JCC E-Magazine February 2025

Director's Message

Promoting Osaka EXPO and congratulating the year of SG60!

Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

I hope I am not alone in being stunned to realise that one of the 12 months of 2025 is already gone!! But how nice to have the lunar calendar, as we can still enjoy the festivity and exchange best wishes for a year ahead! Happy Lunar New Year, everyone!

For the first month of 2025, we were delighted to hold the 3rd edition of the rice event, this time featuring rice varieties from the Northern prefectures of Japan. It was a bustling start to the new year, as we welcomed visitors to compare 7 types of rice through taste, aroma, texture, and to enjoy them with various condiments and Japanese curry. Besides learning more about the unique qualities of Japanese rice from a five-star rice meister, participants also tried making their own onigiri. It was truly a treat for all the senses!

The art scene in Singapore was especially festive in January with the anticipated Singapore Art Week. I also visited some of the events, and enjoyed the creativity and passion that filled the venues. Having visited Art SG for the first time, I was surprised to see so many galleries from all over the world taking part, and truly felt the energy of Singapore being an art hub in Southeast Asia. Various art works, including ones created by Japanese artists, were also on display.

Also in January, we were thrilled to see that OSK Nippon Revue Company was back in Singapore after 5 years! JCC provided nominal support for their performance, “Les Ailes”, at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade. I was among the audience to enjoy the spectacular stage with various songs and dance. Throughout its history of more than a century, OSK has been performing in a genre of entertainment called Kageki （歌劇）, or Japanese-style revue performance. As OSK is based in Osaka, I hope that I will have a chance to watch their performance in their home ground, Osaka Shochikuza Theatre (大阪松竹座), in the near future!

For JCC’s exclusive interview with their top star Tsubasa Kazuki （翼和希）in December, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/JCCEOJ/videos/1290154422227969/

Speaking of Osaka, I wonder how many of you are already preparing to visit Osaka for EXPO 2025? I hear that the Singapore Pavilion is also shaping up with its vibrant red dot design. With just over 2 months to go, there is still some time left to plan a spring trip to Japan. For more information about EXPO 2025, do check out the official website: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/

If you wish to receive information about upcoming events, please follow us on our Facebook and Instagram! You may also follow the Embassy of Japan in Singapore on their Facebook page as well as their new X account for the latest news and updates from Japan.

Akiko Kawabe
Director, Japan Creative Centre (JCC)

5th February 2025

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