Director's message of this month

On the occasion of the Conferment Ceremony of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays to Professor Lai Ah Keow, President of the Japanese Cultural Society, Singapore.

Dear Friends of JCC,

Konnichiwa!

It was a vibrant start to 2026, and I had the privilege of visiting several art and cultural events in Singapore, including the exhibition Salt Tongues / Far Shores Near which opened at Objectifs – Centre for Photography and Film as part of the Singapore Art Week, and the NUS Japanese Cultural Festival and Night, organised by students of the NUS Japanese Studies Society. It was wonderful to see the colourful presence of Japanese art and culture right here in Singapore.

JCC also displayed a burst of colour with an exhibition by ballpoint pen artist Kaoru Hashimoto, whose works highlight cultural exchange and fusion between Japan and Singapore. An apt and creative way to celebrate the year of SJ60.

We were also pleased to attend the decoration ceremony for Professor Lai Ah Keow, President of the Japanese Cultural Society (JCS) Singapore who was conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. JCS has been a close partner of JCC and the Embassy of Japan for many years and his leadership played a pivotal role in promoting the Japanese culture and language in Singapore. He was previously conferred the Ambassador’s Commendation Award in 2024. Hence it is our great pleasure to further recognise his dedication and contributions in deepening the friendship between Japan and Singapore. My warmest congratulations to him!

For continuous updates about our upcoming events, 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)

6th February 2026