| JCC E-Magazine May 2016 |  |
(From left to right) Mrs Joy Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Grand Master Dr Genshitsu Sen,
H.E. President Tony Tan Keng Yam, Mrs Mary Tan, H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Mrs Yuko Shinoda
(Photo from Dr Tony Tan's Facebook Page)
Overview
Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies swept the month of April during the impactful year of SJ50. From a memorable visit by the distinguished Urasenke Grandmaster Dr Genshitsu Sen to numerous in-house tea ceremonies by Urasenke Singapore and Liu Xiang Tea Craft, we were astonished by the turnout and wonderful support given by our Friends of JCC. Along with the arrival of our new Ambassador Kenji Shinoda, we are all the more dedicated in our efforts to showcase the many splendours of Japan. Be sure to join us for our exciting upcoming events!
Director's Message
 © George Lonezmoon Photography 2014 |
A great number of amazing kick-off events was held in April to celebrate our SJ50 festivities. Urasenke Grandmaster, Dr Genshitsu Sen's visit to Singapore was an epoch making moment for us. Dr Sen, 92 then (he turned 93 on 19th April) warmly welcomed our Guest of Honour, Former President S.R. Nathan, one year his junior, during his tea ritual ceremony at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). The tea ceremony served as their reunion as Dr Sen and Former President Nathan had...(Click here to read more) |
JCC Events
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JCC Cinema 45: Fukushima Hula Girls
Our monthly JCC Cinema was held on Saturday, 2nd April 2016 at the multipurpose hall of Japan Creative Centre (JCC). Commemorating the 5th Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami tragedy, an uplifting documentary ‘Fukushima Hula Girls’ was screened for the audience. The documentary was created after a devastating earthquake struck Iwaki City, Fukushima, Japan on 11th March 2011. The city is the home to...(Click here to read more) |
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Tea Dedication and Sharing for Friendship and World Peace by Dr Genshitsu Sen, 15th Generation Grand Master of Urasenke
Dr Genshitsu Sen, 15th Generation Grand Master of Urasenke, conducted a Ritual Tea Dedication and Tea Sharing in prayer of world peace and the continuing friendship between Singapore and Japan in light of SJ50 (50th Anniversary of Singpore-Japan Diplomatic Relations) on Wednesday, 13th April 2016 at Asian Civilisations Museum. Co-organised by Embassy...(Click here to read more) |
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 (Photo from Dr Tony Tan's Facebook Page) |
Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstration at Istana by Dr Genshitsu Sen, 15th Generation Grand Master of Urasenke
Dr Genshitsu Sen, 15th Generation Grand Master of Urasenke, conducted a Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstration at the Istana on Thursday, 14th April 2016, as part of a series of commemorative events to mark SJ50 – the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan this year. His Excellency Tony Tan Keng Yam – President of the...(Click here to read more) |
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Singapore's Teh Tarik & English Tea Lecture & Demonstration in comparison with Japanese Tea
On Saturday, 16th April 2016, as part of our ‘The Way of Tea: Tea Culture of Singapore and Japan Exhibition’, we hosted a lecture and demonstration on ‘Singapore’s English Tea and Teh Tarik in Comparison with Japanese Tea’ together with Liu Xiang Tea Craft. Liu Xiang Tea Craft, founded by Mr Lee Chee Keong (better known as Lee-sensei) is a centre of learning...(Click here to read more) |
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Singapore's Chinese Tea Lecture & Demonstration in comparison with Japanese Tea
A second lecture and demonstration, part of the ‘The Way of Tea: Tea Culture of Singapore and Japan Exhibition’ took place at Japan Creative Centre (JCC) on Saturday, 23rd April 2016. ‘Singapore’s Chinese Tea in Comparison with Japanese Tea’ was hosted by Liu Xiang Tea Craft who specialises in the art of Chinese tea serving. Mr Lee Chee Keong is the master of...(Click here to read more) |
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Japanese Tea Lecture & Demonstration
