Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Embassy of Japan in Singapore, had the pleasure to host the opening ceremony of Ceramic Expressions, an exhibition series showcasing works by Singapore-based ceramicists, on 6th September 2017. This exhibition is co-organised with Mulan Gallery, and features exquisite new works by Agnes Lim, Eddie Yee, Hazel Ng, Hiroko Mita, Tan Gek Lin, as well as guest artist and Master Potter Dr Iskandar Jalil...(Click here to read more)

It was a blast at our JCC Cinema 60: September Fiesta film screenings at Our Tampines Hub last month. '5 Centimetres per Second', an animated movie directed by famous Makoto Shinkai, was screened at the Festive Plaza on 17 September 2017 to over more than 150 audiences of different ages. Also, free popcorn and candy floss were given out to children. The...(Click here to read more)

Around 150 people attended the JET Super Fair at Japanese Association on 22nd September 2017, where JET alumni members mingled with representatives from Japanese Association, Japanese companies and the Embassy of Japan. This event was organised by Embassy of Japan, JETAA Singapore and J. CLAIR. His Excellency Kenji Shinoda, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, and Mr Kenjiro Hashimoto, Executive Director of J. CLAIR...(Click here to read more)

Dr Mamoru Kanzaki, Professor of Kyoto University, spoke about the dynamically-changing relationship between forest and society, in a science and technology lecture held at JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on Friday, 29 September 2017. At the beginning of the session, Mr Masaki Sato, Director of Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) Singapore Office, first introduced...(Click here to read more)

30 September 2017's installment of JCC Cinema was an exciting one at the Japan Creative Centre (JCC) as we screened Kamome Diner, a film that celebrates friendship between Japan and Finland. This screening was graced by H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Madam Yuko Shinoda; the Finnish Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Ambassador Paula Parviainen and her husband; as well as Singapore’s Ambassador to Finland...(Click here to read more)

IKEBANA, back to basics, an ikebana exhibition presented by Ikebana International Singapore chapter 135, opened on 2nd October 2017 at the Japan Creative Centre (JCC). The opening ceremony was graced by Madam Yuko Shinoda, wife of H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda, as well as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Singapore, Minister Naohiro Tsutsumi. After opening statements by Ms Akiko Sugita, Director of JCC, and...(Click here to read more)

Mr Peter Chin, master floral designer and educator led a workshop at Japan Creative Centre (JCC) on 3rd October 2017 as part of 'IKEBANA, back to basics', an exhibition held by Ikebana International Singapore chapter 135. Madam Yuko Shinoda, and Ms Akiko Sugita, director of JCC, graced the workshop as participants. The two-hour-long workshop was split into beginner and advanced sessions; the beginner session gave students an...(Click here to read more)

On 9th September, His Excellency Kenji Shinoda, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore and Madam Shinoda participated the opening ceremony of CharaExpo 2017 (https://chara-expo.com) at Suntec City. Ambassador Shinoda made an opening speech as the GOH, together with Mr Takaaki Kidani, CEO of Bushiroad, Mr Jushin Thunder Liger, the world-renowned legendary figure from New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Mr Hisanori Yoshida...(Click here to read more)

His Excellency Ambassador Shinoda and Mdm. Shinoda attended the 60th Anniversary and Founder's Centennial Celebration of Singapore Cheshire Home on 9th September. The Embassy of Japan has had long friendship with Cheshire Home through the visits by the members of the Spouse Club. Ambassador and Mrs. Shinoda greeted with Minister Tan Chuan Jin, GOH, Chairman...(Click here to read more)

Madam Yuko Shinoda, wife of H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Honourary member of Ikebana International Singapore chapter 135, was invited to grace the Chapter AGM cum Luncheon held by Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135 at One Farrer Hotel & Spa on Wednesday, 13 September 2017. Accompanied by Event Team Manager Mdm Keiko Soeda, this event featured demonstrations by Ms Midori Itai of the Souami-ryu School of...(Click here to read more)

H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Madam Yuko Shinoda had a wonderful time at the 47th Japanese Cultural Festival by The Japanese Cultural Society Singapore at SOTA Concert Hall on 16th September 2017. They enjoyed a dynamic performance by Ondekoza Odaiko from Japan and Takachiho Kagura Group from Miyazaki Prefecture, as well as showcases of taiko (Japanese drums), koto (Japanese harp), a kimono parade, and...(Click here to read more)

JCC (Japan Creative Centre) was invited to be part of Embassies of the World, an event organised by Metropolitan YMCA Singapore that celebrated the United Nations International Day of Peace with various Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates in Singapore on 20 September 2017. A group of six peace envoys comprising students from Singapore and international schools...(Click here to read more)

