JCC E-Magazine August 2024

Director's Message

DPM Heng Swee Keat (centre), H.E. Ambassador Hiroshi Ishikawa (second from left), JCC Director Ms Akiko Kawabe (second from right), Mr Takuya Kitada of the Singapore Representative Office of Ishikawa Prefectural Government (far right), and Ms Christycia Goh from the same office (far left) at the Ishikawa Prefecture promotional event.

Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

In a blink of an eye, it has been one year since I first arrived at JCC. During my time here, I was blessed with many opportunities to meet Singaporeans from different walks of life, and I’m delighted to know that so many people love Japanese culture and travelling to Japan. I felt the same blessing during the Ishikawa Prefecture promotional event. I was touched by the audience’s interest about the recovery efforts of people affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, attractions of Ishikawa, as well as the local specialities produced in the region, such as sake. Deputy Prime Minister Heng Sweet Keat also graced this event. His presence, along with all the participants, provided great support to Ishikawa Prefecture.

We also held a Nihonbuyo event. For many participants, it was their first time watching traditional Japanese dance. I wonder if everyone could appreciate the unique costumes and enchanting movements of Nihonbuyo as much as I did? Japanese traditional culture is a popular topic among our eventgoers, and it is always our pleasure to introduce the beauty of it.

Of course, we encourage people to dive deeper into Japan and Japanese culture, when presented the chance. One such occasion is the annual Japanese Speech Contest, for which JCC is among the co-organisers. Among the prizes won, the top winners can travel to Japan, and I am sure it will be a wonderful chance to further practise their Japanese skills. In this year’s contest on 14 July, I had the privilege to be one of the judges and listen to interesting speeches by the talented finalists, and was just amazed. Regardless of who won, all the finalists gave brilliant speeches in fluent Japanese. Congratulations to all the contestants!

Another opportunity is the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, and I witnessed the excitement of the new JET participants during the Orientation and Farewell Reception. Moving abroad to work in a completely new environment is no easy task, but I am confident that they will rise to the challenge and gain many valuable insights and memories while living in Japan.

JCC will be busy for the rest of the year as well, so 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.

Akiko Kawabe
Director, Japan Creative Centre (JCC)

5th August 2024

< Home