JCC E-Magazine November 2025

Director's Message

From left: acclaimed film director Ms Hayakawa Chie, JCC Director Kawabe Akiko, and Singapore-based cinematographer Mr Urata Hideho, on the occasion of these two guest speakers’ insightful masterclass at JCC. This year's Japanese Film Festival proudly opened with the Singapore premiere of their film "Renoir," graced by the presence of both Ms Hayakawa and Mr Urata.

Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

October in Japan usually signals the start of autumn. Meanwhile in Singapore, it was also an extremely fruitful month for JCC. We had our annual Japanese Film Festival, which was met with great response, be it the film screenings or the masterclass. I had the pleasure of attending both its opening, which featured the Singapore debut of “Renoir” and a Q&A session with the film’s director Ms Hayakawa Chie and cinematographer Mr Urata Hideho, and their masterclass at JCC where they shared more about the creative process that takes place behind the screen.

JCC also experienced our share of autumn, with the exhibition by Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135 entitled ‘Autumn Whispers – a gentle dialogue between season and soul’. Our bungalow-style white house was transformed into a beautiful palette of red, orange, and yellow. The exhibition was accompanied with exciting demonstrations and workshops, all of which was a treat for the eyes.

We also had several events that promoted programmes for people interested to study or work in Japan, from the Study in Japan webinars to the JET Programme Briefing sessions. It’s always heartening to see the great amount of interest from Singaporeans, and I wish all potential applicants the best of luck!

November will be yet another busy month for JCC. In fact, “Time Travel in Ginza Street of the Meiji Era – Hyper Edohaku” started last week. Through this unique VR (Virtual Reality) experience, you will travel on a fun and engaging tour of the Meiji Era. I experienced it myself, and it truly exceeded imagination: I genuinely felt transported there!

Coming up next is an exquisite exhibition, "The Timeless Craftsmanship of Maki-e: Namiki – Past, Present, Future," celebrating the enduring artistry and innovation behind this remarkable fusion of traditional Japanese lacquerware and fine fountain pens. I had the privilege of visiting the Maki-e Workshop Namiki in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, earlier this year, and was impressed by the delicate yet opulent craftsmanship on display. We are now delighted to exhibit 30 pieces from their remarkable collection for our friends in Singapore to admire, so don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore the exquisite artistry in the special exhibition, open from 15-22 November! You can also witness live Maki-e demonstrations and fountain pen restoration — for one day only, on Saturday, 15 November.

If you wish to know more about our events, please follow us on our Facebook and Instagram! You may also follow the Embassy of Japan in Singapore on their Facebook page as well as their X account for the latest news and updates from Japan.

Kawabe Akiko
Director, Japan Creative Centre (JCC)

6th November 2025

< Home