JCC E-Magazine March 2018

Director's Message

Happy Lunar New Year!

I hope that it has been a prosperous start to the Lunar New Year for everyone. I can certainly say that it was a flourishing one, as far as JCC’s events are concerned.

As always, it was a great delight to introduce the different layers of Japanese culture. Whether it was presenting the local charms of the Fukuoka and Okinawa prefectures, showcasing the traditional and modern Kimono styles, or reflecting on the lessons learnt from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

At the same time, I find it very wonderful to have Singaporeans also shed light on various Japanese culture topics such as exchange programmes, and the anime and manga scene in Singapore. Such events truly highlight the cultural interactions and exchanges not just between countries, but also on a people-to-people level.

Our JCC Cinema screenings have returned after a three month hiatus. I was just as excited as everyone, especially with the screening of not one film, but two films – ‘Jimami Tofu’ and ‘I Want To Go Home’. Both films are equally poignant, and can be said to be the hallmark of Singapore-Japan collaborations. ‘Jimami Tofu’ is a co-production between BananaMana Films and the Okinawa Film Office, while ‘I Want To Go Home’ is about a Japanese man’s loss in the 3.11 Great East Japan Earthquake and directed by a Singaporean. The film director and cast - Jason Chan and Christian Lee made a special appearance for the ‘Jimami Tofu’ screening at JCC. This film will have its premiere screening in Singapore on 28 March, and you should not miss this film. Also, the film director Wesley Leon Aroozo presented ‘I Want To Go Home’ at JCC, and talked about the making of his film. I believe that having them share their personal insights with the audience, made the events more meaningful for everyone.

The beginning of March marks the start of more inspiring and unique programmes. The Japanese Film Festival is finally back, with more classics and box-office hits. JCC is also hosting the exhibition which features the latest creations by Singaporean artist Ros Lee, influenced by Hinamatsuri, also known as Girl’s Day in Japan. Sakura Matsuri is also due to commence at Gardens By The Bay on 16 March 2018, and JCC will have our very own booth starting from the Good Friday weekend.

Just like spring, March is blooming with colour and vibrancy, and all of these events will be a treat for the eyes. So please join me and my JCC team at any or all of these events!

Akiko Sugita
Director, Japan Creative Centre (JCC)
Embassy of Japan in Singapore
5th March 2018

< Home