Little Japan In Singapore

Source : The Straits Times, June 19, 2009

JAPAN is not all about sushi, sake, and sakura and a new cultural centre set up here hopes to get more Singaporeans aware about the intricacies of the culture.

'Innovation and tradition' is the main theme of the Japan Creative Centre (JCC) and it will showcase Japan's 'soft power', such as pop culture and traditional arts, besides creating a space for people to experience the charms of Japan.

The Centre will be located at the start of Orchard Road and is estimated to open on November this year.

This initiative is a result of Japan-Singapore summit meetings held in March and November 2007. An agreement was reached to set up the centre in Singapore as a base for disseminating information on Japan and its culture.

On Thursday night actress and singer Dawn Yeoh was officially appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador of the Japan Creative Centre.

As a Goodwill Ambassador, she will support the JCC and its activities, as well as share her personal thoughts and experiences after every JCC event in a blog on the centre's website.

The centre is expected to open in November 2009.