Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

Last month, we were thrilled to celebrate the launch of the book “The Land of the Rising Sun and the Lion City – The Story of Japan and Singapore”. As the title suggests, the book explores the deep and multifaceted friendship between our two countries. Co-edited by Professor Tommy Koh and Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi, it features 68 essays contributed by over 80 individuals from various fields, including diplomacy, business, and culture. I also had the privilege to contribute an essay reflecting on JCC’s activities for the past 15 years and its role in nurturing bilateral...(Click here to read more)

Book Launch of "The Land of the Rising Sun and the Lion City - The Story of Japan and Singapore"

Did you know that a book celebrating the enduring friendship between Singapore and Japan has recently been launched? Co-edited by Professor Tommy Koh, Ambassador-at-large of Singapore, and Ambassador of Japan to Singapore Mr Ishikawa Hiroshi, "The Land of the Rising Sun and the Lion City - The Story of Japan and Singapore" beautifully chronicles the multifaceted...(Click here to read more)

Study in Japan Presentation at MOELC “Japan Week”

The MOE Language Centre held its annual “Japan Week” at its Bishan and Newton campuses on 25 and 28 March respectively. First Secretary Mr Aihara gave a presentation about studying in Japan as well as the 文部科学省 MEXT scholarship to the students currently taking Japanese classes as a third language. The Japan Week events also featured presentations by students about their learning trips to Japan, the students took part in...(Click here to read more)

Study in Japan Presentation at NUS

First Secretary Mr Aihara’s mission to get students interested in studying in Japan continues at the National University of Singapore. His presentation was made possible thanks to a joint hosting by Department of Japanese Studies, National University of Singapore the Centre for Language Studies. Besides sharing about the scholarship awarded by the 文部科学省 MEXT of the Japanese government since its inception in 1954. Mr Aihara...(Click here to read more)

“A Portrait of Shunkin”

On April 12, JCC Director Kawabe attended the stage performance of “A Portrait of Shunkin,” presented by Tang Renaissance at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC). This event was supported by JCC. This performance is based on the novel “Shunkinsho” (『春琴抄』), released in 1933 by prominent Japanese novelist Tanizaki Junichiro (谷崎潤一郎), who was active in the Meiji and Showa eras. The production was...(Click here to read more)

Visit to EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Singapore Pavilion

JCC Director Kawabe Akiko had the pleasure of visiting the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Singapore Pavilion last week, where she received a warm welcome from Ms Carrie Kwik, Executive Director World Expo & Special Projects at Singapore Tourism Board. The pavilion, aptly named the “Dream Sphere,” showcases captivating exhibits that illustrates Singapore’s visions of harmony between nature and people. Along with other visitors...(Click here to read more)

Visit to "Akiko Suwanai and Kahchun Wong – Dvořák and Elgar"

Ambassador Ishikawa and JCC Director Kawabe attended an enchanting concert that captured the essence of friendship on 4 April. Under the baton of Singaporean conductor Kahchun Wong, world-renowned Japanese violinist Akiko Suwanai and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra delivered a performance that created a night to remember. The Victoria Concert Hall audience warmly welcomed Maestro Wong...(Click here to read more)

Visit to Singapore Rugby Sevens

Ambassador Ishikawa cheered on the Japan Women's Rugby Sevens team at their match against Spain on 5 Apr, where Japan claimed a strong 24-12 victory! After the match, Ambassador congratulated the team on their excellent performance which secured the team a historic 5th place- their highest-ever ranking! Wishing Team Japan all the best as they head to the...(Click here to read more)

Visit to “City of Others”

Last Sunday, JCC Director Kawabe visited the “City of Others” exhibition at the National Gallery Singapore. This exhibition highlights Asian artists who were active in Paris from the 1920s to the 1940s. She was deeply impressed by the collection of numerous artworks from Japanese artists, along with many others from Vietnamese and Chinese artists, ― some of whom later settled in Singapore...(Click here to read more)

A Port Town Built on the Flourishing Herring Trade

From the 17th century up until the Meiji period (1868 - 1912), herring would spawn in considerable numbers off the coast of Hokkaido during spring. The fish would be caught and processed in the small port town of Esashi, located at the southernmost tip of Hokkaido. Trade relationships between Esashi and the main Japanese island of Honshu flourished, and the town...(Click here to read more)

Beko Mochi

"Beko mochi" is a local sweet shaped like leaves with branch-like patterns on it with mainly black and white, and has been very familiar with Hokkaido locals. People eat this mochi during the Boy’s festival, May 5th in Hokkaido. There is also a sweet called "Beko mochi" in Aomori Prefecture, with same ingredient but different shape and patterns. It is common to see leave-like black and white two color "Beko mochi" but you can...(Click here to read more)

In this edition of Kizuna Story, JCC speaks to JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) programme participants from Sapporo Kiyota High School, Hokkaido. Learn more about the students and teacher's experience on the JENESYS programme, and their advice to people who are interested...(Click here to read more)

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 around May 2. Though, in leap year such as 2024, 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...(Click here to read more)