| JCC E-Magazine June 2016 |  |
H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda with H.E. President Tony Tan Keng Yam on 28th April 2016
Overview
The month of May was filled with a series of unique and fantastic performances brought by Super Japan – Japanese Festival of Arts as part of our SJ50 events at Esplanade’s first country focus cultural festival which was a blast! Another SJ50 event, the Asian Festival of Children's Content 2016 with Japan as their theme, saw a variety of Japanese children’s books showcased as well as the interaction and exchange of ideas between Singaporean and Japanese authors and publishers.
JCC also held several events, in particular, the Skincare Workshop with MUJI which had an overwhelming response, and a presentation by NUS Students who braved to the Kyushu area of Japan despite the recent Kumamoto earthquake for their study field trip in search of heritage. Do stay tuned and check out for our upcoming activities, including our SJ50 events!
Director's Message
 © George Lonezmoon Photography 2014 |
Konnichiwa! I hope our JCC E-Magazine readers had a chance to enjoy Super Japan – Japanese Festival of Arts held last month in May at the Esplanade! We are excited to hear that a total of about 160,000 people have shown up at this 10-day festival on Japan, the first of its kind that shines its spotlight on a foreign country launched by Singapore’s state-of-the-art theatre ever since it opened its doors 14 years ago. For more than a week with two full weekends, I am delighted to have enjoyed a number of performances with workshops and open-air concerts at the...(Click here to read more) |
JCC Events
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Japanese Tea Lecture and Demonstration (Including Teh Tarik, English Tea and Chinese Tea)
As you have read our May 2016 E-Magazine edition, you would know that the month of April and early May saw ‘The Way of Tea: Tea Culture of Singapore and Japan Exhibition’ in light of SJ50, at the Japan Creative Centre. During the month long exhibition from Friday, 8th April to Saturday, 7th May 2016, lectures and demonstrations on various tea cultures, in comparison with...(Click here to read more) |
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MUJI Health and Beauty Workshop on Sensitive Skincare
A MUJI Health and Beauty Workshop on Sensitive Skincare was conducted on Friday, 13th May 2016 and Saturday, 14th May 2016 at JCC. As part of SJ50 and MUJI’s 13th Anniversary in Singapore, Ms Hiroko Miyao of Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd, developer of the MUJI Skincare line, flew in from Japan to demonstrate about their products at the workshop. During the workshop sessions on both days, Ms Miyao explained their aim of...(Click here to read more) |
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The Power, Promise, and Problem of Heritage: Presentations by participants of the 2016 NUS Field Study Trip to Japan
As part of a joint effort between Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Embassy of Japan in Singapore and Department of Japanese Studies, National University of Singapore (NUS), a special presentation by the students who participated in the 2016 NUS Field Study Trip to Japan, led by Dr. Chris McMorran, was held on Friday, 27th May 2016 at JCC. A total of...(Click here to read more) |
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 © 2009 "The Chef of South Polar" Film Partners |
JCC Cinema 46: The Chef of South Polar
Our monthly JCC Cinema was held on Saturday, 28th May 2016, with the movie screening of “The Chef of South Polar”. This comedic yet heart-warming film is based on the autobiographical essays by Chef Jun Nishimura, and revolves around the lives of 8 men at Dome Fuji Station in the harsh conditions of Antarctica. Each unique member is full of quirky traits, but the extravagant meals whipped up by the team’s passionate chef keeps them...(Click here to read more) |
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SJ50 Supported Events
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The 14th World Children’s Haiku Contest Award Ceremony
As one of the SJ50 events, the 14th World Children’s Haiku Contest Award Ceremony was held at Woodlands Regional Library on 8th May. Mr. Naohiro Tsutsumi, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, graced the ceremony as a GOH. The World Children’s Haiku Contest is part of JAL Group’s social action programmes to promote international exchanges through the appreciation of Japanese culture overseas...(Click here to view more) |
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Ikebana Exhibition: Colours of Spring
The Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135 held an opening ceremony for their Ikebana Exhibition, 'Colours of Spring' at Paragon Shopping Centre on Friday, 13th May 2016. H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Madam Shinoda graced the ceremony together with Mrs Peggy Loh, President of Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135, Mrs Kazue Kato Kim, President of Sogetsu Association Singapore, Professor John...(Click here to view more) |
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The Opening Taiko Concert by KODO and HIBIKIYA
The Opening Taiko Concert by KODO and HIBIKIYA was held as part of Super Japan - Japanese Festival of Arts at Esplanade on Friday, 13th May 2016 under the attendance of H.E. Kenji Shinoda, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore and Madam Shinoda as one of the SJ50 events for this year. It was such a fantastic and wonderful performance! (Click here to view more) |
