JCC E-Magazine October 2023

Director's Message

Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

September was another busy month at JCC, and I am glad to see that Singaporeans are interested in many aspects of Japan and Japanese culture. We saw an overwhelming response, whether it was the craftsmanship and tourism of Shizuoka Prefecture, the healing art known as Pastel Shine Art, or popular Japanese animation at JCC Cinema.

Speaking of which, I am delighted to share that our annual Japanese Film Festival (JFF) starts on 5 Oct, the day of release of this E-magazine, and will last until 20 December. Co-organised with Singapore Film Society and The Japan Foundation, this year’s JFF celebrates 40 years of the Festival. The fact that JFF has a history of as long as four decades impresses me, and so does Singaporeans' love of Japanese films. I also feel it a privilege for us to have Singapore Film Society as our partner and the driving force to organise the fantastic event. I am sure that each of you can find your choices out of the wide range of programmes we have to offer, from Japanese classic and contemporary films, to masterclasses provided by film directors themselves and a short film competition.

Towards the end of October, Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135 will have an exhibition at JCC. Based on the theme of ‘Autumn Harvest’, the exhibition will feature the warm colours of fall. I invite everyone to visit JCC to appreciate autumn’s bountiful beauty in Singapore expressed in Ikebana.

Last but not least, I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to the Japanese Docent Group for having been conferred the Ambassador’s Commendation Award. As part of the Friends of Museums (Singapore), the volunteer group has been providing guided tours in Japanese in four major museums in Singapore for 42 years, making their significant contributions towards cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Singapore. I applaud their decades of dedication, and hope they will continue to thrive.

If you wish to keep up with our 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)

5th October 2023

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