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2016 marks the 50th Anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations.
Year of establishment of diplomatic ties: 1966
“Mr Lee strived to strengthen relations with Japan and was successful in building a friendship between the two nations,” Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a press conference on 2 Feb 2016.
Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/founding-pm-lee-kuan-yew-to-be-awarded-top-japanese-honour-on-march-23
Why is the 2016 RI-SJSS Collaboration Project recognised as an SJ50 event?
This joint project offers a unique opportunity for RI Students to learn, the importance of building good relations between Singapore and Japan, particularly after the school (and the nation) learnt on 4 Feb 2016’s The Straits Times announcement that Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, was conferred posthumously on 23 March 2015 (backdated), the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers by the Japanese Government. This prestigious award is one of Japan’s top honours for foreign leaders. Mr Lee received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in 1967.
Source of photo: www.japantimes.co.jp
Mr and Mrs Lee Kuan Yew. In 1968 with Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
Source of photo: www.channelnewsasia.com
Mr Lee Kuan Yew at Japan Press Club.1973.
Source of photo: Lee Kuan Yew, a pictorial biography. Lianhe Zaobao (1994).
Mr and Mrs Lee Kuan Yew paid an official visit to Japan in October 1968. On arrival, they were warmly received by Japan PM Eisaku Sato at the Tokyo International Airport. Mr Sato was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1974.
Source of photo: https://imperialfamilyjapan.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/mr-in-2006-with-japan-s.jpg
Mr Lee Kuan Yew meeting Emperor Akihito.
Source of photo: www.japantimes.co.jp
Mr Lee Kuan Yew met Japan PM Mr Shinzo Abe.
Source of photo: www.straitstimes.com
A poignant moment, as Japan PM Mr Shinzo Abe attended Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s lying-in-state at Parliament House in March 2015 and penned his condolences.
"Most importantly, how we honour Mr Lee must be faithful to the ideals he lived by and fought for."
"We can pay no greater tribute to Mr Lee than to uphold the principles upon which he built this country."
Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong, in his address in Parliament regarding the Tribute to the late Mr Lee.
In the post LKY era,
The bilateral friendship continues to flourish..
Source of photo: www.straitstimes.com
More information on Singapore-Japan bilateral relations built over the years.
Be inspired by NHK's song:
dedicated to the 11 Mar 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
Visit the Japan Creative Centre (JCC) Facebook page and you will see JCC's message and a photoshot of this half-page The Straits Times Fri 11 Mar 2016 announcement entitled ' Blossoms of Hope'
Source of photo (shown left): https://www.facebook.com/JCCEOJ/
Read the Straits Times 12 March 2016 article, 'Japanese Groups in Singapore hold remembrance events'. Senior Minister of State (PMO), Mrs Josephine Teo attended the event held at the Japanese Association. Mrs Teo is also a former Rafflesian.
Quotation from the Straits Times' article:
'Ms Teo acknowledged the triumph of the human spirit, saying: "Japan's ability to meet adversity head-on and emerge stronger has won the admiration of all of us around the world."
Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japanese-groups-in-singapore-hold-remembrance-event
Minister Josephine Teo (second from right right) with Japanese Ambassador Haruhisa Takeuchi (third from right) standing during a moment of silence at the Japanese Association on March 11, 2016.
Click on SJ50 to find out more.