IMMERSE IN THE EXUBERANCE OF THE FIRST-EVER JAPAN SUMMER FESTIVAL AND SPORTS AT THE NATIONAL STADIUM

Visitors can expect a spectacular experience of traditional Japanese culture with lots of family-friendly and fitness activities including

• The Bon-Odori, an age-old Japanese festive dance, performed with customary taiko drums • Over 100 authentic Japanese F&B, merchandise and games stalls typically associated with festivals • Highly energetic stage performances featuring Japanese dance and theatrical shows • A cultural corner showcasing the time-honored Japanese Koto, Tea Ceremony and Kimonos • A Pokémon carnival with Pokémon-themed games stalls and Pikachu Meet-&-Greet sessions • Yukata try-outs for the whole family with photo-taking opportunities • J-Party workouts by Japanese instructors for the fitness buffs • F1 Truck, Daytona arcade games and Family Drag Race for the motorsport enthusiasts • Tickets go on sale from 7 August 2018

Singapore, 7 August 2018 – Ticket sales for the first-ever Japan Summer Festival, to be held in conjunction with Sports Hub Community Play Day, has launched today, 7 August 2018, from 10am onwards. The 2-day event will take place on the 8 and 9 of September 2018, Saturday and Sunday, at the National Stadium. Members of the public can purchase tickets online from now till 7 September 2018 at a discounted price of $5. Onsite tickets are priced at $6 and admission is complimentary for children below 1.2 meters in height.

This event is organised in collaboration with the Japanese Association of Singapore and aims to harness better cultural understanding between both the Japanese and local communities. Visitors can expect a spectacular experience of traditional Japanese culture through activities such as the Bon-Odori dance, stage performances featuring Japanese dance and theatrical shows, a cultural corner showcasing the Japanese Koto, tea ceremony, and kimonos, Yukata try-outs and many more (details in Annex A).

One of the event highlights is the range of authentic Japanese food and beverage stalls that are set up to serve quick and tasty Japanese dishes typically associated with festivals. As visitors arrive at the National Stadium, they will be able to smell the aromas coming from the stalls that line the event grounds. The best way to enjoy the event atmosphere is to sample the delicious food including the famous Wagyu Roast Beef Don, Hokkaido Nama Dorayaki, Takikomi Gohan, Takoyaki, Grilled Arabiki Sausage, Salmon Onigiri, Yakisoba, Kakigori - Shaved Ice and Choco Banana etc.

Over 100 authentic Japanese F&B, merchandise and games stalls typically associated with festivals

Apart from the food and beverage stalls, the event will also be filled with attractions such as a Pokémon carnival featuring numerous Pokémon-themed game stations and machines, Pikachus meet-and-greet sessions, Japanese-themed games and activity stands to entertain the young and young at heart.

©Pokémon ©Pokémon

Pokémon-themed games stalls and Pikachu Meet-&-Greet sessions

Held in with conjunction with the Japan Summer Festival, the Sports Hub Community Play Day will be taking on a ‘Fun-on-Wheels’ theme, featuring motorsports-related family-friendly activities suitable for people of all ages, including F1 car racing simulators try-outs, Daytona arcade games and a Family Drag Race. Fitness buffs can also get their fix at the J-Party Fitness Workout, a mass cardio exercise by Japanese instructors.

Ms. Satsuki Ikegami, Secretary-General, the Japanese Association, Singapore said, “This year marks the 30th year of the JAS Summer Festival and it is the first time the event is jointly held with the Singapore Sports Hub. We are delighted to invite the public down to join us at the National Stadium, which is accessible from Stadium and Kallang MRT stations and well-connected to walking pathways and major expressways. This unique event will no doubt leave wonderful memories with families and friends.”

Mr. Peter Sullivan, General Manager, Singapore Sports Hub said, “We are thrilled to work with the Japanese Association, Singapore on this first-ever cultural event to be held at the National Stadium, offering visitors a unique experience of a traditional Japanese Summer Festival with sporting content from our quarterly Sports Hub Community Play Day. This is something special and I am glad extraordinary experiences will be created and enjoyed by all at the Sports Hub.”

Tickets for the event will be available via the Sports Hub Tix website www.sportshubtix.sg , hotline +65 31587888, Sports Hub Tix Box Office at Singapore Indoor Stadium, The Star Performing Arts Centre Box Office, Scotts Square Concierge Desk, and all SingPost outlets. The event is organised in collaboration with Japanese Association of Singapore and supported by the JCCI Singapore Foundation Limited, the corporate social responsibility channel of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Singapore.

