JCC E-Magazine August 2020

Maki-e Art Showcase (Japan Creative Centre)

Overview

Though we have not been able to share about Japan and Japanese culture to you in person, we hope that you have been regularly enjoying our articles on our Facebook and Instagram. As for this month's E-Magazine cultural articles, we are touching on the fascinating topics of Japanese stationery and purikura. Feel free to let us know if you want to learn more about any Japan-related topics!

Besides that, we are working on revamping JCC's e-library and will share a glimpse of it on our Facebook once we are ready. Meanwhile, do stay safe and healthy, and we look forward to welcoming all of you back at JCC once we are able to do so!

Director's Message

Konnichiwa!

Singapore's National Day is right around the corner! Although it is regrettable that I will be unable to attend one of the country's famous National Day Parades this year, it does hearten me to see that Singaporeans still take much pride in their country, especially their food! Recently, I was introduced to kaya toast and laksa by local staff, and enjoyed both of these dishes very much. I look forward to trying more Singaporean dishes during my stay here. I welcome your recommendations!

As it will also take a while before events...(Click here to read more)

Cultural Articles

Colouring the World with Japanese Stationery

Stationeries are essentials that permeate every stage of our lives. From childhood to adulthood, stationeries fulfil the changing needs we have as we grow: children, with their unsteady hands, learn to write and draw with bright crayons; students go through countless numbers of writing and mathematical instruments in school; and adults, depending on their workplace, use a wide variety of pens, papers, stamps, and files to do their work. As these...(Click here to read more)

Say Cheese: Making Memories with Purikura

Arcades in Japan can be a disorienting place. In the midst of the flashing lights and riotous sounds that emerge from the many machines that fill the space, serious and casual gamers alike gather to indulge in a large variety of games; friends can race one another, compete in matches of dexterity and skill, and even try their luck with claw machines. However, have you noticed a corner at these arcades dedicated to a different type of machine? ...(Click here to read more)

Japanese Cultural Fact for August

Nebuta Festival

The Nebuta Festival takes place from August 2 to 7 in the city of Aomori, which is located at the northern tip of Japan's main island, Honshu. It used to be part of the Tanabata Festival, which was traditionally held on the seventh day of the seventh month on the old Japanese calendar. That date roughly corresponds to August 7 on the calendar that's used today.

The Nebuta Festival features a parade of huge lanterns in the shape of samurai warriors. The lanterns are made with wooden or bamboo frames and covered with brightly colored...(Click here to read more)

Notice

■ Information on Invitation for Application: The Japan World Exposition 1970 Commemorative Fund

■ The Japan Foundation grant program for FY2020 (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