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Blue Note Tokyo All-Star Jazz Orchestra – Celebrating Yamaha Music Asia’s 50th Anniversary
Blue Note Tokyo All Star Jazz Orchestra directed by Eric Miyashiro, a Japanese American from Hawaii, had a full house (1630 seats) with enthusiastic standing ovation. Presented by YAMAHA Asia, this orchestra also celebrates YAMAHA's 50 anniversary in Singapore. H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda graced the post-performance reception and greeted Mr Eric Miyashiro and Mr Benson Puah, CEO of Esplanade. (Click here to view more) |
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Princess Kaguya at Super Japan – Japanese Festival of Arts
Princess Kaguya, a magical Japanese tale by Silhouette Theatre about a shining beauty from moon told through colour, light and shadows, was held on 16th and 17th May 2016 at Esplanade’s Super Japan – Japanese Festival of Arts as part of our SJ50 event! Catered for children aged 5 to 8, Madam Shinoda – wife of H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda – came and watched the play with the many children who came from different schools...(Click here to view more) |
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Himiko: Memories of the Sun Goddess at Esplanade
H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Madam Shinoda attended Himiko: Memories of the Sun Goddess on Friday, 20th May 2016 at Esplanade as part of Super Japan – Japanese Festival of Arts in light of SJ50. A production of Suntory Hall in a special collaboration with Esplanade, the play was about a Japanese mythology on the legend of Himiko as the enigmatic avatar of the sun goddess. Distinguished guests especially from...(Click here to view more) |
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Sankaijuku - Meguri: Teeming Sea, Tranquil Land
Jointly commissioned by Japan, Singapore and France, Sankaijuku - Meguri: Teeming Sea, Tranquil Land on the 9th day of Super Japan - Japanese Festival of Arts was truly a gem. It was premiered in Kitakyushu last year and will be performing at Paris later. Butoh, a form of Japanese dance theatre, is now universal. H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Madam Shinoda greeted with Ushio Amagatsu, founder and director of...(Click here to view more) |
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The Spirit of OMOTENASHI: Experience Japanese Tea Ceremony by Chado Urasenke Tankokai Youth Division
As SJ50 event, The Spirit of OMOTENASHI: Experience Japanese Tea Ceremony by Chado Urasenke Tankokai Youth Division, The Second Block of Kinki Area was held in The Japanese Association, Singapore on Sunday, 22nd May 2016! The participants enjoyed a special experience of tea gathering, making sweets and basic etiquette. (Click here to view more) |
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Opening of Asian Festival of Children's Content (AFCC) 2016
As one of our SJ50 events, H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Madam Shinoda joined Ms Claire Chiang, Chairperson of National Book Development Council of Singapore (NBDCS) and Ms Low Yen Ling, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Education, GOH of the evening to grace the opening of Asian Festival of Children's Content (AFCC) 2016 on Tuesday, 24th May 2016. (Click here to view more) |
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Japan Night at Asian Festival of Children's Content (AFCC) 2016
A Japan Night on Thursday, 26th May 2016 at SEA Aquarium in World Resort Sentosa. H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda signed on a huge guest book with the SJ50 logo at the entrance. GOH Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Senior Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs was happy to find Doraemon comic book at the book fair, because of his...(Click here to view more) |
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Visits
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Presentation of Credential to H.E. President Tony Tan Keng Yam
Our new Ambassador H.E. Kenji Shinoda presented his credential to H.E. President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the Istana on Thursday, 28th April 2016. During the meeting, both the Ambassador and the President affirmed the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries. (Click here to view more) |
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Visit by Staffs from Ministry of Education, Singapore at The Way of Tea: Tea Cultures of Singapore and Japan
Staffs from Ministry of Education, Singapore (MOE) visited JCC (Japan Creative Centre) and viewed ‘The Way of Tea: Tea Culture of Singapore and Japan’ Exhibition on Friday, 6th May 2016. Both Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association and Liu Xiang Tea Craft welcomed the group and conducted lectures and demonstrations...(Click here to view more) |
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Visit by Mr Koh Buck Song to Japan Creative Centre (JCC)
Mr Koh Buck Song, A Singaporean author, travelled from Tokyo to Kyoto via Yamanaka-ko last autumn in Japan and got his inspiration to finish his six works of HAIGA - a style of Japanese painting that combines with poetry, that was exhibited at Esplanade's Super Japan - Japanese Festival of Arts that was held from 13th - 22nd May 2016. Mr Koh gifted his two works of HAIGA to JCC. (Click here to view more) |
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Ambassador's Visit to JMSDF Ship JS Ise
