Director's greeting message

Sending dreams from Singapore to Osaka!
From left to right: JCC Director Kawabe Akiko, Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi, Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and Ministry of Trade and Industry, Assistant Chief Executive of STB Ms Juliana Kua.

Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

The first signs of spring have arrived in Japan, and it is also possible for more activities to be held with the warmer temperatures. Similarly, we enjoyed the beauty of spring and a plethora of events right here in Singapore!

In tandem with Expo 2025 Osaka that is due to open on 13 April, we held an exclusive event on EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and especially its Singapore Pavilion in March in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board. The event was graced by Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and Ministry of Trade and Industry, alongside Singaporean artists who would be performing in the Pavilion in Osaka. It was a wonderful initiative to be able to raise everyone's excitement and interest for the upcoming Expo 2025!

We also had the privilege of hosting a fascinating conversation with Ms Kazuki Anzai, Managing Director of Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, Japan. The event was co-organised between JCC and Mizuho Bank Singapore. It was a joy to listen to her many interesting anecdotes, given her unique experience as the designer and manager of the world's renowned museum. Personally, it was an unforgettable evening and I'm sure the same can be said for all the attendees!

Of course, when we mention spring, we cannot leave out the annual Sakura showcase at Gardens by the Bay, where people can appreciate both the ethereal beauty of cherry blossoms and Japanese culture. The Opening ceremony featured a live performance of a Japanese calligrapher, Ms Reisen, and our JCC Cinema was also held there during the opening weekend. Tea ceremony demonstrations were also organised for two weekends, where I was delighted to see many visitors appreciating and experiencing the art of tea themselves! The Sakura floral display ends this weekend on 6 April, so you still have one last chance to catch the breathtaking cherry blossoms in Singapore!

If you wish to receive information regarding our upcoming events, please follow us on our Facebook 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)

4th April 2025