A Japanese Tea Lecture and Demonstration by Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association (Urasenke Singapore) was held on Saturday, 30th April 2016 at Japan Creative Centre (JCC), as part of ‘The Way of Tea: Tea Culture of Singapore and Japan’ exhibition. Headed by Ms Sochoku Nakabayashi, Chief Administrator of Urasenke Singapore, the lecture and demonstration was conducted in 2 sessions that included a guided tour...(Click here to read more) |
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SJ50 Supported Events
 © Raffles Institution (RI) |
The 2nd Raffles Institution - Singapore Japanese Secondary School Collaboration Project on Science and Cultural Exchanges
The 2nd Raffles Institution- Singapore Japanese Secondary School Collaboration Project on Science and Cultural Exchange was completed on 25 February 2016. The 2016 collaboration project rides on the success of their first collaboration project in 2014, which carried the theme ‘Waste Management...(Click here to read more) |
Visits
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Visit by His Excellency Ambassador Kenji Shinoda
Our newly arrived H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda visited JCC (Japan Creative Centre) and The Way of Tea: Tea Culture of Singapore and Japan Exhibition on Friday, 8th April 2016. Accompanied by JCC Director Ms Misako Ito, H.E. Kenji Shinoda experienced Teicha (Japanese tea-serving) and was given an in-depth lecture on the history of both Japanese and Singaporean tea cultures. His Excellency toured the special...(Click here to view more) |
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Visit by Dr Genshitsu Sen, 15th Generation Grand Master of Urasenke
Dr Genshitsu Sen, 15th Generation Grand Master of Urasenke, visited JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on Thursday, 14th April 2016 as part of his Singapore tour to share ‘Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea’. Accompanied by H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Deputy Chief of Mission Mr Naohiro Tsutsumi, Grand Master viewed The Way of Tea: Tea Culture...(Click here to view more) |
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Visit by Mr Satoshi Wakisaka, President and Chief Executive Officer of Asahi Broadcasting Corporation
Mr Satoshi Wakisaka, President and Chief Executive Officer of Asahi Broadcasting Corporation, visited JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on Friday, 15th April 2016. Accompanied by Director of JCC Ms Misako Ito, Mr Wakisaka had a guided tour at The Way of Tea: Tea Culture of Singapore and Japan Exhibition and the special exhibition which marks the visit of Dr Genshitsu Sen...(Click here to view more) |
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H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda with Dr Genshitsu Sen, 15th Generation Grand Master of Urasenke
Dr Genshitsu Sen, 15th Generation Grand Master of Urasenke, met H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda on Friday, 15th April 2016 to express his appreciation for all the arrangements during his stay in Singapore. Grand Master was on a 4-day visit from 10th - 15th April 2016 as part of his efforts to share ‘Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea’ and celebrate the year of SJ50. |
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Visit by CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations) Singapore
The newly arrived representatives from CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations) Singapore visited Japan Creative Centre (JCC) on Monday, 18th April 2016. Mr Masanori Kawabata, Deputy Director of JCC & Second Secretary, provided a brief explanation about the functions of the centre to the new incumbents...(Click here to view more) |
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Visit by Mr Tan Hee Teck, President & CEO of Genting Singapore PLC
Mr Tan Hee Teck, President & CEO of Genting Singapore PLC visited Japan Creative Centre (JCC) on Wednesday, 4th May 2016. Accompanied by H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda, Mr Tan viewed ‘The Way of Tea: Tea Culture of Singapore and Japan’ Exhibition and experienced tea serving and demonstration by Urasenke. The Ambassador also shared about this year’s SJ50 and discussed about possible collaborations with Mr Tan. |
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| 50th Anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations |
26th April 2016 marks the 50th Anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations. It was on this day that Japan raised its Consulate-General in Singapore to the status of an Embassy, thus marking the beginning of official diplomatic ties between our two countries.
