Embassy of Singapore Marks 61st National Day in Tokyo

On September 2, a reception celebrating the 61st National Day of the Republic of Singapore was held in grand style at the Imperial Hotel. This year’s National Day also marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Japan.

Dignitaries applauded on stage at the Singapore-Japan 61st National Day and 60th anniversary reception

For some nations, a history of 61 years might be considered brief. For Singapore, however, these have been 61 turbulent years—a period of profound transformation that saw the country evolve from an impoverished developing nation into the advanced economy it is today.

Singapore—whose name means “Lion City”—gained self-governance from Britain in 1959 and subsequently became a state within Malaysia following that country’s independence. In 1965, it separated from Malaysia and became the independent Republic of Singapore.

Japan established diplomatic relations with Singapore in April 1966, less than a year after the country had gained its independence from Malaysia. Subsequently, Japan continued to make substantial investments in this small nation. In the 1970s, Sumitomo Chemical and Singapore Petroleum Company established the Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore. This venture grew to become Singapore’s first petrochemical complex. Today, Singapore ranks third in the world for oil trading and fifth for oil refining. In the 1980s, the electronics and precision equipment manufacturing sectors expanded rapidly. Leading Japanese companies, such as Murata Manufacturing, established operations there and created jobs. The 1990s saw the notable rise of the financial and service sectors, with major Japanese banks and regional banks opening branches and conducting business alongside renowned global investment banks. Singapore has now become a global financial hub.

When Singapore was faced with the prospect of independence from Malaysia, the odds were heavily stacked against it. An interview with then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew from that time remains well-known worldwide, vividly conveying the dire situation the country faced. At the time, no one in the world imagined that this small nation would transform into such a prosperous country in just over half a century. One could say that the national character of the Singaporean people underpinned this development. As a nation, Singaporeans united with a shared determination to build their country. Their national character was defined not only by diligence and intelligence but also by an integrity that ensured they would never betray a friend. A nation’s destiny is not determined by its size. Singaporeans achieved a historic transformation—something no other nation had accomplished—and demonstrated it to the world within the span of just fifty years.

Japan is arguably one of Singapore’s oldest friends. The economic relationship between the two nations has grown steadily since Singapore’s independence, becoming firmly cemented with the signing of the Japan-Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement for a New Age in 2002—Japan’s first-ever free trade agreement. Corporate expansion, which began with the oil industry, has evolved and diversified. Today, a wide range of companies operate in Singapore, extending far beyond traditional sectors. Leading Japanese firms, such as Panasonic and Toppan Printing, have established bases there for high-value-added manufacturing and research and development.

Guests mingling at the Embassy of Singapore's 61st National Day reception, Imperial Hotel Tokyo

The bond of business trust remained unshaken even when Singapore faced an economic crisis during the 1998 Asian financial crisis. While many foreign companies withdrew, the vast majority of Japanese firms continued their operations in Singapore. What began as a one-way relationship—with Japan investing in Singapore—has evolved into a mutually supportive partnership as Singapore’s economy has grown. Singapore has now become the third-largest investor in Japan globally.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan. The six decades since diplomatic ties were first established—shortly after Singapore gained independence—can be described as a journey of development undertaken in close partnership. This relationship is now affectionately referred to as “SJ60.” During this milestone year, the bilateral relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership on the occasion of the visit to Japan by Singapore’s Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong. Given the many commonalities between the two nations—such as a shared commitment to free and open trade and the pursuit of prosperity through the upholding of a rules-based multilateral order—this strengthening of ties represents a natural progression.

Singapore is also a nation that thrives on tourism. It attracts a large number of Japanese visitors, with the figure rising year by year; in 2025, 627,000 Japanese travelers visited the country, fully enjoying its charms within a safe and clean environment. November will see a visit by Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko, the eldest daughter of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. Ambassador Ong Eng Chuan and his spouse, Esther, are eagerly anticipating this visit. Princess Aiko’s trip is expected to spark a new wave of interest in Singapore, encouraging even more Japanese people to visit and enjoy the country’s tourism offerings.

Guests pose with a mascot character celebrating Singapore-Japan tourism ties at the National Day reception

The reception was imbued with the heartfelt hospitality of Ambassador and Mrs. Ong Eng Chuan. Notably, a doorman—a signature figure of the iconic Raffles Hotel, a place long admired by the Japanese—was invited to attend. Authentic Singapore Slings, also from Raffles Hotel, were served to the guests. Furthermore, a “Matcha Sling” was created specifically for the reception to symbolize the friendship between Singapore and Japan, delighting both the eyes and palates of the attendees. The lavish spread of Singaporean delicacies was exquisite, allowing guests to fully savor the country’s appeal without leaving Japan. Yet, the highlight of the hospitality was undoubtedly the speech delivered in Japanese by Ambassador Ong Eng Chuan.

Merlion statue and Raffles Hotel Long Bar display at the Singapore Embassy's National Day reception in Tokyo

Ambassador Ong Eng Chuan delivers his National Day speech in Japanese at the Imperial Hotel podium

All the guests, many of whom share deep ties with Singapore, were reminded of the country’s allure and felt the bonds of friendship between the two nations growing even stronger. It was a magnificent Independence Day reception that truly embodied the warmth and sincerity characteristic of Singapore.

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