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...(Click here to read more)

A Game of Wits: Shogi Workshop

On 5 September, JCC held shogi workshops for beginners and experienced shogi players. Under the guidance of 8 professional shogi players from Japan Shogi Association, participants of all ages enjoyed several games of shogi at their own pace. The session was conducted by Ms Kitao Madoka, who played in the women’s professional shogi players league for 23 years and is the founder of Nekomado, a private company that promotes shogi...(Click here to read more)

Opening Ceremony of The Way of Tea - Chanoyu "茶の湯" - Centuries of Tradition and Japanese Wabi ~ with special exhibition in honour of the late Daisosho ~

The opening ceremony of “The Way of Tea - Chanoyu "茶の湯" - Centuries of Tradition and Japanese Wabi ~ with special exhibition in honour of the late Daisosho ~” was held at JCC on 9 September 2025. The ceremony began with speeches by JCC Director Ms Kawabe Akiko, and President of Chado...(Click here to read more)

The History of Tea Ceremony and The Story of Tea Flowers

A lecture by Chief Administrator of Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association Ms Nakabayashi Sochoku was held at JCC on 13 September 2025. She shared about the culture of tea drinking, as well as the relationship between the tea practitioner and tea flowers found on display in the tea room. This was followed by a tea ceremony demonstration, accompanied by in-depth explanation of what takes place during the tea ceremony...(Click here to read more)

Opening Ceremony of Oshi-e and Kimekomi: The Art of Japanese Traditional Crafts ~ An exhibition by Japanese Cultural Society Creative Club ~

The Opening Ceremony of “Oshi-e and Kimekomi: The Art of Japanese Traditional Crafts” was held at JCC on 23 September 2025. JCC Deputy Director Mr Hamada Yuki and Mr Raymond Chan from Japanese Cultural Society Singapore (JCS) Creative Club welcomed the guests with their respective...(Click here to read more)

Introductory Workshop to Oshi-e and Kimekomi

A series of engaging introductory workshops on oshi-e and kimekomi was held as part of the exhibition, Oshi-e and Kimekomi: The Art of Japanese Traditional Crafts at JCC from 25 to 27 September 2025. Led by Mr Raymond Chan and members of the JCS Creative Club, participants were introduced to the rich history and intricate techniques behind these timeless Japanese crafts and had the unique opportunity to create three charming...(Click here to read more)

Press Conference on the 1st round of the 73rd Oza (王座) Championship

A press conference was held at the Japan Creative Centre on 3 September, the day before the first game of the Oza Championship, scheduled for 4 September, today! Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi and Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) Director Mr. Clement Onn, while speaking to the press, praised shogi's cultural significance, welcomed the championship to Singapore...(Click here to read more)

The first round of the 73rd Oza Championship

The professional shogi Championship match began at Amara Sanctuary Sentosa this morning (4 September). Director of Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) Mr Clement Onn played the "furigoma" role to decide which of the two shogi players would play first. Mr Ito Takumi (Eiou) played the first move as Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi, Nikkei Inc. President Mr Hasebe Tsuyoshi and Japan Shogi Association President Ms Shimizu Ichiyo...(Click here to read more)

Visit of prominent shogi players to "Let's Play! Art & Design of Asian Games"

On 5 September, Ambassador Ishikawa and JCC Director Ms Kawabe joined the visit of top professional shogi players to the Asian Civilisations Museum in conjunction with its special exhibition "Let's Play! Art & Design of Asian Games." The exhibition features diverse board games － east and west, old and new. It also explores how traditional board games, including shogi...(Click here to read more)

Tea Ceremony at Ambassador's Residence

H.E. Ambassador Hiroshi Ishikawa hosted a tea ceremony at his residence on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, with the presence of Mr Kanazawa Sotatsu, Deputy Tea Master of Konnichian and a member of the Konnichian Deputy Tea Master Corps. The special event was attended by distinguished Singaporean guests, including Mr Patrick Daniel, President of the Singapore Press Club, and his wife Mrs Rosa Daniel, Dean of the...(Click here to read more)

Singapore Sogetsu Association 59h Anniversary Charity Gala Dinner

Singapore Sogetsu Association (SSA) held its 59th Anniversary Charity Gala Dinner at the Shangri-La Hotel on 13 September 2025. H.E. Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi attended the celebration as Guest of Honour, accompanied by Mrs Ishikawa Yuko, together with Mrs Pandora Ip, President of SSA, and Mrs Kim Lang Khalil, CEO of HCSA Community Services...(Click here to read more)

General Meeting and Reception for the Establishment of the Nagoya University Alumni Association (NUAL) Singapore Branch

On 6 September, the General Meeting and Reception for the Establishment of the Nagoya University Alumni Association (NUAL) Singapore Branch was held in Singapore. Mr Hotta Toru, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Singapore, attended the event and delivered congratulatory remarks. The gathering was graced by President Sugiyama Naoshi...(Click here to read more)

Study in Japan Presentation at PSC and Public Sector Scholarships Fair

Education attaché and First Secretary Mr Aihara exhibited at a booth at the PSC (Public Service Commission) and Public Sector Scholarships Fair at Sands Expo and Convention Centre on 27 Sep 2025. Together with JUGAS (Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore), Mr Aihara enthusiastically shared with all students and parents about studying in Japan...(Click here to read more)

Visit by students from Takasaki City of Economics University

On 18 September, 8 university students and Associate Professor Sato from Takasaki City of Economics University visited JCC. The students chose Singapore from among numerous candidate countries and came to the JCC as part of their field research trip. Second Secretary Ms Yazawa Aiko gave a presentation about Singapore, the role of the Embassy and JCC to the students. After the presentation, there was a Q&A session in which...(Click here to read more)

Birthplace of “Japan Red” ~ Bichu Fukiya Town, bengara and copper ~

The color red has long been considered a symbol of the sacred and the source of life. Many traditional Japanese crafts use a red pigment called bengara, which is produced in Bichu Fukiya village. This color has become renowned around the world and is known globally as “Japan red.” Bichu Fukiya began producing bengara in the 18th century. After the pigment took...(Click here to read more)

Mamakari Zushi (Japanese Scaled Sardine Sushi)

"Mamakarizushi" is a type of "nigirizushi" (oval-shaped mounds of rice) made with "mamakari" (=Japanese scaled sardine) pickled in vinegar. A piece of pickled "mamakari" is placed on top of each mound of sushi rice. Another name for this ray-finned fish is "sappa". It is said that the fish became known as "mamakari" as people would often say, "mama wo kari ni iku hodo oishi", which means that the fish is so delicious that people would borrow rice...(Click here to read more)

KIRORO is a duo from Okinawa, Japan consisting of vocalist Tamashiro Chiharu and pianist Kinjo Ayano. With numerous hits such as Nagai Aida (長い間) and “Best Friend”. KIRORO is beloved worldwide. In fact, you may even be familiar with the Mandopop covers of their songs such as Afterwards (后来) by Rene Liu (刘若英) - originally Mirai e (未来へ) - and Remember to Forget (记得要忘记) by S.H.E - originally Suki na Hito (好きな人)...(Click here to read more)

Autumn Appetite

When the hot, languid summer passes, and the air turns invigoratingly brisk - getting downright chilly at night - one's appetite returns with a vengeance. As if anticipating this, shops around town begin featuring seasonal delicacies that further whet one's taste for good food.

Summertime fruits like watermelons disappear from the grocer's displays and are replaced by grapes and pears. These, too, soon give way to apples, persimmons, and tangerines...(Click here to read more)