SJ60

JCC Director Kawabe Akiko attended the opening of the exhibition,「 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 」𝗯𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗬𝘂𝗸𝗶 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗮, as a Guest-of-Honour on 14 May.

Organised by and held at their Armenian Street location, the exhibition features works by Mr Yuki Nara, who comes from the celebrated Ohi-yaki lineage, a distinguished pottery tradition with a history of more than 350 years in Kanazawa, Japan. The artist himself was also present at the opening, and he talked about his work and his joy at having his works displayed in Singapore.

In her opening speech, Director Kawabe talked about how Mr Nara, who is also an accomplished architect, brought a remarkable blend of traditional Japanese technique and contemporary artistic expression to his ceramic work. As this exhibition is part of the commemorative events, she also expressed how exhibitions like these create opportunities for Singaporeans to discover and engage with Japanese art and culture, in turn nurturing ties of friendship between Singapore and Japan.

「 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 」𝗯𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗬𝘂𝗸𝗶 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗮 is supported by JCC and is currently ongoing until 17 July. For more information, please visit https://www.loygallery.com/yukinara

Hydrangeas in Kamakura! ✨

When it comes to hydrangeas, Kamakura is a must-visit destination!!
You can even enjoy views of hydrangeas while riding the Shonan monorail, which connects Kamakura and Enoshima 🚝

Quiz: What is the operating distance of Shona-monorail?

1️⃣ About 7 km
2️⃣ About 10 km
3️⃣ About 12 km

💬 Leave your answer in the comments!

☞ Learn more about Enoshima:
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/2096/

☞ Learn more about Kamakura:
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kanto/kanagawa/kamakura-and-around/

☞ Learn more about Shoan monorail:
https://kamakura-enoshima-monorail.jp/

✨ Dreams Into Reality: Kazuki Tsubasa Special Talk Session ✨

JCC had the privilege of hosting a special talk event featuring Kazuki Tsubasa, the leading star and top Otokoyaku (男役) of the OSK Nippon R***e Company, on 20 May🕺

The audience was captivated by the fascinating stories about the history and charms of Japanese r***e theatre, as well as the exclusive behind-the-scene personal episodes shared during the talk session.

Adding to the excitement was the special scissors-paper-stone game, in which 3 lucky winners each received an exclusive OSK Nippon R***e Company mini-parasol, personally autographed by Kazuki Tsubasa. The excitement reached its peak when she performed “Merry-Go-Round of Life” and “Tokyo Boogie Woogie,” which were met with non-stop applause from the audience.
The OSK Nippon R***e Company will return to Singapore for their upcoming performances at the Esplanade on 23rd and 24th October. For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/OSKSG2025

OSK R***e Official Site OSK Singapore R***e 2025

Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi made a surprise screen appearance at Jurong East Studium on 16 May! 🇯🇵🇸🇬✨

At the official commemorative event, “hololive production Special Day with Albirex Niigata FC Singapore / FC Jurong," he shared a message marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan (SJ60).

The stadium was filled with energy as VTuber fans, football supporters, a Japanese Cheer Dance team, and the crowd came together for a vibrant celebration 🎉👏

🏞️💙 Japan’s deepest lake, steeped in folklore

Discover the serene beauty of Lake Tazawa, known for its striking cobalt-blue waters and remarkable depth. Along its shores stands the golden Tatsuko Statue, inspired by a legend where a woman drank from a sacred spring, became endlessly thirsty, and ultimately transformed into a dragon, becoming the lake’s guardian spirit 🐉

Quiz Time!
How deep is Lake Tazawa?
1️⃣ 123m
2️⃣ 423m
3️⃣ 723m

💬 Share your answer in the comments!
☞ Discover more about Lake Tazawa
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1818/

🐟 Koi fish (ornamental carp) from Ojiya, Niigata Prefecture will be flown in live to Singapore for an exclusive one-day display on 6 June! Enjoy this unique exhibition while experiencing Ojiya’s local snacks and sake 🍶
Check out JAPAN RAIL CLUB’s post for more details on the event:

Did you know that Niigata Prefecture is the birthplace of ornamental koi? 🇯🇵🎏

Known as Nishikigoi in Japan, these beautiful koi fish were first bred in Ojiya and Yamakoshi, where specialised koi farms continue to cultivate and ship them around the world today.

