Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

The month of November in Japan is often a time for various art and cultural events. The same could be said for JCC’s activities last month. We held numerous events that covered a wide range of topics, be it Japanese green tea and culinary, FinTech, and the lesser-known region of Ise Shima in Mie prefecture, which is the birthplace of cultured Akoya pearls...(Click here to read more)

Spirit of the Way of Tea ~ Exhibition in Commemoration of Sen Genshitsu's 100th Birthday ~

The Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association held a one-day exhibition in commemoration of the Daisosho Sen Genshitsu’s 100th birthday. The exhibition – Spirit of the Way of Tea – celebrated his contribution to the Way of the Tea and showcased kakemono (Japanese hanging scroll) written by the Daisosho himself, as well as tea utensils that were favoured by him...(Click here to read more)

Delighting the Tastebuds ~ Consistency in Japanese Culinary ~

Jointly organised by JCC (Japan Creative Centre), Embassy of Japan in Singapore, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of JAPAN (MAFF), JETRO - Collaborate & Invest Japan (Japan External Trade Organization and JFOODO, "Delighting the Tastebuds: Consistency in Japanese Culinary" was held at JCC on 9 November 2023. The event was a promotion of the taste and quality of Japanese culinary and expanded upon exports...(Click here to read more)

Japan FinTech Reception 2023

The Japan FinTech Reception 2023 was held at Japan Creative Centre (JCC) on Tuesday, 14 November 2023 in light of the annual Singapore FinTech Festival convening leaders and experts from around the world in finance, technology, and public policy. The reception, which was opened by JCC Director Ms. Akiko Kawabe, was attended by more than 100 participants who were here in Singapore for the festival. It provided them a platform to understand...(Click here to read more)

JET Homecoming Gala

The JET Homecoming Gala was held on 15 November 2023 at the Japanese Association Singapore to welcome JET returnees back home. In his opening speech, H.E Ambassador Hiroshi Ishikawa, shared how Singaporean JET participants have been valued by their communities in Japan for their strong work ethic as well as adaptability to different situations. He also added that JET participants play a vital role in people-to-people exchanges...(Click here to read more)

Opening Ceremony of Icon of Sustainability – Ise Shima

The opening ceremony of Icon of Sustainability – Ise Shima ~ The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2023 Singapore Edition ~ was held at Japan Creative Centre (JCC) on Friday, 17 November 2023. The exhibition, which ran from 16 - 25 November 2023, features a total of 64 pearl jewellery designs from 10 different countries with “Earth” as the theme for this year. JCC Director Ms. Akiko Kawabe firstly gave a speech to welcome all the...(Click here to read more)

Spotlight on Ise Shima's Pearls & Tea

Ms Maiko Makito from Pearl Falco and Mr Issei Nagai from Ise Ujien held a talk entitled ‘Spotlight on Ise Shima’s Pearls & Tea’ at Japan Creative Centre (JCC) on 18 November 2023. Mr Nagai, a tea master with over 30 years of experience, introduced the types of Japanese tea and the best way to enjoy each type, including Kabuse Cha and Fukamushi Cha. Participants had the chance to sample the different varieties of Ise green tea, together...(Click here to read more)

Dive Deep into Ise Shima

Japan Creative Centre (JCC) hosted a talk on “Dive Deep into Ise Shima” on Saturday, 25 November 2023. Held as part of the exhibition “Icon of Sustainability – Ise Shima ~ Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2023 Singapore Edition ~”, participants had the opportunity to learn more about the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Japan’s Ise Shima region in Mie Prefecture. Mr. Junichi Nishimura and Mr. Matsunori Mino from...(Click here to read more)

Singapore Premiere Screening: The Pearl Legacy

The first overseas premiere of 映画『親のお金は誰のもの　法定相続人』(The Pearl Legacy) was held at Our Tampines Hub Festive Arts Theatre on 26 November. Co-organised by JCC, Singapore Film Society, Pearl Falco and KickSmash21, the heart-warming movie treated the audience to the beautiful views of Ise Shima in Mie Prefecture. The mayor of Shima City, Mr. Masayoshi Hashizume, attended the premiere...(Click here to read more)

Nihongo De Asobou 2023

On 4th November, Jugas (Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore) Network organised their annual Nihongo De Asobou (Let’s Play in the Japanese Language) 2023 at the Ministry of Education Language Centre. JCC Director Ms. Akiko Kawabe also attended the event. Facilitated by teachers from Japanese schools in Singapore, the games ― which were conducted in Japanese ― saw enthusiastic participation from...(Click here to read more)

Visit to Overseas Family School

Deputy Director of JCC, Mr Yuki Hamada, and Second Secretary Ms Mana Yamaguchi visited the Overseas Family School in celebration of the Japanese Cultural Day on Friday, 3rd November to give a presentation about Japan, namely on sushi and Kyudo (Japanese archery), respectively. The diplomats were impressed by the performance put up by the students and were happy to have received many...(Click here to read more)

Visit by The Japan Foundation President Mr Kazuyoshi Umemoto

The Japan Foundation President Mr Kazuyoshi Umemoto visited JCC on the 16th November, 2023, and was welcomed by JCC (Japan Creative Centre) Ms Akiko Kawabe and Deputy Director Mr Yuki Hamada. Mr Umemoto was briefed on the activities of JCC and also toured the ongoing exhibition, “Icon of Sustainability – Ise Shima ~ The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2023 Singapore Edition”...(Click here to read more)

The Depths of Mount Aso

Japan is home to over 100 active volcanoes, out of which 50 are monitored closely by the government for safety reasons. Among these is the largest active volcano in Japan, Mount Aso, that is located almost in the centre of Kyushu. Found in Aso-Kuju National Park in Kumamoto prefecture, Mount Aso is one of the largest calderas in the world, stretching 18 kilometres from east to west, and 25 kilometres north to south. It is due to Mount Aso...(Click here to read more)

Gorgeous Glass Pens

Stationery made in Japan has always been widely appreciated for both aesthetic and practical reasons. Ranging from washi tape to pens with erasable ink and stapleless staplers, people from all over the world enjoy using Japanese stationery. For the past few years, glass pens have been gaining attention. Glass pens originated in Japan during the late Meiji era. It is said to have been created by a wind chime craftsman by the name...(Click here to read more)

Omisoka (Ushering in the New Year)

December 31, the final day of the year, is called omisoka in Japan. In order to usher in the new year feeling fresh, families and homes try to finish cleaning their house and prepare for the New Year holidays by omisoka. Kids are in the middle of winter break, and they usually help out with the chores.

A lot of college students and workers who moved to big cities to attend school or take on a job, return to their hometowns to spend the New Year with their families, friends...(Click here to read more)