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Exchange of Congratulatory Messages between Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore
On 26 April 2016 (Tuesday), Japan and Singapore marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two nations. (Click here to read more) | |
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Celebrating 50 years of friendship
The Business Times | 26th April 2016 | Page 13 Japan's ambassador-designate to Singapore Kenji Shinoda talks about plans to further deepen bilateral ties between the two countries. FIFTY years after diplomatic relations were established between Singapore and Japan, ties between the two nations are as strong as they have ever been, according to to the newly arrived Japanese ambassador to the Republic...(Click here to read more) |
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Japanese Cultural Fact for May
 © Kids Web Japan / Saga Prefecture / JNTO |
Hachiju-Hachiya
Hachiju-hachiya literally means "88 nights," and refers to the eighty-eighth day after risshun, the first day of spring on the traditional Japanese calendar. On the modern calendar, it usually falls on May 2. Though, in leap year such as 2008, it is May 1. Quite often in April, nighttime temperatures can fall really low even when it's hot during the day, and it's not unusual for frost to set in. But strangely enough, after hachiju-hachiya frost almost...(Click here to read more) |
Science & Technology Information in Japan
 © Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) |
Japan Plays an Important Role on the International Space Station On August 24, 2015, the KOUNOTORI 5 cargo spacecraft arrived at the International Space Station. KOUNOTORI 5 was captured by astronaut Kimiya Yui, who was on a long-duration mission on the ISS. On the ground, astronaut Koichi Wakata assisted the docking as lead CAPCOM (capsule communicator). It was the first time that the two roles were handled by Japanese at the...(Click to read more) |
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 © Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) |
Venus Climate Orbiter "AKATSUKI" AKATSUKI was successfully inserted into orbit around Venus in December 2015. A previous attempt, five years ago, failed due to a damaged engine, and since then the probe has been orbiting the Sun, waiting for the next opportunity to approach Venus. Now, tests of observation equipment have been completed, and full-scale observation is due to begin around April. JAXA asked AKATSUKI Project Scientist Takeshi Imamura what...(Click to read more) |
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 © RIKEN |
K computer provides new insights into fullerenes Fullerenes — also known as "buckeyballs" — are ball-shaped molecules named after American inventor Buckminster Fuller. They are, along with graphene and nanotubes, a form of carbon that has opened a new frontier in nanotechnology. Since their discovery in 1985, fullerenes have found applications as antiviral medicines and antioxidants, and also are being contemplated for use in electronics owing to their unique chemical properties...(Click here to read more) |
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 © BSI / RIKEN |
RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI) Brain science is valuable not only for the advancement of science but also because it can greatly impact our society and economy. To meet these expectations, the Brain Science Institute (BSI) was established in 1997 as part of RIKEN, an independent research institution supported by the Japanese government. BSI has a mission to produce innovative research and technology leading to scientific discoveries of the brain. In addition...(Click here to read more) |
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 © CEMS / RIKEN |
RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) The aim of the research carried out at the Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) is to address humanity's energy problems and contribute to building a sustainable society, able to coexist in harmony with the environment. Taking a pioneering role in the new field of emergent materials science, scientists at CEMS are developing new, more efficient technologies that will enable us to produce energy without putting...(Click here to read more) |
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 © RAP / RIKEN |
RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics (RAP) The RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics (RAP) is helping to realize the dream of making the invisible visible by pushing the possibilities of light to the limit. Attosecond lasers will make it possible to see the motion of electrons, near-field optics are making the nanoworld visible, metamaterials are allowing us to manipulate the spectrum and terahertz light will open up new undreamt of technologies. The work of the RIKEN Center for Advanced...(Click here to read more) |
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 © CSRS / RIKEN |
RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) Scientists at the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) carry out research on carbon, nitrogen and metals, based on a fundamental understanding of biological functions and chemical diversity, with the aim to contribute to building a more sustainable society. In the carbon project, they are investigating research on CO2 utilization by enhancing photosynthesis, while conducting metabolic engineering research using...(Click here to read more) |
