Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

September was bursting with colour and energy, as if JCC were staging its own fireworks show with each consecutive event. We were thrilled to shine the spotlight on Okinawa in a two-week-long exhibition. While it may receive lesser visitors compared to some other prefectures, Okinawa is brimming with its own distinct charms be it the traditional crafts, scenery, food and people. I was captivated by the traditional crafts, which proudly showcase Okinawa’s unique heritage and instantly evoke...(Click here to read more)

Opening Ceremony of Traditional Okinawan Crafts Exhibition: Bonds Connecting the Ryukyu Kingdom to the Present ~ SJ60 x Shuri Castle Restoration Commemorative Project ~

The opening event of “Traditional Okinawan Crafts Exhibition: Bonds Connecting the Ryukyu Kingdom to the Present” was held at JCC on 2 September, featuring traditional Okinawan crafts and the story of Shuri Castle. JCC Director Ms Kawabe Akiko welcomed the guests, highlighting Okinawa’s unique history...(Click here to read more)

Cool Roofs for Net Zero Heritage in Asia’s Hot, Humid Climate: Research and Development of V Shaped Terracotta Tiles for Conservation of Traditional Houses in Singapore

JCC hosted Dr Kinoshita Hikaru of Kansai University and Mr Kelvin Ang of NUS Architectural Conservation (NUS-ArClab) on 22 September 2026, where they shared about the joint project between National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Architectural Conservation Laboratory (ArClab) and Kansai...(Click here to read more)

Send-off Session for the "World Tsunami Awareness Day High School Student Summit"

The send-off session for the "World Tsunami Awareness Day High School Student Summit" was held at JCC on 23 September 2026. The yearly summit, which will be held in Iwate Prefecture this year, aims to serve as a platform for students all around the world to learn and discuss the threats of tsunamis and importance of emergency preparedness. Ambassador Ishikawa...(Click here to read more)

Opening Ceremony of Woven Memory of Culture ~ Portraits of Artisans and Traditional Craft Objects From Japan and Singapore ~

The Opening Ceremony of Woven Memory of Culture ~ Portraits of Artisans and Traditional Craft Objects From Japan and Singapore ~ was held at JCC on 29 September. The exhibition opened with remarks by JCC Deputy Director Ms Ishii Izumi and artist-curator Ms Miwa Tsuyumi. Three of the Japanese...(Click here to read more)

Welcome reception for ASJA-ASCOJA Symposium 2026

The welcome reception for ASJA-ASCOJA Symposium 2026 was hosted at the Ambassador’s Residence on 10 September 2026. In commemoration of the SJ60 celebrations, the reception was co-hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Singapore and JUGAS (Japanese Universities Graduates Association Singapore), hosts of this year’s symposium. The reception welcomed Member of the House of Representatives Mr Fukuda Tatsuo...(Click here to read more)

Study in Japan booth at PSC and Public Scholarships Fair

Japan Creative Centre, Science Tokyo（Institute of Science Tokyo） Jugas (Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore) Network represented Japan at the PSC and Public Scholarship Fair! Held at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre on 26 September, the event featured over 50 entities including Ministries, Statutory Boards, overseas universities and Embassies offering a variety of scholarship and career...(Click here to read more)

Visit by mayor of Yamae Village, students and teachers from Yamae Junior High School

JCC was honoured to welcome Mr Keiji Uchiyama, the mayor of Yamae Village, Mr Muramoto, the Principal of Yamae Junior High School, English teachers, and eight students from Yamae Junior High School. We applaud the students’ diligence in studying English for this training trip to Singapore, as they are required to meet an expected English proficiency level. Second Secretary Ms Yazawa Akiko gave a presentation about Singapore...(Click here to read more)

Visit by students from Kumamoto Prefectural University

JCC welcomed 5 students and 2 teachers from Kumamoto Prefectural University on 27 August. It was the very first time that the students were visiting a foreign country, and they chose to participate in this trip as they had heard about Singapore from friends and wanted to experience the country firsthand. We are delighted that they chose JCC and Singapore as their first step into the international world! Second Secretary Ms Yazawa Akiko...(Click here to read more)

