JCC E-Magazine June 2026

Director's Message

With Kazuki Tsubasa, the leading star of the OSK Nippon Revue Company, who kindly signed a poster to JCC! (Photo credit: Ayumi Nagami)

Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

May was another exciting month, packed with a plethora of colourful events, ranging from exploring the variety of options available for further education in Japan, to engaging brain teasers including Sudoku and more! We also had the pleasure of welcoming Kazuki Tsubasa for a special talk at JCC. As the top Otoyaku (男役) of the OSK Nippon Revue Company, she shared the fascinating history and charms of Japanese revue theatre, and even performed popular tunes “Merry-Go-Round of Life” and “Tokyo Boogie Woogie” much to the audience’s delight. The all-female theatre is quite unique and iconic of Japan’s performing arts scene. Following their performance in Singapore in January 2025, OSK Nippon Revue Company will return to perform at Esplanade this October -- and of course, Kazuki Tsubasa will perform there once again, so don’t miss it!

JCC also hosted a porcelain exhibition featuring Japanese artist Ms Maeda Asami and Singaporean artist Ms Teo Huey Min. It was a harmonious dialogue between two female artists from their respective countries, a most fitting way to celebrate SJ60. Their artist talk was equally inspiring, presenting a glimpse into their passion and creative processes.

Harmonious dialogue between Japan and Singapore is beautifully embodied in our current exhibition as well. Co-organised with the Chihiro Art Museum and the Singapore Book Council, this special exhibition showcases picture book illustrations from both countries under the themes of peace and friendship. It was my privilege to address the audience at the opening panel at National Library, where they had the opportunity to hear from the exhibition curators Michiko Matsukata and David Liew, as well as artists The Cabin Company and Priscilla Tey.

With illustrations and picture books on display, JCC has transformed into a warm and inviting space where visitors can relax, appreciate the gentle beauty of the exhibits, and perhaps reconnect with their inner child. Looking at those books, I am reminded of a picture book by Chihiro Iwasaki that I treasured in my own childhood. It remained well-loved in our home for years, as my younger siblings grew up with it too. This speaks volumes about how deeply and enduringly Chihiro Iwasaki's work has touched generations of Japanese children and families, and indeed, how picture books serve as each person's cherished window to the world. What is the picture book that holds a special place in your heart?

Do drop by JCC during the exhibition period to see the picture book illustrations, browse the actual picture books, and even watch a recording of the opening panel. We will also have a special talk by curators David Liew and Michiko Matsukata, as well as artist Priscilla Tey, this Saturday afternoon at JCC.

Stay tuned to our future events, please follow us on our Facebook and Instagram, as well as the SJ60 Facebook page and Instagram! You may also follow the Embassy of Japan in Singapore on their Facebook page as well as their X account for the latest news and updates from Japan.

Kawabe Akiko
Director, Japan Creative Centre (JCC)

5th June 2026

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