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For media enquiries, please contact: Bertrand Teo Victoria Tan Singapore Sports Hub Singapore Sports Hub DID: +65 6653 9716 DID: +65 6653 9714 HP: +65 9321 8550 HP: +65 8228 9406 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

PHOTOS & VISUALS Download link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/guv43jj9uvnojr5/AABaNpNsJmfhGHaCww91DMw_a?dl=0 Photo credit according to the folder: • Singapore Sports Hub • The Japanese Association, Singapore

OFFICIAL HASHTAGS #sgsportshub #SportsHubPlayDay

SPORTS HUB’S SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS Facebook: @sporesportshub Twitter: @sgsportshub Instagram: @sgsportshub

ANNEX A – EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

What Japan Summer Festival in conjunction with Sports Hub Community Play Day When 8 Sep (Sat), 12pm – 9pm & 9 Sep (Sun), 12pm – 8pm Where National Stadium

BON -ODORI 8 Sep: From 7 pm – 9 pm 9 Sep: From 6 pm – 8 pm

Join in this time-honored Japanese dance under the canopy of the world’s largest free-spanning dome! Don the Yukata, the traditional Japanese garment, while taking part in the activity for a memorable experience.

OVER 100 AUTHENTIC JAPANESE F&B AND MERCHANDISE STALLS From 12 pm onwards

Savor tasty Japanese dishes typically associated with festivals, such as the Wagyu Roast Beef Don, Hokkaido Nama Dorayaki, Takikomi Gohan, Takoyaki, Katsu Curry, Golden Karaage, Grilled Arabiki Sausage, Salmon Onigiri, Yakisoba, a variety of Kamaboko Fish Cake, Bread-Melon Pan, Lavender Soft Cream, Kakigori - Shaved Ice, Choco Banana etc.

JAPANESE STAGE PERFORMANCES From 3 pm onwards

Performances featuring Japanese dance and theatrical shows will be performed on a massive open-air stage located in the center of the National Stadium.

DO THE DOMOBICS! Details of the timings to be announced soon

Get moving with well-loved NHK television mascot, Domo-Kun, to a fun aerobics-inspired ‘Domobics’ session. Learn the dance steps to catchy tunes and get fit at the same time!

YUKATA RENTALS & TRY -OUTS From 3 pm onwards

Dress the part by putting on the traditional Japanese summer garment, the Yukata. The attire is a casual version of the Kimono. A rental service of the garment will be set up during the event, with the supply of the outfits available while stocks last. A price list will be announced soon.

POK ÈMON CARNIVAL From 12 pm

Pit your Pokémon Trainer skills in five exciting game stations, including “Let’s Battle Pikachu”, “Squirtle Yo Rescue” and the “Pikachu Tretta Machines.” Two sessions of Pikachu meet-and-greets will be held each day. Timings to be confirmed. ©Pokémon

SPORTS HUB COMMUNITY PLAY DAY – FUN -ON -WHEELS ! From 12 pm

Relive the arcade glory days with 90s car racing video game Daytona USA and other popular Japanese-made arcade games. Other motorsports-related activities include a Family Drag Race and an F1 simulator.

J-PARTY FITNESS BY NIHON -JIN 8 Sep: 1 pm – 3 pm 9 Sep: 1 pm – 3 pm

Join us for more heart-pumping group workouts led by Japanese instructors. Fitness enthusiasts can look forward to getting their workout fix with popular exercise activities, Zumba, KardioBlast, and Salsation.

ABOUT SPORTS HUB COMMUNITY PLAY DAY

The Sports Hub Community Play Day is a full day of play, where everyone in the community is invited and encouraged to participate in sports and fitness activities with a view to adopting an active lifestyle. Held quarterly, the Sports Hub Community Play Day also encourages patrons to discover the various facilities and participate in the activities available at the Sports Hub, thereby aiding in the pursuit of active lifestyles. Each Sports Hub Community Play Day is held at a different venue within the campus, thereby presenting different aspects of the Sports Hub.