For one day only, experience the beauty and culture of Niigata right here in Singapore — featuring LIVE koi fish specially transported from Ojiya City via shinkansen and air freight through the JAL de Hako-byun Service! ✨

🎏 The Art of Nishikigoi & Ojiya Discovery

What to expect:
✨ Discover the charm of Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture, and travel recommendations for your next Japan trip
🐟 Witness live koi brought to you by the JAL de Hako-byun service.
🍶 Sip on authentic Niigata sake and enjoy local snacks.
🎁 Join our quiz to win exciting sake and koi-themed prizes!

📍 Venue: One&Co Singapore
📅 Date: 6 June 2026 (Saturday)
⏰ Time: 1PM – 2:30PM (Singapore Time GMT+8)
🎟️ Fee: $5 (Plus, get a $5 JAPAN RAIL CAFE voucher back!)
⚠️ Limited slots available—https://ojiyakoifish.peatix.com!

Whether you're a koi aficionado, a Japan enthusiast, or just curious, don't miss this chance to experience the "Koi Capital" right here in SG! 🇸🇬

【Applications for the 20th Japan International MANGA Award are now open!】
The Japan International MANGA Award Executive Committee (Chairperson: Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs) is launching the 20th Japan International MANGA Award cycle and is now accepting applications.
Applications are open from April 15 through June 30, 2026 (JST).
We look forward to receiving entries from MANGA artists worldwide!
For more information and application details, please visit the official website below:
https://www.manga-award.mofa.go.jp/en/application/20/index.html

【第２０回日本国際漫画賞開催及び応募受付開始のお知らせ】
第２０回日本国際漫画賞実行委員会（実行委員長:茂木敏充外務大臣）により同賞の実施が決定されたところ、応募受付を開始致します。
受付期間は２０２６年４月１５日～６月３０日（日本時間）です。
世界中の皆様からの応募をお待ちしております！
日本国際漫画賞ホームページにおける募集情報はこちら↓
https://www.manga-award.mofa.go.jp/application/20/index.html

🎶 NHK Symphony Orchestra plays in Singapore to mark 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties 🎶
The NHK Symphony Orchestra performed at Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay on 29 April, for the first time in 24 years, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan( ). A sold-out audience was treated to the performance under the baton of Maestro SHIMONO Tatsuya with acclaimed pianist SORITA Kyohei as the guest soloist. Their delicate yet powerful performance showcased Japan’s rich orchestral heritage and the universal nature of music.
Prior to the performance, a reception hosted by the Embassy of Japan was held, graced by Guest of Honour Mr. Baey Yam Keng 马炎庆 , Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the Ministry of Transport, as well as Mr. NAKANOYA Koichi, Chairman of the NHK Symphony Orchestra.
Ambassador ISHIKAWA Hiroshi stated in his welcome speech that 26 April, three days prior, marked the date in 1966 when the two countries officially established diplomatic relations, and that this concert was a celebration that milestone. Ambassador also expressed his delight at witnessing such a historic evening, even more special as the NHK Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
Commemorative stamps jointly issued by Japan Post and Singapore Post to mark SJ60 were also unveiled (Singapore Postぽすくま【日本郵便】) during the reception. The stamp exchange took place between Ambassador ISHIKAWA and Minister BAEY.

🎭 🪶 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝑯𝒂𝒈𝒐𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒐, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫-𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞, 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐊𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐰𝐚 𝐍𝐨𝐡

Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi attended the performance of Hagoromo by the Kurokawa Noh Troupe on 1 May. It was a rare opportunity to catch Kurokawa Noh outside of Japan and it was also a chance to further deepen cultural exchange between Japan and Singapore in commemoration of SJ60. The performance was supported by The Japan Foundation and was featured as part of the Esplanade’s “A Tapestry of Sacred Music 2026”.

Native to the city of Tsuruoka in Yamagata Prefecture, Kurokawa Noh is a form of ritual handed down for over 500 years at Kasuga Shrine, the guardian shrine of the Kurokawa district. In May 1976, Kurokawa Noh was designated an important intangible folk cultural heritage of Japan.
The audience at the Esplanade Concert Hall were treated to a night of traditional music and theatre, experiencing firsthand the living legacy of performing art that has been cherished and preserved by the local community for generations.