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 4,397 Ordinary Members (Japanese nationals with voting rights) and 506 Associate Members. Only Associate memberships are transferable. We have 673 corporate members. (1 Dec 2024)
We hereby cordially invite you to join us as an Associate Transferable Member!
Message
President for Year 2024
Mr Nishida Tomoyuki
I am Nishida and would like to say a few words as a newly appointed president of the Japanese Association, Singapore for 2024 at the general meeting held on 21st March 2024.
I had been stationed in Philippines for five years and in Indonesia for seven and a half years in the past. In Indonesia, I served as a committee member for the Japanese Association. I understand that in each country, the Japanese Association is a place that “provides support in daily life for its members”, “connects fellowship of Japanese” and “shows gratitude to the countries where you stay”.
The Japanese Association, Singapore has more than 100 years of history and we have a lot of tangible and intangible valuable assets including our world-class clubhouse. On 14th March, I visited the Japanese Cemetery Park and participated in the memorial service. It reminded me once again that our beloved association today stands on the foundation which was built by our predecessors’ tremendous efforts and I deeply feel the weight of the responsibility as the president.
My philosophy is being “Cheerful”, “Positive”, and “Perseverant”. I believe that it is not always full of good times, but there are many more difficult times we encounter in life. I will study hard myself and try to fulfill my duties as a president “Cheerfully”, “Positively”, and “Perseveringly” while borrowing the experience and knowledge from the former president Mr Hikita, senior committee members, and JAS members.
Now, one of the big items we need to work on in 2024 is the major renovation work of the Clubhouse. After 26 years of its completion, many parts of the clubhouse require renovation. The renovation work will commence in September and will be carried out over a period of about one year. During this period, the clubhouse will be open as the renovation works will be divided into few construction periods. However, some facilities may not be available when it’s under work. Unfortunately, this may cause inconvenience to our members but we seek your understanding and cooperation to make our clubhouse reborn for the better.
Additionally, I feel that the great thing about the Japanese Association, Singapore is that all the events and activities organized every year are supported by the dedication of members of the subcommittee and volunteers and the leadership of each committee member. Continued support and cooperation from our members, corporate members, the Embassy of Japan in Singapore and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Singapore and other organization are necessary for the further development of our association. We humbly seek your continued guidance and support.
Lastly, as a new president in the year 2024, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to former president Mr Hikita, the committee members from 2023 as well as all JAS members for their tremendous support. As a new chairman, I will do my best and together let’s make the Japanese Association, Singapore an even better place for all.
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
