JCC E-Magazine October 2025

Director's Message

Challenging myself to a game of shogi!

Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

JCC was filled with excitement in September as we welcomed two prominent professional Shogi players from Japan, Mr Fujii Sota Oza and Mr Ito Takumi Eiou! They were in Singapore for the first game of the Oza Championship, to which JCC provided nominal support. JCC also had the honour of hosting the press conference of this momentous match, and I was even privileged to have witnessed the beginning of the match firsthand, too.

JCC also organised two Shogi workshops for beginners and experienced shogi players. Regardless of which session, I’m sure that participants had a stimulating experience as they were guided by 8 professional shogi players, including Japan Shogi Association President Ms Shimizu Ichiyo and Mr Sato Yasumitsu 9-dan, who played a title match in Singapore in 1993. Furthermore, we were thrilled to arrange, in collaboration with the Japan Shogi Association, a surprise visit of Fujii Oza and Ito Eiou during both sessions!

Speaking of shogi, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is currently holding a special exhibition entitled “Let’s Play! Art & Design of Asian Games” and features shogi among the diverse selection of board games. One of the exhibits is the very same shogi board used in the Oza match between Mr Fujii Sota Oza and Mr Ito Takumi Eiou! Do drop by ACM to explore the different traditional board games, be it east and west, old and new.

JCC continued to feature traditional Japanese culture for the rest of the month, with talks, exhibition and demonstrations on Japanese Way of Tea, as well as exhibition and workshops on traditional crafts like oshi-e and kimekomi, all of which have centuries of history. The tea events were organised in collaboration with Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association, and we were honoured to welcome Mr Kanazawa Sotatsu, Deputy Tea Master of Konnichian. The crafts exhibition, held in collaboration of Japanese Cultural Society Creative Club, highlighted the intricate Japanese traditional crafts produced by Singaporean friends. It was gratifying to see their enthusiasm in crafting beautiful Japanese artworks. We also saw overwhelming response for the tea ceremony demonstrations and the oshi-e and kimekomi workshops.

Meanwhile, I hope everyone knows that the Japanese Film Festival has kicked off in town! Once again this year, our lineup includes intriguing films, popular hits, and classic movies that are sure to entertain everyone. Be sure to check JCC’s social media for more details!

To receive the latest information about JCC’s upcoming 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 October 2025

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