Visit by students from Tokyo University of Marine Science & Technology

JCC welcomed 4 students and Professor Komatsu from Tokyo University of Marine Science & Technology on 2 September. Second Secretary Ms Yazawa Akiko gave a presentation about Singapore, the role of the Embassy and JCC to the university students. Event Team Manager Mdm Soeda Keiko was also present to answer questions related to Singapore...(Click here to read more)

SJ60 commemorative concert Resonance Across Borders

The SJ60 commemorative concert Resonance Across Borders was successfully held at Drama Centre Theatre on 6 September, attended by both Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi and former Singapore Ambassador to Japan Mr Chin Siat Yoon. Featuring renowned Tsugaru shamisen player Agatsuma Hiromitsu, together with Japanese artist Sachiyo and Singaporean artist Nathan Hartono, the performers showcased their amazing talent...(Click here to read more)

Visit by students from Meijo University

JCC welcomed a group of students from Meijo University on 8 September. Second Secretary Ms Yazawa Akiko gave a presentation about Singapore, as well as the activities of the Embassy of Japan in Singapore and JCC. The students showed a great interest in cultural differences, particularly regarding textiles. They shared various ideas, such as a collaborative project combining Japanese kimono and yukata with Singaporean textiles. After...(Click here to read more)

Visit by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Onishi Yohei

Japan Creative Centre (JCC) had the honour of welcoming Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Onishi Yohei on 11 September 2026. Accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission Mr Hotta Toru and JCC Director Ms Kawabe Akiko, Mr Onishi visited our current exhibition, Traditional Okinawan Crafts Exhibition: Bonds Connecting the Ryukyu Kingdom to the Present...(Click here to read more)

25th ASJA-ASCOJA-JUGAS Symposium

ASJA (Asia Japan Alumni International), ASCOJA (ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni) and JUGAS (Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore) held the 25th ASJA-ASCOJA-JUGAS Symposium on 11 September 2026 to anchoring trust based on the Fukuda Doctrine, strengthening resilience between ASEAN and Japan. The Fukuda Doctrine was established by former Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda in 1977 as a foreign...(Click here to read more)

JUGAS 55th Anniversary Gala Dinner

JUGAS (Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore)’s 55th Anniversary Gala Dinner took place at the Orchard Hotel Singapore on 11 September, celebrating the association’s 55 years contributions, 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan, as well as the enduring wider partnership between Singapore and ASEAN. Guest-of-Honour Ms Sim Ann shared personal anecdotes of Japan and expressed...(Click here to read more)

One Stage, Two Traditions: Living Heritage in Puppetry

One Stage, Two Traditions: Living Heritage in Puppetry was organised by JUGAS (Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore) at the Drama Theatre of the School of Arts Singapore (SOTA) on 12 September as part of its 55th anniversary. Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi attended the event, which also celebrated SJ60 and featured two puppetry traditions from Japan and Singapore. Awa Ningyo Joruri (阿波人形浄瑠璃) from...(Click here to read more)

Visit by students from Takasaki City University of Economics

JCC welcomed a group of students from Takasaki City University of Economics on 15 September. Second Secretary Ms Yazawa Akiko gave a presentation about Singapore, as well as the activities of the Embassy of Japan in Singapore and JCC. Event Team Manager Mdm Soeda Keiko was also present to answer questions related to Singapore. The students showed great interest in Singapore's policies, especially regarding...(Click here to read more)

The Unbroken Legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom

Until the late 19th century, Okinawa Prefecture was called the Ryukyu Kingdom and was an independent country. The islands that were part of this kingdom are located close to the Eurasian continent and the islands of Southeast Asia. Ryukyu developed a unique culture through trade and exchange with these areas, the legacy of which can be found in the Okinawan lifestyle today, in its food, song, and dance. The Ryukyu Kingdom had a...(Click here to read more)

Sata andagi (Okinawan donut holes)

The Ryukyu Kingdom’s growth reflects the influence of China; in Ryukyuan sweets, too, Japanese and Chinese styles are intermixed. When the refined techniques of confectionary artisans were added to this mix, what emerged were treats well-suited to Okinawa Prefecture’s hot climate. Sweets that keep especially well, such as those that are fried or baked, are numerous. Such sweets are essential when putting on events like celebrations and...(Click here to read more)

Sports Day

The second Monday of October is 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 1964 Games held in October, which is quite late for the...(Click here to read more)