19 – 26 August 2017

Japan Creative Centre (JCC)

Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Embassy of Japan in Singapore, together with Builder Japan, are proud to present a Japanese Balloon Art Exhibition by two artists – Ms Hitomi Sugiyama and Mr Koichiro Kai – for their first time in Singapore! Catch this gigantic Nebuta warrior-figure originating from Aomori in Tohoku region at JCC. Moreover, our balloon artists from Japan will be at JCC on the opening day, 19 August 2017, at 11am. So do come down to see their talents in person, and immerse in the magical atmosphere of this fairytale world filled with balloons! Furthermore, join us for a seminar talk on Tohoku region during the exhibition and get to know more the birthplace of Nebuta!

About the artists

Born in Osaka, Japan, Mr Koichiro Kai began his career as a balloon artist at the age of 21, with no previous knowledge or skills. He studied how to decorate with balloons when he got employed into a Japanese event organising company, and soon thereafter he became a professional balloon twister on the weekends. What he cares about the most is that the audience enjoys his shows fully. Mr Koichiro Kai has won several first prizes on balloon contests: “J-BAN non-round sculpture as a member of a team” (2015), “J-BAN large sculpture as a member of a team” (2016); he also won a prize on WBC “balloon column” and “figure” categories (2016).

Born in Shizuoka, Japan, Ms Hitomi Sugiyama graduated from the faculty of Sculpture of Tokoha University Junior College Division. After graduation, she became a CBA (Certified Balloon Artist of Qualatex), working at both a flower shop and a balloon store. She has actively performed on festivals, kindergartens, and care-homes for elderly, doing her best to help people find enjoyment in balloons. She has won numerous awards such as first prizes in QBAC’s “balloon fashion”, “mini-figure”, and “delivery sculpture” categories (2017), WBC’s “table arrangements” (2016), and many more in domestic conventions. She has an atelier in Shizuoka, where she teaches how to twist balloons for children and adults. Ms Hitomi Sugiyama works extensively both at home and all over the country with her husband, Mr Akihiko Nakayama, who is an experienced flower arrangement artist and the co-owner of their atelier.

After graduation from high school, Mr Akihiko Nakayama worked at “Aalsmeer Flower Auction” in Netherlands and studied European-styled flower arrangements. After gathering years of unique experience, he decided to come back to Japan and put his new know-how to good use. He is currently working at his family’s flower shop, utilising the knowledge and skills gained from Europe, and conveying it into great fusion with balloons as an owner of the “Atelier Balloon Stick”.

About Nebuta Balloon

“Nebuta festival”, one of the most famous traditional celebrations in Japan, is thought to be a combination of the Chinese Tanabata Festival and the local customs of Aomori Prefecture’s Tsugaru region. It is also known as the “Fire Festival” since the floats used to be illuminated by candles in the past. Experience the powerful energy and emotions of “Nebuta festival” in Singapore through these wonderful parade-float-inspired balloon sculptures!

JCC Exhibition Period

Exhibition Period:

19 – 26 August 2017

Opening Hours:

10:00am to 6:00pm
Closed on Sundays, Mondays and Public Holidays

Venue:

Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Embassy of Japan in Singapore
4 Nassim Road Singapore 258372

Admission:

FREE

Tohoku Travel Seminar

Where is Japan Creative Centre (JCC)?

Is this your first time to Japan Creative Centre? Follow the map below to Japan Creative Centre now.

Getting to Japan Creative Centre
4 Nassim Road Singapore 258372
Tel: +65-6737-0434

By Public Bus:
Bus services: 7, 36, 77, 105, 106, 111, 123, 132, 174, 174E, 502, 502A, 502B (Alight in front of Delfi Orchard)
For latest information on bus routes and fares, please refer to SBS Transit.

By the MRT:
You may also take the MRT to the nearest MRT station, Orchard (NS22).
Train fares, travel times and route maps are available on the SMRT website.

Driving to JCC:
Nearest parking is at Orchard Hotel, Delfi Orchard and Orchard Parade Hotel.