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ship - JS Ise (いせ) - participated in the ADMM-Plus (ADMM: ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting) Maritime Security Exercise that was conducted in Singapore from 1st to 12th May 2016. While JS Ise was here, H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda visited the ship and offered words of encouragement to the commanding officers - Captain Masaki Takada and his crew. (Click here to view more) |
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Courtesy Call by KODO and HIBIKIYA
KODO, Japan’s most celebrated taiko group and Ms Namiko Sakai from HIBIKIYA made a courtesy call to H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Madam Shinoda at JCC (Japan Creative Centre), Embassy of Japan in Singapore on Thursday, 12th May 2016. They performed at the Opening Taiko Concert for Super Japan - Japanese Festival of Arts that was held at Outdoor Theatre of the Esplanade as one of our SJ50 events. (Click here to view more) |
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Ambassador’s Visit to Ambassador Tommy Koh at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda visited H.E. Ambassador Tommy Koh at the beautiful office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore at. Ms Misako Ito, director of JCC, was pleased to accompany two great Ambassadors and a new Japan desk officer, Mr Michael Chew of MFA. Ambassador Koh gave a guided tour through historic photos as well. (Click here to view more) |
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Ambassador’s Visit to Haiga Exhibition by Mr Koh Buck Song at Super Japan – Japanese Festival of Arts
H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda visited the HAIGA Exhibition by Mr Koh Buck Song that was held at the Festival Corner at Esplanade as part of Super Japan – Japanese Festival of Arts. These series of HAIGA were inspired by Mr Koh’s travels last year to Tokyo, Kyoto, Mount Fuji and Okinawa, on a Japan Foundation invitation as a cultural leader of Singapore. (Click here to view more) |
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Host Dinner for Suntory at Ambassador’s Residence
H.E. Ambassador Kenij Shinoda and Madam Shinoda hosted a dinner for Suntory Hall and Suntory Beverage & Food Asia Group headed by Mr Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, President of Suntory Hall at Ambassador's Residence on Tuesday, 17th May 2016. Suntory Hall collaborated with Esplanade to showcase Himiko: Memories of the Sun Goddess – a play about a Japanese mythology on the legend of Himiko as the enigmatic avatar of...(Click here to view more) |
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Visit by Mr Masashi Takai, Chairman and CEO of Kinokuniya
Mr Masashi Takai, Chairman & CEO of Kinokuniya, visited H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda at JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on Friday, 20th May 2016. Together with JCC Director Ms Misako Ito, the Ambassador and Mr Takai discussed about the possible collaborations between Japan and Singapore especially in light of SJ50 this year. (Click here to view more) |
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Visit by Idemitsu International and One Asia Joint Concert Committee
Mr Mitsuru Yamanaka, Managing Director of Idemitsu International and Mr Naomasa Furukawa, Co-Chairman of One Asia Joint Concert (AUN J) Committee, visited JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on Thursday, 2nd June 2016. Welcomed by JCC Director Ms Misako Ito, they discussed about the upcoming AUN J 2016, which is also supported by the Japan Foundation, that will be held at Esplanade on 7th December. |
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Japanese Cultural Fact for June
 © Kids Web Japan / Kyodo |
Ayu Season
June 1 marks the first day of ayu season in Japan. On this day hordes of people eager to catch some ayu, or sweetfish, grab their fishing rods in the morning and head for the rivers and streams. Fishing for ayu is prohibited except during a specified season, to make sure the ayu remains a plentiful species. The official season may sometimes start on different dates in different areas of the country, depending on how large the ayu grows. The season...(Click here to read more) |
Science & Technology Information in Japan
 © Cabinet Office, Government of Japan |
G7 Science and Technology Ministers’ Meeting in Tsukuba, Ibaraki From 15‐17 May 2016, G7 Science and Technology Ministers’ Meeting was held in Tsukuba, Ibaraki. Issues on Global Health, Gender and Human Resource Development for STI, Future of the Seas and Oceans, Clean Energy, Inclusive Innovation and Open Science were discussed. In this meeting, Tsukuba Communiqué was approved. |
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 © Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) |
Astronaut Onishi under training for target launch date of June 24 Astronaut Onishi continues his training for the final test to be aboard the Soyuz spacecraft (47S) at the Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Center (GCTC) in Russia. The Soyuz spacecraft, which Astronaut Onishi will be aboard, is under preparation targeting the launch on June 24, 2016 at 3:41pm (JST). JAXA will broadcast their departure live on YouTube too! Please support him by sending a message via the following websites: |
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 © Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) |
A movie of the Venus' night-side produced by IR2
Produced from the IR2 2.26-μm images on 29 March 2016 at a distance of 0.36 million km, these original 4 images of Venus were acquired with 4-hour intervals from 14:03pm (JST).
