Lushhomemedia

Singapore fans of J-pop and anime cartoons will be pleased to know that their Japanese entertainment treasures are now starring in a ‘show’ of their own here at home.

They are among the cultural exhibits at the Japan Creative Centre (JCC), which was officially opened yesterday.

The 450 sq m centre is housed in a former colonial house on Nassim Road.

Through exhibitions, seminars and performances, the centre – which has a minimalist-style interior, including paper floor lamps – will showcase aspects of Japan’s soft appeal, such as animation and design, and its cutting-edge technology as befits its theme ‘innovation and tradition’.

There is even an e-library stocked with e-books as well as J-pop and J-drama DVDs, which the public can access free of charge.

The centre, which is the first of its kind outside Japan, was declared open by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Japanese counterpart Yukio Hatoyama, who is in Singapore for his maiden Apec summit.

Manga mania certainly has made an impact, even on prime ministers.

Mr Lee yesterday described the JCC as a space to experience ‘the charms of Japan’ which have captivated many Singaporeans, saying: ‘Among Singaporeans, Japanese culture, entertainment, food and fashion are very popular.’

He cited the example of Japanese animation Ponyo By The Cliff by Oscar-winning director Hayao Miyazaki.

Showcasing the hardware wizardry that Japan is also famous for, Mr Hatoyama gamely tried out a sleek-looking blood pressure monitor that gives more accurate readings by correcting the posture of the arm.

Also on show as part of the centre’s opening exhibition ‘Japan Good Design’ is something just about every Singaporean will warm to – the world’s first electric rice cooker made by Toshiba in the 1950s.

Techies will enjoy seeing latest inventions such as Wakamaru, a home-use robot developed by Mitsubishi.

A centrepiece of the exhibition is the prototype of a solar-powered robot suit, which can be used to help rehabilitate stroke patients, for example.

But more than providing Singaporeans with the chance to get up close and personal with their favourite aspects of Japanese culture, the centre is a cultural hub aimed at showcasing Japan’s ‘soft power’ and promoting its influence in the region.

Singapore’s and Japan’s leaders hailed the launch of the JCC as a symbol of the countries’ long and close friendship. The idea for it was initiated by Mr Lee in 2007.

Against the background of Japanese taiko drum beats, they cut the ribbon at a morning ceremony attended by some 50 guests.

Describing the centre as ‘a new type of culture and information hub’, Mr Hatoyama said it would promote exchanges between Japan and Singapore as well as South-east Asia.

Mr Lee expressed hope that the JCC could help spread Japan’s influence and culture beyond Singapore.

‘Singapore believes that Japan has an important contribution to make in Asia, economically and in other spheres,’ he said. ‘Therefore, we are happy to help Japan remain active in the region, and to spread its influence and culture.’

The JCC building was leased by the Singapore Government at no cost for an initial five-year period.

In a way, the launch of the JCC reflects a shift in the way Japan is being perceived, said Dr Lam Peng Er, a senior research fellow at the Singapore’s East Asian Institute.

While the older generation was awed by Japan’s economic miracle, the young generation is ‘mesmerised by its culture’, he said.

Yesterday, Mr Lee also held a brief closed-door meeting with Mr Hatoyama, who is in Singapore for the first time after being sworn in in September.

During the meeting, both leaders agreed on the importance of developing cooperation in the science and technology area, reported Kyodo news agency, citing Japan’s foreign ministry.

The JCC’s opening exhibition is open to the public from tomorrow till end-January. Admission is free.

Source : Sunday Times – 15 Nov 2009