H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Madam Yuko Shinoda visited Ceramic Expressions, an exhibition series showcasing works by Singapore-based ceramicists at JCC (Japan Creative Centre) on 12 September 2017. Accompanied by renowned Singaporean Master Potter Dr Iskandar Jalil, as well as Ms Hazel Ng – one of the participating artists, both Ambassador and Madam had a tour around to understand the inspirations, meanings...(Click here to view more)

H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda visited the National Library to meet Mrs Elaine Ng, CEO, NLB and received a guided tour on 21 September 2017. Mrs Wai Yin Prke, Director, National Library, Mr Luke Chua, Manager, International Relations and Development, Mr Mohamed Saleem, Assistant Manager, International Relations and Development, as well as Ms Akiko Sugita, Director, JCC (Japan Creative Centre) attended the meeting...(Click here to read more)

Students from the National Institute of Technology, Kumamoto College visited Japan Creative Centre (JCC) on Wednesday, 27th September 2017. They were welcomed by Third Secretary Ms Chihiro Ono, who gave them an introduction to Singapore and its culture. She also explained to the students the roles of the Embassy of Japan and JCC here in Singapore. Students were also given the chance to ask questions about Singapore and JCC...(Click here to read more)

The second Monday of October is Taiiku no Hi, or Sports Day, a national holiday to foster healthy minds and bodies through physical activity. It was established to commemorate the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, which were held from October 10 to 24. It was designated a national holiday two years later in 1966. Until 1999 the holiday was on October 10, but beginning in 2000 it has been changed to the second Monday of the month. Why were the...(Click here to read more)

Science and Technology in Society forum (STS forum) was established in 2004 by Koji Omi, the former Minister of Finance, the former Minister of State for S&T Policy for Okinawa and Northern Territorial Affairs, and the former Minister of State of Economic Planning, for the purpose of providing a platform to world leaders in the fields of policymaking, academia and industry to gather and discuss how to deal with science and technology issue from a long term-perspective, i.e. 100 years to 500 years, for the future of the humankind. Annual Meeting 2017 （14th Annual Meeting Program） was held on October 1, 2 and 3, 2017 in Kyoto.

Remarks By Prime Minister Abe at 14th Annual Meeting of the STS Forum

perts say that greenhouse gases produced by human activity represent one of the biggest causes of global warming. The Intragovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), an international organization of specialists that conducts scientific research on climate change and evaluates related climate policies, released its Fifth Assessment Report in 2013. In the document, the authors warned that “Warming of the climate system is unequivocal... It is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century... Continued emissions of greenhouse gases will cause further warming and changes in all components of the climate system.” GOSAT-2 is scheduled to launch in 2018.

Explorer “Hayabusa2” is a successor of “Hayabusa” (MUSES-C), which revealed several new technologies and returned to Earth in June 2010. While establishing a new navigation method using ion engines, Hayabusa brought back samples from the asteroid “Itokawa” to help elucidate the origin of the solar system. Hayabusa2 will target a C-type asteroid “Ryugu” to study the origin and evolution of the solar system as well as materials for life by leveraging the experience acquired from the Hayabusa mission. Hayabusa2 will arrive at “Ryugu” in mid 2018 and return to Earth around the end of 2020.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, UNOOSA, launched a three year “KiboCUBE” programme in September 2015, which offered developing countries the opportunity to deploy CubeSats (10x10x10cm) from Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” on the International Space Station (ISS). This initiative aims to contribute to the technological advancement of space activities in developing countries, and its first and second round of applications have been conducted. Now, UNOOSA and JAXA open third round. (Click to read more)

First round: The University of Nairobi (Kenya)
Second round: Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (Photo Center)

JAXA conducted a long-term experiment on mice under two different gravitational conditions – microgravity (μg) and artificial earth-gravity (1 g). This was JAXA’s first attempt using the newly developed mouse habitat cage units installed in the Centrifuge-equipped Biological Experiment Facility (Images) in the KIBO Experiment Module aboard the International Space Station. Following their 35-day habitation in space, JAXA, in collaboration with Tsukuba University and other academic institutions went through the analysis of the bone density and muscle mass of the space mice brought back to the Earth. μg mice experienced significant decreases...(Click to read more)

ASTROSCALE and JAXA Conclude Joint Agreement to Counteract Space Debris

ASTROSCALE Japan Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "ASTROSCALE") and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency signed a joint research agreement ("the agreement") regarding the removal of space debris.

