17 - 26 February 2022

Japan Creative Centre (JCC)

Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Embassy of Japan in Singapore, and Pearl Falco Corporation are proud to present an exhibition entitled 'The Secret Beauty of Ise Shima - Akoya Pearls & Ama Diver ~ The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2021 Singapore Edition ~'. As Singaporean students from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Raffles College of Higher Education and Jewellery Design and Management International School, Singapore (JDMIS) participated in this year's Grand Prix, we are delighted to showcase this exhibition at JCC for a second time, since the 2020 Singapore Edition. The top 30 entries will be on display, and you can cast your vote for your favourite creation.

In addition, there will be photographs of Ama divers, taken by photographer Tomari Masanori. We also have an exciting line-up of events online. These include the opening and closing ceremonies of the exhibition, and an in-depth introduction to Ise Shima and Ama divers. Be sure to mark your calendars with the corresponding dates!

About The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2021

The competition was conceptualised by Maiko Makito, the managing director and co-owner of Pearl Falco Corporation who took the helm of the family’s pearl business in Japan, as she felt the urge to save the pearl industry in Ise Shima in Mie Prefecture. It was created with the aim of sharing the beauty of Akoya pearls with the world. This year’s theme is "Connection". Each of our lives is like a pearl necklace, made up of different moments. Each moment or memory, shines are bright as a pearl with a different luster and colour. Through the competition and exhibition, we also hope to connect Ise Shima and the world.

Ise Shima is the birthplace of cultured pearls. In the late 1880s, Akoya oysters were first cultivated in Ise Shima, establishing a method to create beautiful round pearls. This technique for cultivating pearls ultimately contributed to the growth of the pearl industry worldwide. Akoya oyster cultivation requires no less than daily observation. Even after years of focused cultivation methods, fewer than 30% of cultured pearls can be used for jewellery. Among the difficulties facing luxury pearl jewellery cultivation today, include declining numbers of experienced pearl farmers and global warming. In fact, Akoya pearl production has declined 80% in the last two years alone. These factors make luxury pearl jewellery production and design even more challenging for the industry.

Exhibition and Voting Period

Exhibition and
Voting Period:

17 - 26 February 2022 (Tuesdays - Saturdays)
Closed on 23 February, Mondays and Sundays

Opening Hours:

10:00am to 6:00pm

Venue:

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

Admission:

FREE (Safety measures will be implemented)

Online Sessions

Implementation of new restrictions to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)

In response to the evolving situation around COVID-19, we will ask for your cooperation in following the safety measures in place. We will have the SafeEntry. Public safety is our utmost priority, and we seek your understanding in cooperating with the following precautionary measures:

• If your temperature exceeds 37.5°C and/or any related symptoms
• If you have been in contact with a confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) patient in the past 14 days
• If you are on SHN (Stay Home Notice) or quarantine
• If you are not fully vaccinated (have yet to complete 2 weeks after 2nd dose)

For the well-being of all visitors and staff, we will not be able to grant you access if you fall into any of the above-mentioned groups. Thank you for your understanding.

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 Rendezvous Hotel.