Japanese Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Hiroshi Ishikawa, joined Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong to celebrate MUFG’s 70-year legacy in the city-state and the enduring trust characterising Singapore-Japan bilateral relations.

On 28th September, H.E. Hiroshi Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, attended a grand reception hosted by MUFG. The event was held to celebrate two remarkable milestones: the 70th anniversary of the MUFG Singapore Branch and the 60th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan (#SJ60).

The celebration was graced by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Gan Kim Yong, alongside senior leaders and executives from MUFG. The high-level attendance shows the strong economic synergy and deep diplomatic ties that have flourished between the two nations over the past several decades.

During his address, Ambassador Ishikawa reflected on the deep-rooted trust that forms the bedrock of the bilateral relationship. He noted that this partnership was forged even before the formal establishment of diplomatic ties. The relationship traces its origins back to 1957, when MUFG’s predecessor first opened its branch in Singapore out of a genuine conviction in the city-state’s long-term economic potential.

Emphasising the core foundation of this enduring partnership, Ambassador Ishikawa stated, “The most valuable asset Singapore and Japan have built over these seventy years is not infrastructure or capital. It is trust.” This sentiment highlighted the mutual respect and shared strategic ambitions that have driven bilateral success.

Concluding his remarks, the Ambassador recognised MUFG’s substantial contributions to cementing the deep bonds between Singapore and Japan. He expressed his unwavering confidence in the financial institution’s ongoing role in supporting Singapore’s national development and fostering broader economic prosperity across the Asian region.

Source: Embassy of Japan in Singapore

The Japan Creative Centre hosted a send-off for Singaporean students heading to Iwate Prefecture, featuring reflections from Rikuzentakata’s recovery from the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

The send-off session for the World Tsunami Awareness Day High School Student Summit was held at the Japan Creative Centre (JCC) on 23 September 2026, ahead of this year’s summit in Iwate Prefecture. The yearly summit serves as a platform for students around the world to learn about and discuss the threats of tsunamis and the importance of emergency preparedness.

Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi opened the event and welcomed representative student groups from 2025 and 2026, listening to research on Singapore’s emergency preparedness from the group heading to Japan this year, as well as learnings and takeaways from last year’s attending group.

Mr Murakami Kiyoshi, Chief Executive Officer of Rikuzentakata Agency in Iwate Prefecture, joined online from Japan to share the city’s recovery journey following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami and its ongoing disaster prevention efforts. He expressed his excitement to welcome the students at the summit in October.

The event concluded with a networking session bringing together guests from Singapore’s disaster relief and emergency preparedness sector, JET alumni from the Tohoku region, and Japanese organisations connected to Tohoku, for lively conversation across the two communities.

Ngee Ann Polytechnic students will represent Singapore at the 2026 World Tsunami Awareness Day High School Student Summit in Iwate Prefecture.

Source: Embassy of Japan in Singapore

Mr. Onishi attended symposiums, held bilateral talks and visited Japan Creative Centre.

Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Onishi Yohei visited Singapore from 10 to 12 September 2026 during the 60th anniversary year of Japan-Singapore diplomatic relations. During his visit, he attended the 19th Japan-Singapore Symposium, the 25th ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA) and (Asia Japan Alumni International) ASJA International Symposium, and had a bilateral meeting with Mr. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Minister of State in Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs.

At the Japan-Singapore Symposium on 11 September, Mr. Onishi delivered closing remarks and highlighted the potential for Japan and Singapore to cooperate on regional peace, stability and prosperity. Around 100 experts from both countries discussed geopolitics, security, economic security, trade and technology, with a focus on resilience in Asia. Mr. Onishi also attended the opening ceremony of the ASCOJA-ASJA Symposium, where he called for the continued use of the Fukuda Doctrine to strengthen Japan-ASEAN relations through mutual trust and “heart-to-heart” understanding.

During his bilateral meeting with Mr. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, both sides agreed to advance cooperation guided by the Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership Between Japan and the Republic of Singapore announced in March. Beyond the official discussions, Mr. Onishi’s programme also included engagement with the Japanese community and cultural institutions in Singapore. He exchanged views with Japanese business representatives, visited the Japan Creative Centre and attended the Traditional Okinawan Crafts Exhibition, and laid flowers at the Japanese Cemetery Park in Singapore.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Artists from Singapore and Japan performed music spanning decades, anime and tradition.

The SJ60 commemorative concert “Resonance Across Borders” was held at the Drama Centre Theatre on 6 September, with H.E. Ishikawa Hiroshi and former Singapore Ambassador to Japan Mr. Chin Siat Yoon in attendance. The programme featured musicians and artists from Singapore and Japan in an afternoon of jazz and colourful musical performances.

Renowned Tsugaru shamisen player Mr. Agatsuma Hiromitsu performed alongside Japanese artist Ms. Sachiyo and Singaporean artist Mr. Nathan Hartono, presenting music from both countries, including pieces from the 1970s and anime. Guest pipa artiste Mr. Samuel Wong joined the performance, with Mr. Iga Takuro on piano and Mr. Govin Tan on percussion.

