Embassy of Japan in Singapore

As a result of the Japan-Singapore summit meetings held in March and November 2007, an agreement was reached to set up the Japan Creative Centre (JCC or Centre) in Singapore as a base for disseminating information on Japan and its culture. The Centre is the first of its kind outside Japan as a new type of culture and information centre that showcases Japan’s “now,” and could serve as a model for the future. Both Japan and Singapore are currently working together to launch the Centre.

“Innovation and tradition” is the main theme of the Centre. The Centre will showcase Japan’s “soft power,” such as pop-culture and traditional arts, besides creating a space for experiencing the charms of Japan. The contents of the Centre can be enjoyed not only by the Singaporeans but also by the people of other Southeast Asian countries. The Centre’s highlights of “Cool Japan” will include high technology, design, gourmet, fashion, traditional craft, traditional art, music and movie, anime and manga. Mr. Toshiyuki Kita, a world-renown industrial designer and design producer, is in charge of the concept and design of the Centre as the Overall Project Producer of the JCC project. It is not public sectors but private sectors who should take the lead in promoting “soft power.” Hence, we would like to ask the private sectors to provide us with ideas and initiatives. In particular, we will highly appreciate any ideas and requests as to what is appropriate and favourable for the projects of the Centre.

A 450m2, single-storey building will be provided by the Singapore government to house the Centre at no costs for the initial five years. While there should be some repair works expected, the building is located at the start of Orchard Road (at 4 Nassim Road), a location so ideal for holding events to attract visitors.

Some Centre facilities currently being explored are (1) a multi-purpose hall with an approximate capacity of 50 seats; (2) an area equipped with computers and audio-visual equipments, and (3) a space dedicated to private exhibits and displays. With these proposed facilities to begin with, we hope you can help us further expand on our ideas.

All facilities of the Centre, in principle, will be made available to a wide range of users. The Centre could also be used for various events that you organize or co-organise with the Centre. We sincerely want you to make full use of the Centre.

As to the Centre’s estimated date of opening, we are aiming at an official opening in the second half of 2009. Nevertheless, the Centre's website is opened!

We thank you for your cooperation and continued support.

Please send us your ideas and questions to the following address:

Mr. Hirohisa Chiba, Director of Japan Information and Culture Centre
Embassy of Japan in Singapore
Address: 16 Nassim Road, Singapore 258390
Tel: (+65) 6235-8855
Fax: (+65) 6733-2957
E-mail: eojsingfv@vsystem.com.sg