Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

My name is Akiko Kawabe, and it is my pleasure to introduce myself to you as the new Director of Japan Creative Centre.

I arrived in Singapore in July, and in this one month alone, I have witnessed the strong interest and passion that Singaporeans have for all things related to Japan. I am excited to contribute further to the cultural exchanges between both countries, and deepen the friendship in the process of doing so.

Prior to my assignment to Singapore, I worked at the Foreign Ministry of Japan in Tokyo, and engaged in public relations at the Secretariat for the G7 Hiroshima Summit. My mission there had many commonalities to what JCC offers – showcasing Japan and presenting its creativity, specialties, traditions and technologies, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to promote attractions of Japan in Singapore, which I have visited several times in the past 20 years.

My predecessor Mr Furugori has accomplished much during difficult three years under the pandemic, and I would like to build upon that and continue to commit to JCC’s mission to disseminate various aspects of Japan and Japanese culture. I feel fortunate to have arrived in Singapore just when activity is picking up in the city. It is certainly an opportune time for me to explore and learn more about this beautiful country. My exploration, of course, also goes to its people and their interests, and multi-faceted culture, so I very much look forward to communicating with each of you at one of our JCC events or elsewhere.

On that note, I am delighted to share that the repair works at JCC are finally complete! With this, we can welcome everyone again to our premises, which looks new and refreshed.

To tune in to our activities, please follow us on our 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.

I sincerely look forward to meeting everyone at JCC soon!

Akiko Kawabe
Director, Japan Creative Centre (JCC)
Embassy of Japan in Singapore
4th August 2023