Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

Last month, we immersed ourselves in the worlds of two different but equally wonderful traditional Japanese cultures. The first was Ikebana through the school of Ikenobo, which dates back to more than 550 years ago. I had the pleasure of enjoying both the exhibition and the demonstration, with insightful commentary from Dr Leonard Lim, President of Ikenobo Ikebana Society, Singapore Chapter, illuminating the history, philosophy and various...(Click here to read more)

Invitation to Ikenobo Ikebana ~ An exhibition and demonstration by Ikenobo Singapore Chapter ~

A one-day Ikenobo exhibition was held at JCC on 24 May 2025, in collaboration with Ikenobo Ikebana Society, Singapore Chapter. Twenty-four members of the Singapore Chapter showcased 3 different Ikenobo styles – rikka, shoka, and freestyle – in their beautiful Ikebana arrangements. A full house audience was also treated to an exclusive introduction and demonstration of...(Click here to read more)

Step into the World of Shogi ~ Talk & Practice Game ~

On 31 May, JCC hosted a shogi talk and practice game event with professional shogi player Mr Hirotaka Nozuki, ranked 8-dan (Hachidan). Supported by Japan Shogi Association, the event welcomed participants of all experience levels in shogi, including those who were only learning about shogi for the first time. Nozuki Hachidan gave an introduction to shogi, including its history and cultural significance, and furthermore...(Click here to read more)

Opening Ceremony of "Ikebana and You" exhibition

H.E. Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi attended the opening ceremony as the Guest of Honour for Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135’s “Ikebana and You” exhibition at the Atrium of Paragon Shopping Centre on 16 May. He was accompanied by Madam Ishikawa, who also enjoyed the colourful and harmonious Ikebana arrangements. Ms Anna Kwan, President of Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135, opened the event with a...(Click here to read more)

Study in Japan Presentation at MOELC Bishan

First Secretary and Education Attaché Mr Aihara continues tirelessly in his mission to promote the MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) scholarship to Singaporeans and the advantages of studying in Japan on a scholarship sponsored by the Japanese government. In the latest of his ‘Study in Japan’ presentation, Mr Aihara visited MOELC Bishan once again to share with JC 1 and 2 students...(Click here to read more)

Visit to the commemoration ceremony of Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum's 10th anniversary

Congratulations to the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum on its 10th anniversary! Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi celebrated the occasion at the commemoration ceremony, together with Guest of Honour President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, NUS Provost Prof Aaron Thean and LKCNHM Head A/P Darren Yeo Chong Jinn. Highlights included the...(Click here to read more)

Visit to MOELC 43rd Annual Prize Presentation Ceremony

The Ministry of Education Language Centre (MOELC) held its 43rd Annual Prize Presentation Ceremony on Thursday, 8 May 2025 at the Newton Campus Auditorium. Among the many outstanding students recognised for their achievements in foreign language learning, The Embassy of Japan was proud to witness the accomplishments of those who studied at the Japanese Language Department. This year, Ms Chong Shin Yang received...(Click here to read more)

Visit to the Opening of the “Chawan: A Shared Spirit”

JCC Director Kawabe had the pleasure of meeting talented Singaporean potters at the opening event of the “Chawan: A Shared Spirit” exhibition at Mulan Gallery on May 9th. Together with Japanese artists, they crafted stunning tea bowls, showcasing intricate designs and artistic excellence. The Exhibition beautifully celebrates the fusion of creativity and...(Click here to read more)

Visit to the Opening of the Singapore International Festival of Arts

JCC Director Kawabe had the pleasure of attending the captivating launch performance of SIFA, titled “The Sea and the Neighbourhood,” at the SIFA Pavilion in Bedok Town Square on 16 May. The evening featured a harmonious blend of dynamic dance, ethereal strings and flutes, lively drums, beautiful vocals and creative visuals that evoked the spirit of the ocean. The event was...(Click here to read more)

Visit to "Ikebana and You" exhibition

Organised by Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135, the exhibition at the Atrium of Paragon Shopping Centre demonstrates various styles of Ikebana, a Japanese art form of flower arrangement. JCC Director Akiko Kawabe visited the venue today and enjoyed the colorful, creative and sometimes tranquil creations of local Ikebana artists...(Click here to read more)

Visit to "Wonders of Nature" exhibition

JCC Director Kawabe together with JCC staff visited the Wonders of Nature exhibition featuring artists based in Japan and Singapore! Inspired by a trip to the Ueno zoo with his daughter, exhibition curator Warren Wee re-imagined a family friendly exhibition where visitors get to step into a magical world of nature and biodiversity. The colourful and intriguing art pieces...(Click here to read more)

Japanese Tea: Eight Centuries of Tradition

Drinking tea is an integral part of Japanese culture. The custom can be traced back to as early as the ninth century, but production began on a much larger scale around the year 1200, after the Buddhist priest Eisai (1141 - 1215) brought back a new type of tea from China. Tea was initially cultivated in Toganoo, the western part of present-day Kyoto City, and gradually spread to Uji and...(Click here to read more)

Grilled Hamo (Pike Conger Eel)

Pike conger eel, often referred to as Hamo, plays an essential role in Kyoto's cuisine. It thrives in the seas influenced by warm currents, and several tons are caught annually in the Tango waters. However, most of the Hamo consumed in Kyoto comes from the Seto Inland Sea or the Genkai Sea. Resembling eels or conger eels in shape, some Hamo can reach almost 2 meters in length. The larger ones are often over ten years old. These fish...(Click here to read more)

Outings to View Traditional Theatre

Kids today do not have many opportunities to see Japanese traditional theatrical performances. Many middle and high schools, therefore, schedule outings to see live performances of traditional stage arts in the hopes of piquing students' interest in traditional culture.

Like field trips and school excursions, these outings are made by the entire grade or school. In and around Tokyo, most students go to see performances of kabuki or noh. But in rural areas, outings may be made to view...(Click here to read more)