The concert concluded with Ms. Sachiyo and Mr. Nathan Hartono performing a remix of “贬辞尘别” in both English and Japanese.

Source: JCC (Japan Creative Centre)

The Embassy joined Singapore’s Paralympic Day as athletes prepared for Aichi-Nagoya Games.

H.E. Ambassador Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, joined Singapore’s first-ever Paralympic Day on 29 August, supporting Team Singapore’s para-athletes ahead of the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Games are scheduled to take place from 18 to 24 October 2026.

The event celebrated the Paralympic Movement and the achievements of para-athletes while promoting greater awareness of para sports and an inclusive society. Para-athletes, families, schools, corporate partners and members of the public participated in activities including para sports tryouts and a 3km Paralympic Walkathon.

Source: Embassy of Japan in Singapore

Japan Embassy reception reunited defence alumni for Singapore-Japan exchange in Singapore dialogue.

The Embassy of Japan in Singapore hosted a reception at the Ambassador’s residence on 24 August for graduates of Japan’s National Defense Academy (NDA) and the Command and Staff Course of the Japan Self-Defense Forces Staff College

The gathering welcomed 43 alumni, accompanied by their spouses, together with Embassy staff. The reception offered participants an opportunity to reconnect and exchange views.

The discussions focused on Japan-Singapore cooperation in defence, society, the economy and culture, highlighting the wide range of ties between the two countries.

Source: Embassy of Japan in Singapore

The gathering offered guests an introduction to the traditions and philosophy of the Japanese Way of Tea.

H.E. Ishikawa Hiroshi, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, hosted a tea ceremony at his residence on 20 August in the presence of Mr. Kobori Sojitsu, the 13th Grand Master of the Enshu Sado School.

Guests included Mr. Albert Chua, Permanent Secretary at Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Loh Khum Yean, Chairman of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, and Mr. Chew Hock Yong, Chairman of the National Parks Board, accompanied by their spouses.

Mr. Kobori shared the spiritual essence and history of Enshu Sado and answered questions from the guests. He also highlighted his handwritten scroll bearing the characters 古教照心 (kokyou shoushin), a Zen saying expressing how teachings from many years ago can continue to enlighten one’s heart.

Source: JCC

NUS Sado Club students performed a tea ceremony celebrating six decades of diplomatic relations and Grand Master Kobori Sojitsu’s 70th birthday.

NUS Sado Club students performed a tea ceremony at the National University of Singapore (NUS) on 21 August, in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Singapore-Japan diplomatic relations and the 70th birthday of Mr Kobori Sojitsu, the 13th Grand Master of the Enshu Sado School.

H.E. Ishikawa Hiroshi, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, and Madam Ishikawa Yuko attended the occasion alongside Professor Feng Qiushi, Vice Dean of International Relations & Special Duties at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Associate Professor Lim Beng Choo, Head of the NUS Department of Japanese Studies, and other guests.

Mr Kobori had taught NUS Sado Club students for 37 years, travelling to Singapore almost every summer. In 2019, he received the Foreign Minister’s Commendation in recognition of his contributions to cultural exchange and mutual understanding through tea between Japan and Singapore, particularly his contribution to NUS.

Source: JCC

Students from three Japanese universities and NUS explored Singapore’s culture, society and Japan–Singapore exchange during a visit to JCC.

Students from Kwansei Gakuin University, Seikei University, Waseda University and the National University of Singapore (NUS) visited the Japan Creative Centre (JCC) on 5 August as part of an exchange programme. The Japanese students were on a study tour to learn more about Singapore’s culture and society.

During the visit, Third Attaché Ms Tobaru Ayumi presented the Embassy’s role, JCC’s activities and its international exchange initiatives. A Q&A session followed with Office Manager Mdm Mochida Mieko and Event Team Manager Mdm Soeda Keiko, during which students discussed Singapore’s green spaces, multiculturalism, Japanese companies in Singapore and the use of Singlish.

Source: Japan Creative Centre (JCC)

General Uchikura Hiroaki met Singapore’s defence leaders during an official visit focused on advancing bilateral defence cooperation.

Chief of Staff, Joint Staff General Uchikura Hiroaki visited Singapore from 10 to 12 August 2026, where he met Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, Chief of Defence Force of the Singapore Armed Forces, and paid a courtesy call on Mr. Chan Chun Sing, Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence.

The visit followed the elevation of Japan-Singapore relations to a Strategic Partnership in March 2026. During his meeting with Vice Admiral Beng, both sides confirmed the direction for further developing bilateral defence cooperation and exchanges.

The Japan Joint Staff reaffirmed its commitment to continued defence cooperation and exchanges with Singapore, with the partnership supporting efforts towards a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).

Source: Japan Joint Staff