SINGAPORE: The prime ministers from Japan and Singapore officially launched the Japan Creative Centre just off Orchard Road on Saturday.

The centre was the result of an idea initiated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong after a visit to Japan.

Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said: "We plan to showcase Japan's 'soft power', including pop culture and cutting-edge technologies.

"Our goal is to promote further exchanges and mutual understanding between the peoples of Japan and Singapore as well as Southeast Asia."

Prime Minister Lee said: "Singapore believes that Japan has an important contribution to make in Asia, economically and other spheres, and particularly in Southeast Asia, among the ASEAN countries.

"Therefore, we are particularly happy to help Japan remain active in the region, and to spread its influence and culture."

From robotics to cutting-edge technology, the centre features the best of Japanese design. It should appeal to audiences increasingly captivated by Japanese style, fashion and food.

The building along Nassim Road has been loaned to the Japanese for use as a centre for the next five years.

The creative centre is the first of its kind outside of Japan and will showcase both modern and traditional Japan.

And because it is a joint effort by both the Singapore and Japanese governments, the premises will be open for free for anyone wishing to organise Japan-related events and activities.

Hiro Yamamoto, director of Japan Creative Centre, said: "We provide not only information on culture but also other aspects of Japan, for example, latest technologies, sightseeing - tourism and pop culture, animation, pop songs, pop music."

The centre is open to the public from November 16.

For now, while there are no plans to extend the concept to other parts of the world, Japan said it may do so if this centre becomes very successful.

- CNA/ir