Seasons Greetings!

As the memorable year of SJ50 comes to a close, on behalf of my entire staff at JCC, Embassy of Japan, I would like to thank you for your continuous interest and participation in our centre activities, as well as for your kind support extended to the Japanese arts and culture.

During the past months, we have widened our activities by exploring beyond our own centre, this beautiful colonial bungalow that is, JCC. We have visited schools, met younger generations by organising tea ceremonies with a prominent Tea Master from Japan, conducted Japanese language lessons for novices and even assembled musicians and dancers to local museums. We believe that with these outreach programmes, Japan and Singapore will definitely be able to broaden, deepen and strengthen our mutual understanding and friendship.

In addition to our outreach programmes, we have started new collaborations with various Japanese regional prefectural offices to showcase rural products such as crafts, fruits and sake. Our ultimate aim is to bring to view the many features of the archipelago of Japan (other than the ever popular Tokyo), with its diversified and attractive local charms.

Moreover, we recognised distinguished contributors of artistic exchanges between our two countries. The first, Grand Master Potter Mr Iskandar Jalil who was bestowed the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette from the Japanese Government. The next were two Japanese nationals who contributed greatly to Singapore and they received Recognition Certificates from the Ambassador of Japan in Singapore.

Last but not least, the SJ50 Executive Committee was launched to engage the public in a friendly competition to create a SJ50 logo design mark. The winner, Mr. Kenny Khoo a Singaporean living in Tokyo for over nine years now, was selected and his logo will be an official stamp for SJ50 related events. Our preparations for SJ50 events are ongoing and we look forward in providing you with more interesting, exciting and creative events for all to enjoy.

Happy holidays and see you soon!

Misako Ito
Director, Japan Creative Centre (JCC)
Embassy of Japan in Singapore
5th December 2015