SJ60

08/06/2026

🌲🌋 A lake shaped by fire and time

Nestled between Aomori and Akita, Lake Towada is a double caldera lake shaped by ancient volcanic activity. The surrounding forest trails of Oirase Gorge completes its tranquil landscape. These photos were taken by our staff, offering a personal glimpse into the lake’s seasonal beauty.

💧 Quiz time!
Which river flows out of Lake Towada?

1️⃣ Oirase River
2️⃣ Shinano River
3️⃣ Mogami River

💬 Drop your guess below!

☞ Find out more about Lake Towada
https://aomori-tourism.com/en/spot/detail_335.html

03/06/2026

Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi and Madam Ishikawa Yuko attended the Charity Tea Gathering “Enjoying the Furo”on 24 May, held at the Tea Room of The Japanese Association, Singapore　　シンガポール日本人会 organized by Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association.

During the gathering, a hanging scroll with the inscription “葉々起清風”written by Sen Sōsh*tsu XV, who passed away last year at the age of 102, was displayed and appreciated by guests. The inscription is from the “Xutang Record”: when sending off a friend, the wind shakes the bamboo, and the rustling sound of its leaves sends a refreshing parting gift. This phrase signifies an exchange of pure hearts and resonates with the “共想” spirit of SJ60, the 60th anniversary of Singapore-Japan diplomatic relations.

03/06/2026

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

03/06/2026

JCC sat down with Dr Yanagihara of Yanagihara Cooking School of Traditional Japanese Cuisine, located in Akasaka, Tokyo. Born into a family specialising in Kinsaryu (近茶流) culinary discipline which specialises in cooking techniques of Edo (present-day Tokyo) which showcase the impeccable use of knives, careful handling of ingredients, exquisite food arrangment, etiquette and the philosophy of Japanese Cuisine.

Read his full interview on April's Edition of our E-Magazine: https://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/JCC/E-Magazine-Apr-2026-Interview.html

28/05/2026

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/

26/05/2026

✨ 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

26/05/2026

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 🎉👏

25/05/2026

🏞️💙 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/

21/05/2026

🐟 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! 🇸🇬

13/05/2026

【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