JCC E-Magazine June 2022

Featured Article of the Month

In this edition of Kizuna Story, JCC speaks to Ms Mifuyu Fukai, an alumni of Raffles College of Higher Education, Bachelor of Arts in Fashion (Honours). Learn more about her journey with as a jewellery designer, including the launch of her Midori Collection at the RISIS Boutique, ION Orchard, as well as her experience participating in The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2020.

Where is your hometown in Japan?

Yokohama.

What sparked your interests in jewellery design?

Every jewellery store in a shopping mall!

Why did you choose to study at Raffles College of Higher Education in Singapore?

The reason why I chose Raffles College of Higher Education is because it has a strong programme in design in general, and of course in jewellery design. It also has a partnership with Coventry University, England.

Can you share with us more about your time in Singapore and how it has shaped your journey in becoming a jewellery designer?

I am extremely grateful for the many opportunities given to me during my time in Singapore, to help me pursue my dream and grow as a jewellery designer.

For the first design collaboration between Raffles College of Higher Education and RISIS, it was an honour that my design was chosen as the final one. The Midori Collection comprises of a set of ring, earrings and necklace made with prasiolite (green amethyst). “Midori” means green in Japanese, and it is inspired by the picturesque scenery of Japan’s iconic landmark, the bamboo forest.

I was also able to participate in several competitions and exhibitions, receiving precious guidance from industry professionals as well as hands-on experience. When Raffles Jewellery Designers collaborated with Simone Jewellery to showcase exquisite jewellery pieces at the Singapore International Jewellery Expo 2018, I was very lucky to be mentored by Founder and Creative Director, Simone Ng of Simone Jewellery.

For the Caratell Visionary Award 2019, I had the priviledge of receiving mentorship from entrepreneurs and owners of Caratell, Michael Koh and Achillea Teng, during my study in Coventry University’s programme. They provided invaluable guidance from their conceptualisation of ideas and visit to Caratell’s production studio, to understanding the various techniques in translating designs into exquisite pieces of jewellery.

What is your takeaway from The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2020, and your thoughts about the exhibition at JCC? What is the inspiration behind the design and concept of the jewellery piece that you created for The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2020?

By participating in The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2020, I was able to learn in-depth about the history of pearls and how to incorporate pearls in a jewellery piece. As I am a jewellery designer and also Japanese, it was interesting to discover more about how pearls are cultivated and the background of Ise Shima. I was delighted to find out that my design was voted in 8th place.

It was exciting to see other people’s works at the JCC exhibition, because we all have the same theme and use the same pearls, yet everyone's creations were very different. It gave me different perspectives and ideas.

The inspiration behind the design was rice plants. The reason for this choice is that I wanted to show how Japanese culture relies on rice. Rice has been with Japanese culture since the Edo period or even longer.

Receiving certificate from RISIS CEO

Midori Collection

Design for Caratell Visionary Award 2019

Design for The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2020

What do you like about Singapore?

It has a diverse culture and it's very convenient. There isn’t anything that I can’t get in Singapore!

What are your future plans or current focus?

As I currently live in London, my current focus is to learn and enjoy the different cultures in Europe.

Any message or hope towards the relationship between Japan and Singapore?

I wish there was more Singaporean food in Japan! I miss chicken rice and bak kut teh! I think that Singapore's unique food culture is something that can appeal to many Japanese people, and it can serve as a good cross-cultural platform between Singapore and Japan.

As a jewellery designer, I aspire to continue to incorporate my Japanese roots with what I have learned during my time in Singapore into my designs, and share it with as many people as possible.

* All photos used in this article are provided by Mifuyu Fukai and Raffles College of Higher Education.

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