JCC E-Magazine November 2023

Director's Message

From the right: JCC Director Akiko Kawabe, film directors Ryo Takebayashi and Jasper Sharp, together with colleagues from Singapore Film Society and JCC.

Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

As the year approaches an end, the weather in Japan is turning cooler with the transition into the fall season. While Singapore cannot experience the four seasons directly, I hope that you were able to appreciate a slice of autumn during the Ikebana exhibition co-organised with Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135. It was wonderful to witness the transient beauty of autumn in the form of creative Ikebana arrangements at JCC.

The annual Japanese Film Festival (JFF) also kickstarted last month, and I was delighted that four film directors could travel to Singapore to join JFF this year, Directors Ryo Takebayashi, Jasper Sharp, Lim Kah Wai and Junta Yamaguchi. The photo is from the opening night with everyone in the “hato” (鳩) pose that induced our laughter in Mr Takebayashi’s opening film “Mondays: See You ‘This’ Week!”. JCC was also privileged to host masterclasses by Mr Sharp and Mr Lim, who shared their intriguing insights on the history of Japanese horror movies and independent films, respectively, including international perspectives.

The festivities of JFF will continue until 20 December with the Short Film Competition (the 15 November deadline is fast approaching!) and the Singapore Premiere Screening of “The Pearl Legacy” (親のお金はだれのもの), scheduled on 26 November at Our Tampines Hub. At the point of writing this message, I just heard the news that actor Tomokazu Miura (三浦友和), who stars in the film, has been conferred a decoration by the Government of Japan! The film features the Ise Shima region of Japan, so we can expect beautiful sceneries of its coast and traditional spots. Cinema is an excellent medium to get in touch and dive deep into another country’s culture. I am sure that everyone can learn something new about Japan and Japanese culture from this year’s selection, or even walk away with a fresh perspective.

If you wish to come into contact with Japan and Japanese culture in person, the Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Programme is a great opportunity. JCC recently held two briefings for interested candidates, online and offline, and I believe that they were able to gain a better understanding. For those who missed both briefing sessions, we can share the presentation materials upon request. Please check our Facebook for more details, and submit your application before the deadline of 4pm on 10 November. I wish all JET applicants the best of luck!

JCC has numerous events scheduled for November as well. To stay informed about our upcoming activities, please follow us on our Facebook and Instagram! You may also follow the Embassy of Japan in Singapore on their Facebook page for the latest news and updates from Japan.

Akiko Kawabe
Director, Japan Creative Centre (JCC)

4th November 2023

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