Under the terms of the agreement, ASTROSCALE will have access to JAXA’s technologies that examine the methods to approach and capture space debris. The technologies will facilitate ASTROSCALE’s development of ELSA-d, a technology demonstration satellite scheduled to be launched in the first half of 2019. ASTROSCALE and JAXA will also work together to validate the imagery of simulated debris obtained through the ELSA-d...(Click to read more)

Through RIKEN Research, our quarterly magazine and website, we present the best of research from RIKEN to the international community. Our research is shown in an accessible, easy-to-read format, providing regular insights into the people, facilities and programs that make up RIKEN. The core component of RIKEN Research are short, easy-to-understand Research Highlight articles explaining for a broad scientific audience some of the latest research articles published by RIKEN researchers. (Click to read more)

For past issues of the print magazine please visit this archive.

The FANTOM contribution to open science

Riken’s genomes contain the complete set of information necessary to specify our development from a single totipotent cell to a complex multicellular organism, and in each of these cell types, and their responding states, different sets of genes are expressed through transcription. Determining the transcriptome is thus crucial for understanding cellular identity, gene...(Click to read more)

A solar cell you can put in the wash

Scientists from RIKEN and the University of Tokyo have developed a new type of ultra-thin photovoltaic device, coated on both sides with stretchable and waterproof films, which can continue to provide electricity from sunlight even after being soaked in water or being stretched and compressed. The work, published in Nature Energy, could open the way to wearable solar cells, which will provide power to devices such as health monitors incorporated...(Click to read more)

To develop personalized preventive medicine based on fine prediction, this program is going to acquire patients' data by collaborating with hospital and analyze data using AI technology including machine learning which will significantly improve the understanding of diseases.　We will contribute to support individual healthcare by these using this AI technology and novel chemical biology of drug development. This program is supported by Construction Hub Coordination Program...(Click to read more)

The Preventive Medicine & Diagnosis Innovation Program deploys a broad range of research resources in physics, chemistry, engineering, biology and medical science to develop and establish more efficient disease detection technology that allows better disease prevention. Research groups taking part in the program are working on the discovery of new biomarkers, the development of detection technology for clinical practice, and the development of diagnosis kits. The program promotes collaborations...(Click to read more)

The objective of the "Compass to Healthy Life Research Complex Program" is to establish a platform that will bring together a range of research players to investigate diverse aspects of human health, where we will develop the integrated system including novel methodologies to quantitatively measure the extent of health (Precision Health), and we will develop best-matched solutions for maximization of individual health...(Click to read more)

The aim of the RIKEN Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms is to contribute to the identification of new treatments for cancer and other diseases by promoting collaboration within RIKEN for the development of innovative new pharmaceuticals and medical technologies. The program is involved in all phases of development, from the discovery of promising targets to the identification of potential lead compounds such as small molecules and antibodies, and the acquisition of intellectual property rights to drugs and technologies that can then be...(Click to read more)

SAKURA Exchange Program in Science (SSP) by JST

Asia is undergoing a period of dramatic progress. Promoting science and technology is a key engine to materialize a bright future of Asia and it is vitally important to enhance the exchange of Japanese and Asian youths who will play a crucial role in the field of science and technology. Based on this concept, “Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science” (SAKURA Exchange Program in Science) is the program for enhancing exchanges between Asia and Japan of the youths who will play a crucial role in the future field of science and technology through the close collaboration of industry-academia-government by facilitating short-term visits of competent Asian youths to Japan. (Click here to read more: Website | High School Student Special Course Videos | Pamphlet)

Miraikan is a place where we can understand the things happening in our world today from a scientific point of view, and have discussions while considering the future that awaits us. In addition to exhibitions that provide people with a chance to enjoy hands-on contact with science and technology, Miraikan's colorful line-up of offerings includes experienced based classes, and talks. Visitors can experience the technological progress of today, from simple day-to-day questions, to the latest technologies, the global environment, space exploration and...(Click here to read more: Website | Video)

Since FY2015, Kyoto University has launched “Japan-ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Platform (JASTIP): Promotion of Sustainable Development Research” within the framework of the Collaboration Hubs for International Research Program (CHIRP) 2015 funded by the Strategic International Collaborative Research Program (SICORP) of Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). This project promotes research that can be...(Click to read more)

The “JST Fair 2017”, hosted by JST with support of MEXT , and “Innovation JAPAN 2017”, jointly hosted by JST and NEDO with the support of MEXT and METI , were held at the Tokyo Big Sight (Koto-ku, Tokyo) on August 31 and September 1, 2017. In spite of the rain, the “JST Fair 2017”, with a theme of “Creation of Future Industry through S&T”, successfully gathered visitors. All the seats were filled to capacity at the keynote speech by Mr. Hikaru Ishiyama, Director and COO of Digital Sensation Co. Ltd.,...(Click to read more)

Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) in collaboration with Japan International Collaboration Agency (JICA) is pleased to announce a call for proposals for FY2018 Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) in Infectious Diseases Control field. Please note that the following information on applying SATREPS is targeted for researchers who belong to Japanese research institutions/universities in Japan at the beginning of the project. Researchers in other countries should consult their...(Click here to read more)

Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), in collaboration with U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is pleased to announce the joint request for proposals on "Viral Diseases and Immunology Research: U.S.-Japan Cooperative Medical Sciences Program Collaborative Awards, 2018." The U.S.-Japan Cooperative Medical Sciences Program (USJCMSP), one of the oldest bilateral programs in the history of NIH, was established in 1965 (under a U.S. Presidential-Japan Prime Ministerial level agreement) to strengthen...(Click here to read more)

Singapore A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) with whom AMED signed the Memorandum of Cooperation is offering various scholarships such as:

"Student Guide to Japan" is an essential book for international students planning to study in Japan.

(Click to read more: English | Mandarin)

"Scholarships for International Students in Japan 2017-2018" contains details about scholarships provided by various organisations that have responded to a questionnaire survey carried out by JASSO. (Click here to read more)

Our new Student Advisor Ms Regina provides free student counselling for people interested in studying 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)

Job Hunting Guide for International Students 2018 was released by Japan Student Service Organisation (JASSO). (Click here to read more)

Japan Student Service Organisation (JASSO) publishes Japan Alumni eNews every month. The contents are as follows:

1. Life in Japan by Photo
2. Alumni News
3. Academic News
4. Business News (Job Hunting)
5. Visit Japan
6. NIPPON Information
7. JASSO News
8. From the Editor

The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is used to evaluate whether international students who wish to study at the undergraduate level at universities or other such higher educational institutions in Japan possess the Japanese language skills and the basic academic abilities needed to study at those institutions. (Guidelines for the 2017 EJU | (Click here to read more))

JASSO holds Study in Japan Fairs outside Japan with participation of Japanese universities to provide information on study in Japan to high school students, university students and educators.

Target: High school students, university students and graduate students.
Exhibitors: Japanese universities
(Click here to read more)

Information related to application qualifications, major field of studies, medium of instruction and on-campus scholarships of Japanese graduate schools, universities and junior colleges is available for searching through Excel files posted online. (Click here to read more)

Since 2014, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has been carrying out the Top Global University Project to provide prioritized support to those universities that are leading the internationalization of Japan’s education by launching new programs to encourage and deepen interactions and partnerships with the world’s top universities, reforming personnel and educational systems, enhancing educational systems to help students develop the ability to act globally and accelerating other globalization initiatives. Under the Top Global University Project, 13 universities were selected as Type A (Top Type) universities that are conducting world-leading education and research and 24 universities were selected as Type B (Global Traction Type) universities that are leading the globalization of Japanese society. These 37 universities have been working hard on internationalization and university reform. (Click here to read more)

The project will establish international joint education programs called "Top Global Courses" at graduate schools covering research areas in which KU has significant international competitiveness, which will be implemented in partnership with universities that are world leaders in their respective fields. As well as initiating courses that are jointly operated with partner institutions and providing joint guidance and assessments of dissertations under "Top Global Courses" in the respective research areas, we will develop joint/double degree programs. Through the synergetic effects of internationalization of graduate education arising out of these initiatives and from internationalization of various aspects...(Click here to read more)

Under the Top Global University Project, Keio University is committed to further social contribution and better international visibility to bolster its position as a world-leading research university.

Keio University founder Yukichi Fukuzawa aspired to "contribute to society through learning" and especially valued jitsugaku, or empirical science, that is, solving issues by thinking critically from a scientific approach in order to reveal the empirical truth. Since its founding, Keio has been guided by this unshakeable philosophy to nurture individuals who can think for themselves to identify issues and apply profound knowledge and unconventional wisdom to solve them. The world now confronts many critical issues...(Click here to read more)

Osaka University will develop outstanding talents who will lead “innovation through co-creation” by working in cooperation with society and people with different knowledge, skills, experience, and standpoints by pursuing high-level academic studies to master the essence of scholarship while carrying out active “integration of knowledge” that crosses over fields of study. This will enable the university to...(Click here to read more)

We are becoming a core engineering school that attracts leading researchers, business people and engineers. These persons are coming from around Japan and from countries all over the world to engage in engineering research, industry and education. On our campus, they can make use of our Open Resources (intellectual, human and physical resources). Together we are developing innovations and forming an Asian Hub of a global network. We are training sophisticated engineers (Tech Leaders) who can lead and contribute to the globalization of the industrial infrastructure in all countries, and in Japanese communities. (Click here to read more)

EDU-Port Japan is a public-private, nationwide initiative to proactively disseminate Japanese-style education overseas by providing a platform from which the public and private sectors collaborate in achieving this objective. The platform is supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and many other organizations including NGOs and private businesses.
(Click here to read more)