Opening Ceremony of Japanese Film Festival 2026
 At the Opening Ceremony of JFF2026 (Photo Credit: @lancelu0724)  During the screening (Photo Credit: @lancelu0724)  Director Ito talking to the audience in the post show Q&A |
Our Japanese Film Festival 2026 started with a spectacular opening ceremony on 1 October at Shaw Theatres Lido, featuring the Singapore premiere of The Keeper of the Camphor Tree, an animation film based on the novel by the late author Mr Higashino Keigo.
The opening event welcomed over 100 guests from the diplomatic missions including Ambassadors, and the Singaporean film industry as well as film enthusiasts. Guests enjoyed a special reception before the screening, with Ambassador’s Chef Mr Tsunoda Takeshi demonstrating his sushi making skills using fresh ingredients from Japan. This year’s JFF commemorates SJ60 with a special programming – featuring several co-productions from Singapore and Japan. Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi and Mr Kenneth Tan, Chairman of the Singapore Film Society, delivered opening speeches to mark this special occasion. Mr Au Chun Long, Deputy Director-General of the Northeast Asia Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore (MFA), also graced the opening as our Guest-of-Honour, alongside the opening film director Mr Ito Tomohiko, who flew in from Japan specially to attend the premiere in person. Guests also watched an exclusive video message by JFF Festival Ambassador Mr Eric Khoo. Following the screening, Director Ito joined us for an insightful Q&A session, moderated by Mr Kenneth Tan. The session offered the guests a rare glimpse into the director’s animation choices and stories behind-the-scenes, including his interactions with the late author Mr Higashino Keigo. |
 A group photo with (from left) Madam Ishikawa Yuko, Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi, Guest-of-Honour Mr Au Chun Long from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Opening Film Director Mr Ito Tomohiko, SFS Chairman Mr Kenneth Tan and JCC Director Ms Kawabe Akiko |
 Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi delivering his remarks |
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 SFS Chairman Mr Kenneth Tan delivering his remarks |
 GOH Deputy Director-General of the Northeast Asia Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore (MFA) Mr Au Chun Long delivering his remarks |
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 Sushi prepared by Ambassador’s Chef Mr Tsunoda Takeshi at the reception |
 Video message by JFF2026 Festival Ambassador Mr Eric Khoo |
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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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