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 © Ministry of the Environment (MOE), National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) |
Whole-atmospheric monthly CO2 concentration tops 400 ppm based on observations by IBUKI A recent provisional analysis of IBUKI (GOSAT) observational data shows that the global atmospheric monthly mean CO2 concentration observed vertically through the whole atmosphere exceeded 400 ppm in December 2015 for the first time since GOSAT was launched in 2009. Click on the following to read more: |
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 © Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Tohoku University, Hokkaido University, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Republic of the Philippines, and the University of the Philippines Diliman |
Congratulations! The 1st Philippines microsat "DIWATA-1" deployed from Kibo / ISS JAXA, Tohoku University, Hokkaido University, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Republic of the Philippines, and the University of the Philippines Diliman, successfully deployed “DIWATA-1,” the first Philippines microsatellite, from ISS / Kibo on April 27 at 8:45pm (JST). JAXA has successfully cooperated and contributed to each other for this epoch-making mission in the history of the Philippines' space development, and accordingly we achieved intimate cooperative relations between Japan and the Philippines. |
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 © RIKEN Presented by Center for Life Science Technologies Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms |
Scientific Frontier Series 19 Unlocking the mysteries of Life with RNA DNA and RNA are responsible for the transmission of genetic information, but many mysteries remain regarding how exactly they function. To help clear up these mysteries, RIKEN launched the international FANTOM consortium in 2000. It has gone through five stages, including the compilation of a database of full-length cDNA of the mouse and the discovery of many non-coding RNAs (ncRNA).
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 © 2016 Zhaomin Hou, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science |
Catalysis gets a metal-free upgrade ~A boron compound safely speeds up transformations between carbon and silicon―two of Earth’s most abundant and important elements~ Catalytic reactions between aromatic hydrocarbons and silicon compounds play critical roles in processes ranging from pharmaceutical production to coating surfaces with polymers. Now, an all-RIKEN team has discovered a surprisingly efficient way to eliminate the rare and...(Click here to read more) |
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 © CIP / RIKEN |
RIKEN Cluster for Industry Partnerships (CIP) The mission of the Cluster for Industry Partnerships is to promote collaborations between the various RIKEN research centers in order to coalesce individual research achievements, made either by laboratories or centers, into knowledge shared by RIKEN as a whole. Further, it encourages partnerships with the private sector and other research institutions, with the aim to translate knowledge accumulated within RIKEN into...(Click here to read more) |
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 © DMP / RIKEN |
RIKEN Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms (DMP) The aim of the RIKEN Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms is to contribute to the identification of new treatments for cancer and other diseases by promoting collaboration within RIKEN for the development of innovative new pharmaceuticals and medical technologies. The program is involved in all phases of development, from the discovery of...(Click here to read more) |
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 © PMI / RIKEN |
RIKEN Preventive Medicine & Diagnosis Innovation Program (PMI) The Preventive Medicine & Diagnosis Innovation Program deploys a broad range of research resources in physics, chemistry, engineering, biology and medical science to develop and establish more efficient disease detection technology that allows better disease prevention. Research groups taking part in the program are working on the discovery of new biomarkers, the development of detection technology for...(Click here to read more) |
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 © RINC / RIKEN |
RIKEN Innovation Center (RINC) The RIKEN Innovation Center (RInC) is an office in the RIKEN Cluster for Industry Partnerships (CIP). RInC manages the Baton Zone program, which supports the transfer of RIKEN’s scientific achievements into commercial products through partnerships with private companies. Under this program, researchers from RIKEN and private companies work together on focused research projects tackling specific...(Click here to read more) |
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 © Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) |
JST announces 12 new SATREPS projects for FY2016: Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development program combines international joint research with official development assistance (ODA) Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) announced the new projects provisionally selected for the Fiscal Year 2016 Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) program (Appendix 1).
