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Introduction video of Singapore's former Japanese quarter
In 2021, to commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) produced a video introducing Singapore's former Japanese quarter. In the old Japanese quarter, located around what is now Middle Road, an unimaginable number of Japanese people lived, did business, and passed away.
This short video offers a glimpse into Japanese society before the war. While it doesn't cover everything, we hope it will serve as an enjoyable introduction for those who are interested.
Introduction
The performer is SACHIYO, who is active in the music scene in Singapore.
She is also a graduate of a Japanese elementary school, which was originally a Japanese elementary school at the time and has been continued to this day.
Main story
The former Japanese quarter was located almost in the heart of Singapore.
This is the school building of the first Japanese school, built 100 years ago in 1920.
It was built with donations from the founder of Echigoya and many other Japanese people. At its peak, it boasted a student body of nearly 400 people.
He was the most successful kimono merchant in the Japanese town before the war.
"Echigoya." It was a central figure in Japanese society at the time.
A map depicting the Japanese town in the early 1900s during the Taisho era provides a detailed view of what it was like at the time.
Singapore's Old Japanese Quarter Map, created by the Historical Sites and Materials Department of the Singapore Japanese Association, available for purchase at the Japanese Association Club Shop.
Singapore's former Japanese quarter area
From Middle Road to Emily Road
Reference links
Introduction to the Japanese Cemetery in Singapore