Konnichiwa!

The events at JCC continued full steam ahead in February. To end off their ceramic exhibition, Mr Yukiharu Furuno and Mr Takanao Todo had an insightful talk about the concept of ‘post-wabi’ as well as their journeys as artists. We then shone the spotlight on Ise Shima with the exhibition ‘Unveiling the Secret Gem – Ise Shima ~ The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2022 Singapore Edition ~’ and its talk events. It is our third consecutive time co-organising this, but I am always amazed at the diversity in designs from contestants of different countries. Plus, I was very encouraged...(Click here to read more)

POST-WABI: Artist Talk

On 4 February 2023, an artist talk was held at JCC (Japan Creative Centre) by ceramists, Mr. Yukiharu Furuno and Mr. Takanao Todo, in conjunction with the Post-Wabi exhibition. The 2-hour event saw a full house of guests who were invested in the presentation. Mr. Todo first introduced what Wabi and Post-Wabi is, how the concept came to light, as well as his different series of works. Next, Mr. Furuno gave an inspiring and captivating talk on his...(Click here to read more)

Opening Ceremony of Unveiling the Secret Gem – Ise Shima: The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2022 Singapore Edition exhibition

The opening ceremony of Unveiling the Secret Gem – Ise Shima: The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2022 Singapore Edition exhibition was held in collaboration with Pearl Falco Corporation at JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on Friday, 10 February 2023. JCC Director Mr. Toru Furugori, Ms Maiko Makito...(Click here to read more)

Explore Ise Shima with Ama Diver & Local Media

A talk on Explore Ise Shima with Ama Diver & Local Media was held on Saturday, 11 February 2023 at JCC, as part of Unveiling the Secret Gem – Ise Shima: The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2022 Singapore Edition exhibition. Both Ms. Maiko Makito of Pearl Falco Corporation and Mr. Tomoaki Azuma, Movie Producer, Managing Director of Kicksmash 21, and President of Shima Nature School gave a talk and presentation about Ise Shima...(Click here to read more)

Japan-Singapore Space Business Matching Event

On 17 February 2023, Embassy of Japan in Singapore, together with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Office for Space Technology and Industry, Singapore (OSTIn) organised the Japan-Singapore Space Business Matching Event which provided opportunities for space business network between Japan and Singapore, with the aim of strengthening the relationship between the two countries to realise space...(Click here to read more)

Styling with Your Brilliant Pearls

Ms Maiko Makito from Pearl Falco and Ms Kanako Mori from L’AtelierK held a talk entitled ‘Styling with Your Brilliant Pearls’ at Japan Creative Centre (JCC) on 18 February 2023, regarding pearls and how to adorn yourself with them. Ms Mori gave a comprehensive presentation about how to wear pearls appropriately depending on your features and style. Ms Makito introduced the different cultured pearls, misconceptions and tips on caring for...(Click here to read more)

Closing Ceremony of Unveiling the Secret Gem – Ise Shima: The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2022 Singapore Edition exhibition

Unveiling The Secret Gem – Ise Shima exhibition at JCC (Japan Creative Centre) concluded on 18 February 2023, and the top five winners of The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2022, as well as the next competition’s theme, were announced. Congratulations to all winners and great job to all...(Click here to read more)

The Reception to Celebrate the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan (2023)

On 23 February 2023, Ambassador Ishikawa hosted a reception in celebration of the 63rd birthday of His Majesty the Emperor. Ambassador Ishikawa reflected on the excellent bilateral relationship between Japan and Singapore. We were also honored to have the presence of Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information, Ms Yeo Wan Ling...(Click here to read more)

A Creative Palette of Flavours ~ Introducing Shonai's Culinary Culture ~

A Creative Palette of Flavours ~ Introducing Shonai's Culinary Culture ~ was held successfully in 2 different sessions on 25 February 2023. JCC Director Mr. Toru Furugori gave a warm welcome to the participants for both sessions that garnered an attendance of more than 150 participants. After which, they learnt about the history and background of the Shonai region located in...(Click here to read more)

Visit by Dr. Yuri Sato, Executive Vice President of The Japan Foundation

Dr. Yuri Sato, Executive Vice President of The Japan Foundation, paid a visit to JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on 10 February 2023, and was welcomed by JCC Director Mr. Toru Furugori. She was also given a tour of the ongoing exhibition entitled “Unveiling the Secret Gem – Ise Shima: The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2022 Singapore Edition” by Ms. Maiko Makito...(Click here to read more)

Visit by students from Takasaki City University of Economics

On 16 February 2023, students from Takasaki City University of Economics visited JCC (Japan Creative Centre) where they learnt more about Singapore and the functions of Embassy of Japan and JCC, from Ms. Mai Hanawa, Second Secretary and Ms. Keiko Soeda, JCC Event Team Manager. Many fruitful discussions were laid out through topics such as women’s status in Singapore, elderly care, Singaporean lifestyles, Singlish...(Click here to read more)

Ambassador and Madam's visit to Unveiling the Secret Gem – Ise Shima: The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2022 Singapore Edition exhibition

H.E. Ambassador Ishikawa and Mdm. Ishikawa visited the Unveiling the Secret Gem – Ise Shima: The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2022 Singapore Edition exhibition on 16 February 2023. Both of them had the wonderful opportunity to explore and learn more about the mysterious pearls and the exhibition...(Click here to read more)

The Tale Behind Fukui’s Love for Abura-age

Did you know that the people of Fukui prefecture consume abura-age (fried tofu) twice as much as the national average? Compared to elsewhere in Japan where fried tofu is usually found in thin sheets, in Fukui, this particular tofu dish is thick and fluffy on the inside. It has been a favourite of the local people since long ago, and the reasons are deeply rooted in history. Around the 6th century, Buddhism was introduced to Japan, and this...(Click here to read more)

Cherry Blossom Sightings

When people are asked which season they would like to visit Japan, more often than not the answer is spring, and more specifically, the cherry blossom season. Indeed, the fleeting sight of blooming cherry blossoms captivates both locals and tourists and is so strongly associated with Japan, that it is even recognised as the unofficial national flower. The oldest cherry blossom tree in Japan is Yamataka Jindai Sakura located in...(Click here to read more)

Hina Matsuri

March 3 is Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival or Girls' Festival), when people pray for the happiness and healthy growth of girls. Families with young daughters mark this day by setting up a display of dolls inside the house. They offer rice crackers and other food to the dolls.

The dolls wear costumes of the imperial court during the Heian period (794-1185) and are placed on a tiered platform covered with red felt. The size of the dolls and number of steps vary, but usually the displays are of five or seven layers; single-tiered...(Click here to read more)