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 © Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) |
JST Breakthorough Report 2016 Every year JST has published JST Breakthorough Report. The contents are as follows: |
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 © Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) |
J-GLOBAL: Comprehensive Gateway Linking Multiple Scientific and Technological Databases Based on the concepts of linking, expanding and stimulating new ideas, J-GLOBAL links together various types of scientific and technological information—including research papers, patents, researchers and chemical substances—which have tended to be used separately. J-GLOBAL offers opportunities for unexpected discoveries and cross-disciplinary...(Click here to read more) |
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 © Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) |
JST / Center for Research and Development Strategy (CRDS) CRDS aims to fundamentally strengthen JST’s capabilities in R&D strategy formulation and to reinforce JST’s structure as a science and technology funding agency, and to further contribute to Japan’s overall R&D strategy formulation process. (Click here to read more) |
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 © Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) |
The Science for RE-designing Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (Sci REX) Sci REX program aims to promote STI policy making based on a rational process using objective evidence by reforming the policy-making process and developing related interdisciplinary academic fields. (Click here to read more) |
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Education Information in Japan
 © Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) |
Pamphlet on Scholarship for International Students in Japan 2016-2017 "Scholarships for International Students in Japan 2016-2017" contains details of scholarships provided by various organizations that responded to a questionnaire survey carried out by JASSO. (Click here to read more) |
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The 2017 Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarships for Undergraduate, Specialized Training College and Research Students The 2017 Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarships for Undergraduate, Specialized Training College and Research Students are now opened to foreign students. Do not miss the opportunity to study in Japan! (Click here to read more) |
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Free student counselling at the Embassy of Japan Our new Student Advisor Ms Regina provides free student counselling for people interested to study in Japan.The counselling will be held at the Embassy of Japan, 16 Nassim Road, Singapore 258390. No appointment is necessary. Please call 62358855 if you have any queries. There will be no counselling sessions on Embassy holidays. (Click here to read more) |
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 © Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) |
Japan Alumni eNews Vol. 84 April 8, 2016 Japan Student Service Organisation (JASSO) is publishing Japan Alumni the E News every month. The contents are as follows: | |
Japanese Related Publications
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Niponica 2016 No. 18 Niponica is a web magazine that introduces modern Japan to people all over the world. The latest No. 18 issue talks about Blending Technology with Tradition: Amazing Paper in Japan: |
Upcoming Events at JCC
| 10.07.2016 | Japanese Speech Contest 2016 |
| 14.06.2016 - 25.06.2016 | Goraiko Art Exhibition |
| 27.05.2016 | NUS 2016 Field Study to Japan Students' Presentation |
| 28.05.2016 | JCC Cinema 46: The Chef of South Polar [PG] |
| 13.05.2016 - 14.05.2016 | MUJI Health & Beauty Workshop on Sensitive Skin |
| 08.04.2016 - 07.05.2016 | The Way of Tea: Tea Culture of Singapore and Japan Exhibition |
Related Events at JCC
| 29.05.2016 | Four Season Tea Gathering - Early Summer - by Urasenke |
| 20.05.2016 - 22.05.2016 | Super Japan Matsuri @ The Esplanade |
| 13.05.2016 - 22.05.2016 | Super Japan: Festival of Arts @ The Esplanade |
| 10.03.2015 - 31.12.2017 | Fifty Years of Singapore Design Exhibition @ National Design Centre |
SJ50 Notice
Notice
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The Tenth International MANGA Award is now launched! Show us your manga artwork and be honoured at this year's 10th International Manga Award! Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan Foundation honour manga artists who contribute and promote the spread and exchange of manga internationally. Do not miss the chance to win this prestigious award and further your artistic capabilities! (Click here to read more) |
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Japan Creative Centre 4 Nassim Road, Singapore 258372 +65 6737 0434 / jcc@sn.mofa.go.jp http://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/JCC Nearest parking at Orchard Hotel & Delphi Orchard |
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2016 will mark the 50th Anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations | |