JCC E-Magazine March 2022

The Secret Beauty of Ise Shima - Akoya Pearls & Ama Diver ~ The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2021 Singapore Edition ~

Overview

"The Secret Beauty of Ise Shima - Akoya Pearls & Ama Diver ~ The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2021 Singapore Edition ~" returned to JCC for a second time, and we were delighted to congratulate the winning entries in person at JCC! Besides that, we also explored the different sides of Kagawa, Tokushima, Kochi, as well as Yonaguni Island through our online livestreams.

This month, JCC's exhibition will feature the creative communities in Tottori and Kamiyama. Do also join us for the online discussion with Dr. Simone Chung and Associate Professor Motohiro Koizumi to learn more.

Director's Message

Konnichiwa!

The past month was certainly an exciting one, as we journeyed deep into lesser-known regions of Japan. Even though we are physically in Singapore, I am sure that many people could still feel the local charms of Kagawa, Kochi, Tokushima, and the westernmost Yonaguni Island in Okinawa.

Besides that, it was my great pleasure to open "The Secret Beauty of Ise Shima – Akoya Pearls & Ama Diver ~ The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2021 Singapore Edition ~” at JCC for a second time. It was wonderful to see many participants..(Click here to read more)

JCC Events

		Wellness Redefined: Shikoku Virtual Trip ~ A rejuvenation adventure just for you! ~ Organised by JCC (Japan Creative Centre) and the Prefectural Government Offices of Kagawa, Tokushima, Kochi, our “Wellness Redefined: Shikoku Virtual Trip - A rejuvenation adventure just for you!” was held online successfully on Saturday, 12 February! More than 150 viewers tuned in on our FB LIVE webinar to learn more about relaxing trip itineraries in three different prefectures...(Click here to read more)

		Opening Ceremony of The Secret Beauty of Ise Shima - Akoya Pearls & Ama Diver ~ The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2021 Singapore Edition ~ The opening for "The Secret Beauty of Ise Shima - Akoya Pearls and Ama Diver" in collaboration with Pearl Falco Corporation was held on 17 February 2022 at Japan Creative Centre by JCC Director Toru Furugori and Ms Maiko Makito of Pearl Falco. The event was livestreamed on Facebook and...(Click here to read more)

		Life on Yonaguni Island ~ Song, Dance, and Handicraft ~ On 18 February 2022, Japan Foundation Asia Center, Ryukyu Art Embassy, and JCC held the livestream event “Life on Yonaguni Island ~ Song, Dance, and Handicraft ~”. Over 50 participants tuned into learn more from local craftsmen and artists about life on Yonaguni Island, and the traditional art forms practiced there. Thanks to the lively event, Participants could feel...(Click here to read more)

		Discovering Ise Shima & Ama Divers "Discovering Ise Shima & Ama Divers" was held online on 19 February 2022 at Japan Creative Centre. With the aim of introducing the hometown of Akoya pearls, the talk was hosted by Ms Makito Maiko of Pearl Falco. The programme featured a live tour of Ise City and participants experienced the streets of Ise and local food. The session was also followed by a Q&A session with an Ama diver – or Pearl Collectors from Shima City where...(Click here to read more)

		Closing Ceremony of The Secret Beauty of Ise Shima - Akoya Pearls & Ama Diver ~ The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2021 Singapore Edition ~ The Secret Beauty of Ise Shima - Akoya Pearls & Ama Diver exhibition at JCC (Japan Creative Centre) concluded today, and the winners of The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2021 were announced. Congratulations to all winners and great job to all participants! Please do watch the archived video on...(Click here to read more)

JCC Related Events

Chingay50 Special Showcase

On 12 February 2022, Ambassador Jun Yamazaki was invited to the Chingay50 Special Showcase at Jewel Changi Airport. At the event, Hibikiya performed a traditional Japanese lion dance, known as獅子舞‘shishimai,’ on the bright stage together with performers from various countries. Afterwards, Ambassador Yamazaki met Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and celebrated...(Click here to read more)

Visits

Ms Tanja M. Sadow's Visit to The Secret Beauty of Ise Shima - Akoya Pearls & Ama Diver ~ The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2021 Singapore Edition ~

Dean and Founder of JDMIS - Jewellery Design and Management International School, Singapore Ms Tanja M. Sadow visited JCC (Japan Creative Centre) today for our current exhibition, The Secret Beauty of Ise Shima – Akoya Pearls & Ama Diver ~ The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2021 Singapore...(Click here to read more)

Ambassador's Visit to The Secret Beauty of Ise Shima - Akoya Pearls & Ama Diver ~ The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2021 Singapore Edition ~

On 22 February, H.E. Ambassador Jun Yamazaki visited JCC to see “The Secret Beauty of Ise Shima - Akoya Pearls & Ama Diver ~ The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2021 Singapore Edition ~”. He was guided by Ms Maiko Makito, the Managing Director and Co-owner of Pearl Falco Corporation, and...(Click here to read more)

Cultural Articles

Spreading Wings over Tottori

The name Tottori (written 鳥取 in Japanese) is made up of the kanji characters meaning 鳥 ‘bird’, and取 which means ‘to get’. The name is said to have come from an ancient community that lived in the vicinity of Mount Kyusho. They were known as the ‘Totoribe’ (written 鳥取部 in Japanese) and made their living by catching waterfowl, which was found in abundance in the region. Though the Totoribe people no longer exist, birds continue to be...(Click here to read more)

Through the Lens of Japan's Greatest Filmmakers

The 2021 Japanese film Drive My Car, directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, has recently made history by becoming the first Japanese film nominated for Best Picture at the upcoming Oscars. The film has also garnered nominations for Best Director, Best International Feature Film, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Aside from the Oscars, this Japanese production has also received recognition and accolades across the European film festival circuit...(Click here to read more)

Featured Article of the Month

Unmasking Traditional Japanese Theatre in Singapore - Interview With Dr Lim Beng Choo

In this edition of Kizuna Story, JCC speaks to Dr Lim Beng Choo, Associate Professor at the Department of Japanese Studies, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, National University of Singapore (NUS). Learn more about her journey with Japan and Japanese culture, especially in the field of traditional Japanese theatre...(Click here to read more)

Japanese Cultural Fact for March

Vernal Equinox Day and Higan

March 20 or 21 is Shunbun no Hi, or Vernal Equinox Day, a day when the sun crosses the equator making night and day equal in length. It's a national holiday in Japan, a day to commune with nature and to show our affection for all living things.

The seven-day period starting three days before Vernal Equinox Day and ending three days after is called higan. Higan, which also occurs around Autumnal Equinox Day, is...(Click here to read more)

Upcoming Events at JCC

02.03.2022 - 12.03.2022

The Art of Living: Creative Communities in the 21st Century ~ Tottori and Kamiyama ~

Supported Events

12.03.2022 & 19.03.2022	Elements of Ikebana workshops @ Gardens By The Bay (12 March / 19 March)
04.03.2022 - 03.04.2022	Sakura featuring tokidoki @ Gardens By The Bay (Sakura Cultural Programmes)

Notice

■ The Japan Foundation grant program for FY2022 (Japanese / English)

■ Enjoy Free Japanese Lessons here on NHK World!

Notices regarding the COVID-19 situation

■ JCC has updated our Safety Measures

■ Japanese Government Initiatives for COVID-19

■ Embassy of Japan in Singapore Facebook