Director's message of this month

On the occasion of a Singapore-Japan exchange recital at JCC.
From left: Two talented young Singaporean musicians Mr Aaron Tan and Ms Alyssa Tan, Singaporean violinist Mr Gabriel Lee, JCC Director Ms Kawabe Akiko, Japanese pianist Ms Kyoko Koyama and Japanese cellist Mr Yunosuke Yamamoto.

Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

November proved to be an enriching month, with events that engaged different senses. We wrapped up the exciting VR (Virtual Reality) exhibition “Time Travel in Ginza Street of the Meiji Era – Hyper Edohaku”, where visitors travelled through time and space to explore the Meiji period within JCC’s premises.

Following that was another captivating journey, with an exhibition that showcased the artistic and innovative combination of Japanese traditional lacquerware called Maki-e, and fountain pens. JCC and Pilot Pen Singapore once co-organised an exhibition over 10 years ago in 2014, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to do so again, with 30 elegant Namiki collections this time. The intricate craftsmanship charmed many visitors, especially with the live Maki-e demonstrations by Namiki Kokkokai Artisan Mr Seiki Chida and fountain pen restoration by Pilot Pen Doctor Mr Kiyoshi Hasegawa.

The month ended with a series of meaningful cultural exchanges between Japan and Singapore. One of which was the visit of a major Budo (martial arts) delegation from Japan interacting with Singaporean counterparts over the course of a few days, as well as giving live demonstrations at JCC. Another one was workshops, rehearsals and recitals engaging young musicians in Singapore and Mr Yunosuke Yamamoto and Ms Kyoko Koyama whom we had collaborated with in 2023, together with the talented Singaporean violinist Mr Gabriel Lee. These were organised at JCC and a Yamaha auditorium as the pre-event to the Japan-Singapore Youth International Music Exchange Programme 2026. It was truly wonderful to see fellow practitioners with the same passion coming together, and I very much look forward to their main programme next year!

With the year rapidly coming to an end, this marks my last message in 2025. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have connected with JCC, whether through attending our events, visiting our centre, or engaging with Japanese culture and attractions. I wish everyone a wonderful and festive season, rich in cultural discoveries and joyous family moments.

To stay informed about our events for the remaining of the year, 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)

5th December 2025