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© Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) |
JST is to fund 3 joint research projects coordinated by e-ASIA Joint Research Program (e-ASIA JRP) in the field of “Disaster Risk Reduction and Management” and “Intelligent Infrastructure for Transportation” The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) conducted the 5th joint call for proposals in collaboration with 6 organizations from 6 countries within the framework of the e-ASIA Joint Research Program (e-ASIA JRP), and with the approval of the e-ASIA Board, has agreed to commence support for 3 collaborative research projects in the field of "Disaster Risk Reduction and Management" and "Intelligent Infrastructure for Transportation". (Click here to read more) |
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Education Information in Japan
 © MEXT |
G7 Kurashiki Education Ministers’ Meeting in Okayama From 14‐15 May 2016, G7 Kurashiki Education Ministers’ Meeting was held in Okayama. Theme is Innovation in education. In this meeting, Kurashiki Declaration was approved. |
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 © Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) |
Pamphlet on Scholarship for International Students in Japan 2016-2017 "Scholarships for International Students in Japan 2016-2017" contains details of scholarships provided by various organizations that responded to a questionnaire survey carried out by JASSO. (Click here to read more) |
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 © MEXT |
Tobitate! Study Abroad Initiative The Japanese Government launched in October 2013 Tobitate! (Leap for Tomorrow) Study Abroad Initiative, a public-private effort for the future of Japan. This initiative—which hopes to make Japan a nation in which all ambitious youths can go global—offers various opportunities for students to embrace the chance to study abroad. |
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The 2017 Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarships for Undergraduate, Specialized Training College and Research Students The 2017 Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarships for Undergraduate, Specialized Training College and Research Students are now opened to foreign students. Do not miss the opportunity to study in Japan! (Click here to read more) |
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Free student counselling at the Embassy of Japan Our new Student Advisor Ms Regina provides free student counselling for people interested to study in Japan.The counselling will be held at the Embassy of Japan, 16 Nassim Road, Singapore 258390. No appointment is necessary. Please call 62358855 if you have any queries. There will be no counselling sessions on Embassy holidays. (Click here to read more) |
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 © Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) |
Japan Alumni eNews Vol. 85 May 10th, 2016 Japan Student Service Organisation (JASSO) is publishing Japan Alumni the E News every month. The contents are as follows: | |
Upcoming Events at JCC
| 10.07.2016 | Japanese Speech Contest 2016 |
| 02.07.2016 - 23.07.2016 | Japanese Sumi-Art Exhibition by Nakatani Suisen |
| 25.06.2016 | JCC Cinema 47: OYAKO - Present to the Future @ TWCC |
| 14.06.2016 - 25.06.2016 | Goraiko ご来光: An art exhibition on Japanese sunrise with artist talk |
| 03.06.2016 - 09.06.2016 | CREATIVE-KANTO Meets Singapore |
Related Events at JCC
| 10.03.2015 - 31.12.2017 | Fifty Years of Singapore Design Exhibition @ National Design Centre |
SJ50 Notice
Notice
| ■ Youkobo Art Space calling for artist-in-residence for 2017 |
| ■ KATO ART DUO presents NARA Yoshitomo - Picture Box Exhibition |
| ■ Talents Tokyo 2016 Call for Entries |
| ■ Hida - Takayama Contemporary Woodblock-Prints Triennale 2017 |
| ■ The 43rd Japan Prize 2016: Calling for Entries |
| ■ The Japan Foundation Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2016 |
| ■ Japanese Restaurants in Singapore / シンガポールにおける日本食レストラン数 |
| ■ The 6th Sendai International Music Competition is now open for application |
| ■ 50th Anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations (SJ50) |
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Open for entries: The 10th International MANGA Award Show us your manga artwork and be honoured at this year's 10th International Manga Award! Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan Foundation honour manga artists who contribute and promote the spread and exchange of manga internationally. Do not miss the chance to win this prestigious award and further your artistic capabilities! (Click here to read more) |
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Japan Creative Centre 4 Nassim Road, Singapore 258372 +65 6737 0434 / jcc@sn.mofa.go.jp http://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/JCC Nearest parking at Orchard Hotel & Delphi Orchard |
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2016 will mark the 50th Anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations | |