About The Japanese Association, Singapore
The Japanese Association, Singapore was established more than a century ago in 1915 and reconstituted in 1957. The early objective of the Association was aimed at creating a mutual-aid group to look after one another’s welfare, set up educational facilities, maintain the Japanese cemetery and promote global exchanges.
Besides realizing its original intent, postwar Japanese Association has also been more active in promoting exchange and interactions with the Singapore community. Our new clubhouse is also designed to be culturally oriented to suit this purpose.
One of the objectives of the Japanese Association is to become an international cultural exchange ground for people to meet, chat and relax.
The new clubhouse, officially opened by Deputy Prime Minister BG (NS) Lee Hsien Loong on 23rd May 1998, is a building designed and constructed with a modern exterior while incorporating rich Japanese cultural flair in its interiors.
Complemented by its excellent location along Adam Road, the clubhouse has a built-in area of nearly 8,000 square meters (4 times bigger than the previous location). On a freehold land size of approximately 5,600 square meters, the clubhouse has also been enhanced to provide members with improved services in a cosier setting and a much more pleasant environment. It is a clubhouse that can instil a sense of belonging and pride amongst its members.
With a larger space available, we will be able to better organise our involvements with local charitable activities. More opportunities can also be created for cultural exchange and social interaction on a larger scale between our members and the different communities.
At present we have approximately 4,635 Ordinary Members (Japanese nationals with voting rights) and 503 Associate Members. Only Associate memberships are transferable. We have 664 corporate members. (1 Apr 2025)
We hereby cordially invite you to join us as an Associate Transferable Member!
Message
President for Year 2024
Mr Murayama Takanobu
I would like to say a few words as I was appointed as the new president at the general meeting held on 20th March 2025.
First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to former president Mr. Nishida and all the committee members from 2024 for their dedicated work, as well as the past presidents and committee members, members, and volunteers for their many years of their continued support for the Japanese Association, Singapore (JAS).
JAS is one of the most prestigious members’ clubs in the Japanese associations and has 110 years of history since its establishment in 1915, following the establishment of the Japanese Cemetery in 1891 and the Japanese School in 1912. Since then, our journey has been a history of overcoming countless hardships and obstacles together with our Japanese predecessors. And we cannot mention today’s Japanese community without the warm understanding and relationship from the local Singapore community. I attended the memorial service at the Japanese Cemetery on 14th March and learnt the Japanese Cemetery’s historical background along with the dialog with the Singapore government. Now, I have gained a better understanding of the importance of JAS for maintenance and managing the Cemetery and the kind understanding of the local community.
This year will be an important year as it marks the 60th year of Singapore’s independence, followed by the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore next year. I was involved in the management in my small way as a member of the organization last year. This year, I will do my best to expand our activities to contribute not only to the Japanese community but also to strengthen the ties between Japan and the local Singapore community.
In 2024, large-scale repair work on our beloved clubhouse since 1998 has started under the strong leadership of former president Mr. Nishida. I believe that some of you have seen our clubhouse under construction. Seeing our clubhouse gradually taking new shape, I can’t contain my excitement as I imagine how it will continue serving and be adored by our members.
The clubhouse is scheduled to reopen in November of this year. We are striving hard to prepare our clubhouse to serve as a place for members to come together, for the local community to better understand Japan and build closer relationships, and for our clubhouse to become a part of your everyday lives.
In order for JAS to continue to thrive, consistent support from our members as well as the Embassy of Japan in Singapore, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Singapore, and other organizations is essential. We ask for your continued guidance and support.
As this year marks a milestone for us, we would like to start a new chapter for JAS with you all. Thank you for your kind support.
History of The Japanese Association
(1 teacher, 26 students)
Established an office on Wilkie Road ... About 1,500 Japanese nationals The Japanese Primary School relocated to the office in Wilkie Road and managed by The Japanese Association (40 students)
The Japanese Association also relocated to within the same building
Closure of the Consulate General of Japan (23 December)
Destruction of The Japanese Association
The Women’s Committee participated in the bazaar for the blind for the first time
Renovation work on the 3rd floor – Handicraft Room, Cooking Room, Shower Room, Classrooms 1 – 4, Function Room 2AB, Studio 1
