Konnichiwa!

JCC was bustling with activity right from the beginning of 2023. We held the exhibition entitled “TOKYO☆Neo Duo Exhibition ~Tradition and Innovation~ An Exhibition by HIROYUKI MATSUURA ・ SHIGEKI HAYASHI and other upcoming Japanese Contemporary Artists”, in collaboration with Takashimaya. It was a pleasure to have one of the artists, Mr Shigeki Hayashi, here at JCC too, so that more people can personally learn his intriguing stories and inspirations. I heard that the workshops went successfully too. The participants not only left JCC with their own unique Merlion-shaped...(Click here to read more)

Opening Ceremony of TOKYO☆Neo Duo Exhibition ~Tradition and Innovation~

The opening ceremony of TOKYO☆Neo Duo Exhibition: Tradition and Innovation was held at Japan Creative Centre (JCC) on Tuesday, 10 January 2023. JCC Director Mr. Toru Furugori and Takashimaya Fine Arts Division GM Mr. Hiroshi Nagamoto gave their welcome speeches to more than 40 guests. Mr. Shigeki Hayashi, one of the main artist of the exhibition, was also present and...(Click here to read more)

Merlion-shaped chopstick rest workshop

Mr Shigeki Hayashi, one of the featured artists of the TOKYO☆Neo Duo Exhibition: Tradition and Innovation, held a series of workshops at JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on Saturday, 14 January 2023. Conducted in three different sessions, participants had the opportunity to make their very own Merlion-shaped chopstick rest that was designed by Mr Hayashi. They were able to cast it in a mould and express their creativity by painting the...(Click here to read more)

Step Into Nature's Snow Refrigerator ~Showcasing the YUKIMURO culture of Yamagata prefecture~

Step Into Nature’s Snow Refrigerator ~ Showcasing the YUKIMURO culture of Yamagata prefecture ~ was held successfully in 3 different sessions on 27 and 28 January 2023. JCC Deputy Director Mr Yuki Hamada welcomed close to 150 participants in total for both days. After which, they learnt about the fascinating history and culture of YUKIMURO, a traditional technique of...(Click here to read more)

JCC Cinema 88: Doraemon the Movie 2018: Nobita's Treasure Island

On 30 January, we held our JCC Cinema screening of “Doraemon the Movie 2018: Nobita's Treasure Island” at Woodlands Regional Library. H.E. Ambassador Hiroshi Ishikawa attended the screening and was greeted with a series of interesting displays by the Toy Photography Club, which showcased their photo series of iconic Japanese anime characters and toy figurines and books...(Click here to read more)

Opening Ceremony of Post-Wabi

The opening ceremony of Post-Wabi, a ceramic exhibition by Yukiharu Furuno and Takanao Todo was held at Japan Creative Centre on 30 January 2023. Remarks were given by H.E. Ambassador Ishikawa, Michi & Co. CEO Ms. Michiyo Kawabe, and the two artists. The exhibition displays a series of interesting concepts such as the idea of simplicity with the introduction of new colour palettes, opening up a new horizon for Japanese aesthetics...(Click here to read more)

JET Homecoming Gala

JET Homecoming Gala is back after a 3 year hiatus. To welcome JET returnees back home, JET Homecoming Gala was held on 1 February 2023 at the Japanese Association Singapore. Ambassador of Japan to Singapore His Excellency Hiroshi Ishikawa, in his opening speech, shared how Singaporean JET participants demonstrate high adaptability skills in their new working and living environments, and that JET participants...(Click here to read more)

Hatsugama Tea Ceremony 2023 by Hoseikai Omotesenke Singapore

On 18 January 2023, H.E. Ambassador Ishikawa attended the New Year’s Tea Gathering (Hatsugama) organised by Hoseikai Omotesenke Singapore at the Japanese Association. Professor Soho Ueda, President of Hoseikai Omotesenke Singapore conducted the ceremony and Mr. Yoichiro Ushioda, Honorary Fellow of the University of Tokyo, gave an in-depth...(Click here to read more)

JENESYS Programme sharing session

On 31 January 2023, students from Temasek Polytechnic, who visited Japan last December as part of the JENESYS Programme, held a sharing session on what they experienced during their trip and introduced Japanese culture which they learnt first-hand in Tokyo and Hakodate city, Hokkaido. Ms Mai Hanawa, who is in charge of the JENESYS Programme at the Embassy...(Click here to read more)

Hatsugama Tea Ceremony 2023 by Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association

On 1 February 2023, H.E. Ambassador Ishikawa attended the New Year’s Tea Gathering (Hatsugama) organised by Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association. Ms. Sochoku Nakabayashi, Chief Administrator, welcomed the guests and shared many interesting stories related to Urasenke Tea. She also shared that the tea scroll was personally written by Daishosho...(Click here to read more)

Ambassador's Visit to TOKYO☆Neo Duo Exhibition ~Tradition and Innovation~

On 14 January 2023, H.E. Ambassador Hiroshi Ishikawa visited the TOKYO☆Neo Duo Exhibition: Tradition and Innovation at JCC (Japan Creative Centre). One of the featured artists Mr. Shigeki Hayashi and Takashimaya Fine Arts Division’s Ms. Saya Matsufuji welcomed the Ambassador and shared intriguing stories behind each creation...(Click here to read more)

Visit by NAFA students to TOKYO☆Neo Duo Exhibition ~Tradition and Innovation~

About 50 students from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts’ (NAFA) School of Art and Design visited our TOKYO☆Neo Duo Exhibition: Tradition and Innovation at JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on Wednesday, 18 January 2023! Mr. Araki Nobutaka from Takashimaya’s Fine Arts Division and JCC Event Team Manager Mdm. Keiko Soeda welcomed the group led by their lecturer...(Click here to read more)

Yamagata: A Waterfall Kingdom

You may know that Yamagata Prefecture is famous for beautiful landscapes such as Mount Zao as well as the historic Dewa Sanzan. But did you know that it is also called a waterfall kingdom? In fact, it is the prefecture with the most number of waterfalls (above 5 metres) in Japan! For example, Ginzan Onsen is a famous spot and while many may visit it for its rustic hot spring town, the 22 metres tall Shirogane Falls located at the back of...(Click here to read more)

“Pan”-tastic!

When speaking of Japanese food, probably not many people will think of Japanese bread. However, it cannot be mistaken that it has won over the hearts of many people, as evident from the numerous bakeries spread across Japan, as well as the shelves full of different bread in supermarkets and convenience stores. Besides that, we can also find Japanese bakeries in Singapore, which are incredibly popular! So what sets Japanese...(Click here to read more)

National Foundation Day

February 11 is National Foundation Day, a national holiday for Japanese people to remind themselves of the nation's founding and foster their love for the nation.

Japan switched from the traditional Japanese calendar - a lunar calendar based on the waxing and waning of the moon - to the Gregorian calendar starting in January 1873...(Click here to read more)