Director's message of this month

With two prominent shogi players, reigning Eiou champion ITO Takumi (left) and his challenger SAITO Shintaro, 8-dan (right), who were in Singapore for the Eiou Championship Match.

Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

April was filled with exciting events that commemorated SJ60! We were delighted to bring back shogi workshops to JCC, in conjunction with the SJ60 Eiou Championship Singapore Match. It was to our great surprise that both beginners and experienced players’ sessions were met with overwhelming response, suggesting that people in Singapore are gradually gaining interest in shogi. If you wish to immerse yourself further in shogi, be sure to visit the special exhibition “Let’s Play” at the Asian Civilisations Museum and its showcase of the riveting shogi manga “March Comes in Like a Lion” 『３月のライオン』 by Chika Umino. Both the exhibition and the showcase are ongoing till 7 June!

April also saw events that introduced Kurokawa Noh to Singapre for the very first time, including a lecture and demonstration at JCC as well as a talk and performances at Esplanade. The full house audience at JCC was captivated by the spiritual performance that has over 500 years of history, as well as the insightful lecture by Dr Lim Beng Choo, Head of the NUS Department of Japanese Studies. Witnessing such an up-close performance is a rare opportunity even in Japan, so I am sure that it was an unforgettable experience for everyone who went to see them perform.

Last but not least, we were also thrilled that NHK Symphony Orchestra performed in Singapore for the first time in 24 years. The evening at the Esplanade Concert Hall was truly enchanting, led by Maestor Tatsuya SHIMONO and featuring renowned pianist Kyohei SORITA. Aside from classical concert, the brass ensemble members of the NHK Symphony Orchestra also performed beloved Pokémon themes at a separate Pokémon Brass Concert. It was a lovely to see both young and old enjoy the sounds of music right here in Singapore. Were you among the audience?

The SJ60 celebrations will continue for the rest of the year, so please follow us on our Facebook and Instagram, as well as the SJ60 Facebook page 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)

8th May 2026