The annual sports festival welcomed the Japanese community in Singapore for a day of friendly competition, community spirit, and intergenerational interaction despite rainy weather.

H.E. Ambassador Ishikawa attended the Japanese Association Sports Festival 2026 at ITE College West on 26 July as Guest of Honour, where he delivered the opening remarks during the opening ceremony. Although the event was suspended twice due to rain, the programme was successfully completed with the participation and cooperation of the Japanese community in Singapore.

Organised by The Japanese Association, Singapore, the annual sports festival featured a variety of games and competitions for participants of all ages. From children to adults, participants enjoyed a variety of games and competitions, and the day was filled with energy and teamwork.

During the event, H.E. Ambassador Ishikawa presented the Special Honour Award to the SJ60 Costume Group in recognition of their handmade costumes.

Source: Embassy of Japan in Singapore, The Japanese Association, Singapore

The celebrations featured Grand Master Akane Teshigahara and also commemorated the 60th anniversary of Singapore-Japan diplomatic relations.

The Singapore Sogetsu Association commemorated its 60th anniversary with a Charity Gala Dinner on 18 July and the launch of “Kodo 2026” (Pulsation) at Gardens by the Bay on 19 July. The celebrations also coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan. Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi and Madam Ishikawa Yuko attended both events.

The Charity Gala Dinner featured a live ikebana demonstration by Akane Teshigahara, Grand Master of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, who travelled from Japan for the anniversary celebrations. In his congratulatory remarks, Ambassador Ishikawa commended the Singapore Sogetsu Association’s dedication to promoting the Japanese art of ikebana in Singapore over the past six decades. Proceeds from the gala will be donated to Club Rainbow Singapore, which supports children and youths living with chronic illnesses, disabilities and special needs.

The following day, Ambassador Ishikawa attended the launch of Kodo 2026 (Pulsation), a large-scale bamboo installation by Akane Teshigahara at Gardens by the Bay. Created to commemorate the Singapore Sogetsu Association’s Diamond Jubilee and the 60th anniversary of Singapore-Japan diplomatic relations, the artwork drew inspiration from Singapore’s vibrant energy and cityscape. The title Kodo, meaning “heartbeat” or “pulsation”, symbolises the living energy running through every stalk of bamboo. According to the Embassy of Japan in Singapore, it is the artist’s first major bamboo installation in Asia outside Japan.

In his remarks, Ambassador Ishikawa described bamboo as a symbol of flexibility, resilience and rapid growth, drawing a parallel with the enduring friendship between Singapore and Japan. He also thanked Gardens by the Bay for its continued partnership in presenting ikebana displays and the annual Sakura exhibition. Kodo 2026 is on display at the Baobabs in the Flower Dome until 26 August 2026.

Source: Embassy of Japan in Singapore

The meeting took place as Japan and Singapore commemorated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, highlighting a new milestone in bilateral defence cooperation.

Colonel Edwin Chen Weiren of the Singapore Armed Forces, who was appointed Singapore’s Defence Attach¨¦ to Japan earlier this month, paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Ishikawa at the Embassy of Japan on 16 July.

Colonel Edwin graduated from the National Defense Academy of Japan in 2006 as an international cadet and has longstanding ties with Japan. Colonel Edwin and Japan¡¯s Defence Attach¨¦ to Singapore, Captain Torii, were also classmates at the National Defense Academy of Japan.

The appointment of Singapore’s first Defence Attach¨¦ to Japan during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries symbolised a new chapter in bilateral defence cooperation. The embassy expressed hope that the appointment would further strengthen and expand defence ties between Japan and Singapore.

Source: Embassy of Japan in Singapore Facebook

Fifteen finalists competed in the Secondary School, Junior College and Open categories as Singapore and Japan marked 60 years of diplomatic relations.

The SJ60 Japanese Speech Contest 2026 was held at the Japanese Association in Singapore. The event, which took place on 12 July 2026, was attended by over 100 contestants, family members, teachers, and supporters. 15 finalists from the Secondary School, Junior College and Open categories delivered speeches in Japanese. Three winners were selected from each category following deliberations by the judging panel.

The contest was jointly organised by the Japan Creative Centre, The Japanese Association, Singapore, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Singapore Foundation, The Japanese Cultural Society Singapore and The Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore. First held in 1996, the competition encourages Japanese language learners to develop their speaking skills and supports cultural exchange between Singapore and Japan.

Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, H.E. Ishikawa Hiroshi, attended the event alongside Guest of Honour Mr Loh Khum Yean, Chairman of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Board. Mr Yean, who completed his undergraduate studies in Japan, congratulated the finalists and spoke about learning Japanese as a means of gaining a broader understanding of Japanese culture.

Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Singapore President Daisuke Kakihara presented prizes to the Secondary School category winners. The top winners in the Junior College and Open categories each received a return air ticket to Japan. The Open category winner was also eligible to participate in a programme organised by the Japan Overseas Enterprises Association, while the Junior College category winners were entitled to join a homestay programme organised by the Hokkaido Singapore Friendship Association.

When asked to encourage those considering next year¡¯s contest, the winners said: ¡¸×ÔÐŤò³Ö¤Ã¤ÆîB�ˆ¤Ã¤Æ¤¯¤À¤µ¤¤£¡¡¹, which translates to ¡°Have confidence in yourself and do your best!¡±

Source: Embassy of Japan in Singapore, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Singapore – JCCI

Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi attended JETRO Singapore’s 70th Anniversary Business Forum, highlighting seven decades of Japan¨CSingapore economic cooperation.

Ambassador of Japan to Singapore Ishikawa Hiroshi attended the JETRO Singapore 70th Anniversary Business Forum on 2 July 2026, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to strengthening economic and business cooperation with Singapore. The event also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Enterprise Singapore.

The forum commemorated 70 years of JETRO Singapore’s role in supporting Japanese companies operating in Singapore while fostering closer economic ties between the two countries. It brought together representatives from government agencies, businesses, and industry stakeholders to celebrate the milestone and explore future opportunities for collaboration.

In his remarks, Ambassador Ishikawa recognised JETRO Singapore’s longstanding contributions to promoting Japanese business interests and facilitating bilateral economic cooperation. He highlighted the organisation’s close collaboration with key Singaporean partners, including Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), in supporting trade, investment, and innovation between both countries.

During the event, Ambassador Ishikawa also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between JETRO and Enterprise Singapore, underscoring the shared commitment of both organisations to deepen collaboration in supporting businesses and strengthening economic connectivity.

Congratulating JETRO Singapore on its 70th anniversary, Ambassador Ishikawa expressed appreciation for the organisation’s continued contributions to the Japanese business community in Singapore. He also reaffirmed the Embassy of Japan’s commitment to working closely with JETRO Singapore in supporting the growth and activities of Japanese companies in the country.

Source: Embassy of Japan in Singapore

The event featured Zen meditation, traditional Maiko and Geiko performances, and discussions on sustainable tourism, offering guests an immersive introduction to Kyoto’s cultural heritage.

The Japan Creative Centre (JCC) organised a Kyoto tourism promotion event on 1 July in partnership with the Kyoto City Tourism Association and the Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau. Held in Singapore, the event introduced guests to Kyoto’s cultural heritage through immersive experiences while promoting the city as a destination for meaningful and sustainable travel.

The programme formed part of JCC’s ongoing cultural outreach efforts and brought together guests interested in Japanese culture and tourism. Through a series of traditional performances and interactive sessions, attendees were introduced to the customs, history, and artistic traditions that have shaped Kyoto over the centuries.

The event featured a Zen meditation (Zazen) session led by Toda Seizan and Toda Souzen from the Daijin Sub-temple of Daitoku-ji Temple. Guests also enjoyed performances by a Maiko and a Geiko, offering an insight into Kyoto’s traditional performing arts and cultural customs. Japanese cuisine and sake were served as part of the cultural experience.

During the event, Hotta Toru reflected on Kyoto’s distinctive combination of rich cultural heritage and quiet innovation, drawing on his personal connection to the city. Representatives from DMO Kyoto also addressed the challenges of overtourism and encouraged visitors to experience Kyoto in ways that respect local communities while supporting sustainable tourism.

Source: JCC (Japan Creative Centre)

Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi attends Himari’s performance with Evergreen Symphony Orchestra at the Esplanade Concert Hall

Ishikawa Hiroshi attended the “Timeless Resonance: Jaap van Zweden & HIMARI” concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall on 28 June 2026. The performance featured internationally acclaimed Japanese violinist HIMARI as the soloist alongside the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra.

Held at the Esplanade ¨C Theatres on the Bay, the concert brought together music enthusiasts for an evening celebrating classical music and cultural exchange. The programme highlighted the artistic collaboration between internationally recognised musicians and showcased Japan’s emerging musical talent on Singapore’s performing arts stage.

HIMARI opened the programme with Violin Concerto in D minor by Jean Sibelius. Her interpretation of the concerto demonstrated technical precision and musical maturity, particularly during the demanding first-movement cadenza, before concluding with an energetic and expressive finale. The performance was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Following the concert, Ambassador Ishikawa met with HIMARI to congratulate her on her performance. The two also exchanged views on her concert appearances in various countries, reflecting the continued role of cultural exchanges in strengthening people-to-people ties between Japan and the international community.

The concert highlighted the importance of the performing arts in fostering cultural understanding and international friendship. Such engagements continue to strengthen cultural connections between Japan and Singapore while providing opportunities for audiences to experience world-class musical performances.

Source: Embassy of Japan in Singapore

A special reception was held aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS IKAZUCHI at Changi Naval Base to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore.

The Embassy of Japan in Singapore hosted a commemorative reception aboard the JS IKAZUCHI on 14 May during the vessel¡¯s port call at Changi Naval Base in Singapore.

The event marked the #SJ60 celebrations, commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore.

Senior naval officials and distinguished guests from both countries attended the reception, highlighting the close friendship and growing defence partnership between the two nations.

The gathering provided an opportunity for both sides to reaffirm their longstanding ties and strengthen cooperation in regional security, maritime collaboration, and defence engagement.

The visit of JS IKAZUCHI and the commemorative event reflected the strong and enduring relationship shared by Japan and Singapore over the past six decades.

Source: Embassy of Japan in Singapore

Japanese floral art, kimono culture and international friendship were celebrated at the opening of the ¡°Blossoms of Joy¡± exhibition in Singapore.

Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, H.E. Ishikawa Hiroshi attended the opening ceremony of the Blossoms of Joy at Paragon Shopping Centre on 7 May 2026.

The exhibition was organised by Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135 in celebration of #SJ60, marking Singapore-Japan friendship and cultural exchange.

Japan Creative Centre Director Kawabe Akiko also attended the event alongside Chairman of the All Japan Kimono Consultant Association, Sasaki Beji, and Ambassador of Indonesia to Singapore Hotmangaradja Pandjaitan.

This year¡¯s exhibition features a collaboration with the All Japan Kimono Consultant Association, showcasing 10 Hana Musubi obi and kimono displays alongside 50 Ikebana floral arrangements created by members of the Singapore chapter.

President of Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135, Anna Kwan, and Ambassador Ishikawa delivered opening speeches before guests enjoyed a traditional Kagamiwari ceremony, a cultural performance by Hibikiya, and a Hana Musubi obi demonstration.

Ambassador Ishikawa later toured the exhibition and viewed the colourful floral and kimono displays.

The ¡°Blossoms of Joy¡± exhibition will run until 17 May 2026 at Paragon Shopping Centre.

Source: Embassy of Japan in Singapore

Japan and Singapore have announced a new Strategic Partnership to deepen cooperation across trade, technology, and security. The agreement marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

On 18 March 2026, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae officially announced the establishment of a Strategic Partnership between Japan and the Singapore. The announcement coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Both leaders highlighted their long-standing relationship built on shared values such as support for international law, free trade, and regional stability. They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in response to global security and economic challenges.

The partnership focuses on five key areas. First, both nations will promote free trade and economic cooperation, including digital trade, supply chain resilience, and innovation in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Second, Japan and Singapore will expand collaboration in digitalisation and technology. This includes efforts in AI safety, cybersecurity, smart cities, semiconductors, and space development.

Third, in security and defence, both countries will increase joint exercises, strengthen defence technology cooperation, and work together to address regional threats such as cybercrime and terrorism.

Fourth, both sides will enhance cooperation in green energy and climate action. Plans include developing renewable energy, supporting decarbonisation technologies, and promoting sustainable finance initiatives.

Finally, the partnership will strengthen people-to-people ties through education, youth exchanges, cultural programmes, and increased travel opportunities.

Officials from both countries have been tasked with implementing the agreement, with regular reviews to ensure progress and relevance in a changing global environment.

Source: PMO