JCC E-Magazine July 2020

Overview

While we enter Phase 2 of the circuit breaker, JCC has to remain closed to the public. Nonetheless, we are preparing so that we can be ready to open our doors to everyone again when the time comes. In the meantime, do stay safe and healthy and enjoy this month's cultural articles about midsummer greeting cards and staying cool with scary stories. Besides that, we are actively sharing information and activities on both our Facebook and Instagram.

Feel free to let us know if you want to learn more about any Japan-related topics, and we look forward to welcoming all of you back at JCC once we are able to do so!

Director's Message

Konnichiwa!

After being on Stay Home Notice for two weeks, I was excited to finally be able to visit JCC for the first time. It was nice to see the space, and I look forward to familiarise myself further with the work done at JCC. Although JCC will not be able to hold any physical events in the near future, we are taking advantage of this unique situation to brainstorm and look at different ways to help Singaporeans experience Japanese culture in a creative way.

It was also nice to be able to acquaint myself with the Orchard Road area on my commute. Though there...(Click here to read more)

Cultural Articles

Midsummer Greetings: From Me to You

During the New Year, Japanese send and receive a flurry of New Year cards known as nengajo (年賀状); these cards, usually decorated with the zodiac animal of the year, enquire upon the receivers’ health and ask for continued strong bonds in the coming year. But did you know that greeting cards are exchanged during the summer too? A little-known Japanese summertime custom, shochumimai (暑中見舞い) cards are midsummer greeting cards...(Click here to read more)

Supernatural Summertime: Staying Cool with Scary Stories

Summer can get extremely hot and humid in Japan, but there are several ways to beat the heat. People can indulge in icy treats, or take trips to the seaside or mountains for a cool escape. However, did you know that ghost stories too are especially popular in the summertime as a way to cool down? Creepy tales of vengeful ghosts and unexplained phenomena can certainly send a welcome chill down spines on warm nights. It is not known how...(Click here to read more)

Japanese Cultural Fact for July

Tanabata

Tanabata, or the Star Festival, is held on the evening of July 7. The festival traces its origins to a legend that the Cowherd Star (Altair) and Weaver Star (Vega), lovers separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to meet just once a year - on the seventh day of the seventh month.

Children and adults write their wishes on narrow strips of colored paper and hang them, along with other paper ornaments, on bamboo branches placed in the backyards or entrances of their homes. They then pray hard that their wishes will...(Click here to read more)

Notice

■ Calling for Application: The 14th Japan International MANGA Award (Application Deadline Extended: 10 July 2020)

■ [CANCELLED] July 2020 Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) in Singapore

■ [CANCELLED] Japanese Speech Contest 2020

■ Information on Invitation for Application: The Japan World Exposition 1970 Commemorative Fund

■ The Japan Foundation grant program for FY2019 (Japanese / English)

■ Enjoy Free Japanese Lessons here on NHK World!

Notices regarding the COVID-19 situation

■ Japanese Government Initiatives for COVID-19

■ Embassy of Japan in Singapore Facebook