JCC E-Magazine August 2018

During the opening ceremony.

On the evening of 20 July 2018, the exhibition “Connecting the World: Manga Design Exhibition in Singapore”, by the MANGA DESIGNERS LAB.（マンガデザイナーズラボ） opened at JCC (Japan Creative Centre). In light of Singapore’s chairmanship of ASEAN 2018, as well as in celebration of the 45th Anniversary of Japan-ASEAN Friendship and Cooperation this year, the exhibition showcases rare and exclusive manga designs that illustrate the people, culture, and skyline of each of the 10 ASEAN countries, as well as the close ties that bind Japan and ASEAN.

After the opening speech by H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda, the CEO & Producer of Manga Designers Lab, Mr Toshihiko Kira gave a brief introduction to the concept of Manga Design, and explained the meanings behind the banners that Manga Designers Lab designed of the 10 ASEAN countries. As the Manga Designers Lab also created exclusive manga-style portraits of each of the Foreign Ministers of the 10 ASEAN countries as well as Japan, Mr Kira also explained the deep thought behind the floral wreath design used on the portrait.

Mr Toshihiko Kira, CEO & Producer of Manga Designers Lab, speaking at the opening.

Mr Toshihiko Kira presenting H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda his manga-style portrait.

At the end of his speech, Mr Kira presented Ambassador Shinoda an exclusive manga-style portrait of himself. The Ambassador was very pleased at his portrait which showcased brilliant manga design technique. The manga-style portrait done of the Foreign Minister of the Philippines, Mr Alan Peter Schramm Cayetano, were also handed to the Third Secretary & Vice Consul from the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, Ms Janina Lourdes Salonga Bustos.

Following Mr Kira’s introduction, Mr Shuji Yamauchi, the General Manager of Yamato Transport’s Division of Retail Sales led everyone in a toast to the success of the exhibition in Singapore and to Manga Designers Lab’s continuous success.

As part of the opening ceremony, guests were also treated to the activity “Manga Me!”. Guests had their photographs taken and sent to the Manga Designers Lab’s headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, where they had their manga-style portraits drawn by professional manga artists in Japan. Their portraits were drawn with the same meaningful floral design that the artists had used for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers. After a few days, guests will be able to view the completed portraits on Manga Designers Lab’s website (http://mangadejapan.com/mangaMe), where they can also download and share their portraits with their family and friends.

Mr Toshihiko Kira presenting Ms Janina Lourdes Salonga Bustos the manga-style portrait of their Foreign Minister Mr Alan Peter Schramm Cayetano.

During the reception at the opening.

The exhibition will run until 11 August 2018, and visitors will have a chance to get a free Yamato Transport Kuroneko (Black Cat) or Shironeko (White Cat) mascot when you visit us! Please do come down and be immersed in the Manga Designers Lab’s world of limitless imagination and innovation. We hope to see you here soon!

More information about the exhibition can be found here: https://goo.gl/bZ7uRV

H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda giving a speech at the opening.		Mr Toshihiko Kira, CEO & Producer of Manga Designers Lab, speaking at the opening.
Mr Shuji Yamauchi, General Manager of Yamato Transport’s Division of Retail Sales, saying a few words and leading a toast at the opening.

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