A Message from Ambassador Ishikawa, Embassy of Japan

The year 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan (SJ60). Sixty years is significant in the East Asian cultural sphere, and in the Japanese language, we refer to the term as “Kanreki”, signifying the completion of a full cycle. This momentous year is an opportunity not only to reflect on the meaningful friendship our two nations have built over the past six decades, but also to entrust it to the next generation, ensuring its continued growth.

Throughout this year, a wide range of commemorative events have been planned and organized. This journey began with the selection of the official SJ60 logo, followed by the endorsement of various certified projects, and will culminate in our flagship event, “結-Musubi-” (signifying connection or bond), which will be held from 28 to 29 November. All of these initiatives are being driven forward in an “All-Japan” spirit, bringing together the collective efforts of the Japanese community in Singapore.

However, looking back 60 years ago, it was an era when the negative memories of World War II remained very much present, and sentiments against Japan were far from gone. Yet today, various public opinion polls rank Japan as the “most trusted partner”. This significant shift was by no means an accident. On the Singaporean side, the founding generation, led by the first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, looked at the reality of the situation and made a pragmatic choice for their nation’s development, seeking investment from Japanese companies. In response, many Japanese corporations established a presence here, and individual Japanese citizens approached their work with sincerity. I am certain that these steady efforts formed the bedrock of the trust we share today.

Today, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JCCI) in Singapore has approximately 760 member companies, with around 5,000 Japanese businesses operating in total. Our economic relations have expanded beyond traditional manufacturing to encompass investment, startups, digital innovation, and sustainability. Furthermore, Japan has become the top travel destination for Singaporeans, with visitor numbers reached a record high of approximately 720,000 in 2025. Interest in Japanese culture also remains very high, spanning from traditional arts to anime.

Over the past 60 years, Japan and Singapore have learned from and supported each other, building a strong relationship across trade, economy, security, cutting-edge technology, cultural and people-to-people exchanges. In March this year, the first summit meeting between Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong was held in Tokyo, where our bilateral relations were officially elevated to a Strategic Partnership. As nations that share fundamental values such as freedom and the rule of law, we look forward to working even more closely together.

The trust that Singapore has in Japan today is derived from the accumulated efforts of each individual in the Japanese community, who has consistently been a “good neighbor” in this society. Understanding the history of Singapore’s nation-building and its relationship with Japan, while working hand-in-hand with the local people itself is the most important thing we can do to bridge our two nations.

Singapore is a nation where good results are justly recognized and valued. I sincerely wish for the success of all Japanese residents who are taking on challenges here, and I offer my full support as you strive in your respective fields. Your individual achievements fill me with great confidence and pride.

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