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Message from Executive Director of The Japan Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (J.CLAIR)

Mr. Kazuki Takano

Executive Director
The Japan Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (J.CLAIR)

It is a great pleasure to extend my most sincere congratulations to The Japanese Cultural Society Singapore (JCS) on the occasion of your 60th anniversary and to be given the privilege to pen a message on this distinctive commemorative event.


JCS has always been a tremendous support to our organization, The Japan Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (J.CLAIR), as we administer our activities in Singapore and assist in promoting and supporting the internationalization efforts of Japanese local governments in areas varying from economic, tourism to cultural exchange.


Besides providing valuable research information and offering constructive advice for J.CLAIR Singapore's reports and publications, JCS and its members have constantly been keen advocates of many of our programs and activities as it strives to promote a broad level of exchange between Japan and Singapore. This is also demonstrated by the high level of interest that Japanese language learners from JCS have shown towards J.CLAIR's Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, where foreign youths are sent to Japan either as foreign language teachers or coordinators to promote international exchange at various Japanese local regions and authorities.


In 2023, Japan and ASEAN celebrated the 50th anniversary of bilateral friendship and cooperation. In the post-COVID-19 era, it is expected that Japan and ASEAN will work together to tackle global issues with the aim of "co-creation", based on the "trust" built up over the past 50 years. In this context, an increasing number of Japanese local governments have been expanding their activities not only in cultural exchange, but also in the economic cooperation and environmental fields, with a focus on Singapore. As a result, JCS and J.CLAIR Singapore will have more opportunities to collaborate and build closer relations.


In 2026, Japan and Singapore will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Towards this memorable event, it is hoped that the strong partnership between the two countries will further deepen mutual understanding and exchange, and bring about an even higher level of cooperation.


Lastly, on behalf of J.CLAIR Singapore, I would like to congratulate JCS once again for its achievements over the years and wish all its members even greater success in your future endeavours, as we look forward to working closely with JCS to strengthen the bilateral ties between Japan and Singapore.

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