those institutions. (Guidelines for the 2017 EJU | (Click here to read more))

JASSO holds Study in Japan Fairs outside Japan with participation of Japanese universities to provide information on study in Japan to high school students, university students and educators.

Target: High school students, university students and graduate students.
Exhibitors: Japanese universities
(Click here to read more)

Information related to application qualifications, major field of studies, medium of instruction and on-campus scholarships of Japanese graduate schools, universities and junior colleges is available for searching through Excel files posted online. (Click here to read more)

EDU-Port Japan is a public-private, nationwide initiative to proactively disseminate Japanese-style education overseas by providing a platform from which the public and private sectors collaborate in achieving this objective. The platform is supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and many other organizations including NGOs and private businesses.
(Click here to read more)

Since 2014, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has been carrying out the Top Global University Project to provide prioritized support to those universities that are leading the internationalization of Japan’s education by launching new programs to encourage and deepen interactions and partnerships with the world’s top universities, reforming personnel and educational systems, enhancing educational systems to help students develop the ability to act globally and accelerating other globalization initiatives. Under the Top Global University Project, 13 universities were selected as Type A (Top Type) universities that are conducting world-leading education and research and 24 universities were selected as Type B (Global Traction Type) universities that are leading the globalization of Japanese society. These 37 universities have been working hard on internationalization and university reform. (Click here to read more)

The “Hokkaido Universal Campus Initiative” (hereafter, HUCI) is the university’s newest reform program. It aims to further internationalize the university as a whole so we might foster more world leaders who can contribute to the resolution of global issues. (Click here to read more)

Tohoku University, with its tradition of exceptional expertise, will continue to provide a rich learning environment where brilliant young minds from across Japan and the world can "gather, learn and create". For the youth of today, living in this global age, Tohoku University is determined to accelerate its plans to build an "educational foundation for fostering global leaders" which will develop and nurture individuals who are capable, resourceful, and who possess a global mindset. (Click here to read more)