Typically timed to coincide with national school holidays, the Sports Hub Community Play Day also plays a dual role of promoting family and community bonding through shared sports and sporting lifestyle experiences. Every Sports Hub Community Play Day features free sports try-outs, fitness workouts, fun competitions, kids’ activities and more. Most activities are also organised in collaboration with public and private sector organisations. Highlights of previous events, including a preview of the upcoming eighth edition, may be found below:

Sports Hub Community Play Day | Inaugural edition – 11 June 2016 @ OCBC Square (9 am to 6 pm) • > 8,000 participants • Guest-of-Honour – Mr. Lim Biow Chuan, Deputy Speaker, Member of Parliament for Mountbatten SMC • The first session featured Sports Tryouts, Learn-to-Play sessions, Experience Sports programme activities including Pilates, Yoga, Kickboxing etc. • The launch of Fitbit FIT-Sessions with a mass Zumba workout; the debut of Speedminton • Collaboration with Active SG, SportSG, and private sports organisations

Sports Hub Community Play Day | Second Edition – 17 September 2016 @ National Stadium (9 am to 6 pm) • > 16,000 participants • Guest-of-Honour – Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development • Largest Zumba workout held in the National Stadium with 3,248 participants and 66 instructors • Record 4 million steps achieved at the Sports Hub Community Fun Stepper • Transformation into Community Playground with Passion Children Football Carnival, Speedminton, Dodgeball, Frisbee, Kampong Games, Family fun activities and a Flea Market • Collaboration with ActiveSG, SportSG, HPB, MSF, NPTD, NTUC U Sports, FAS, Milo, Canon, BAS, OCBC, Singapore Slingers, ActivFitness, ESPN, Speedminton, and more

Sports Hub Community Play Day | Third edition – 17 December 2016 @ OCBC Arena (9 am to 7 pm) • > 9,000 participants • Guest-of-Honour – Ms. Grace Fu Hai Yien, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth • Festive edition of Community Play Day • Charitable activity in collaboration with Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) • Presentation of various sports with training facilities within OCBC Arena including Fencing, Netball, Silat, Badminton as well as disability sports • Collaboration with SportSG, and NSAs such as Volleyball Association of Singapore, Netball Singapore, Singapore Silat Federation, Singapore Chess Federation, Table Tennis, Singapore Disability Sports Council, and more Sports Hub Community Play Day | Fourth Edition – 11 March 2017 @ Water Sports Centre, Riverside Walk & OCBC Arena • ~ 14,000 participants • Guest-of-Honour – Mr. S. Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) • First water-themed Sports Hub Community Play Day • The debut of the Sports Hub-SDBA Century Race; introduction of special DB Hearts Race; Light Saber (dueling practice) and Blackminton • Collaboration with Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA)and other organisations

Sports Hub Community Play Day | Fifth Edition – 17 & 18 June 2017 @ OCBC Arena (10am to 9pm) • ~ 21,000 participants • Guest-of-Honour – Mr. Baey Yam Keng, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth • Themed Good Ol’ Wonderland to bring back the nostalgia of the pure family fun at the Wonderland Amusement park, which was located at the present site of Singapore Sports Hub from 1969 to 1988. • Key activity highlights include Good Ol’ Carnival Games and Amusement Rides, Bubble Playground & Bubble Show, Inflatable rides, Glowing Zumba and Parkour Workshop • Collaboration with SportSG, National Heritage Board, Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), Parkour Singapore, and Great Eastern Life

Sports Hub Community Play Day | Sixth Edition – 16 September 2017 @ National Stadium (9 am to 7 pm) • > 18,000 participants • Guest-of-Honour – Ms. Grace Fu Hai Yien, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth • First super warrior-themed Sports Hub Community Play Day • Key highlights include Great Eastern Warriors Challenge (obstacle course), Stepper Stair-Climbing activity, Warriors Fitness Party, Sports Tryouts and Basketball Clinic with Singapore Slingers • Collaboration with Great Eastern Life, SportSG, Focus on the Family Singapore, Basketball Association of Singapore, Singapore Slingers, Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), People’s Association, 100PLUS, Coca- Cola, Nestle, OCBC Cares, Starhub, B60, ActivFitness, and Families for Life

Sports Hub Community Play Day | Seventh Edition – 2 December 2017 @ OCBC Square (9 am to 7 pm) • Close to 14,500 participants • Guest-of-Honour – Mr. Chew Hock Yong, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Social and Family Development • Key highlights include 3-generation (3G) massage workout, G-Motion Fitness Marathon by Giordano, KPOPX anniversary dance-off, ActiveSG OAC Family Adventure Race, a family games zone and festive market bazaar with local curators • Giving theme in celebration of the Giving Week, with onsite donation drives conducted by Focus on the Family and REACH Community Services • Collaboration with ActiveSG, SportCares, Health Promotion Board, People’s Association, Great Eastern Life, Community Chest, Giving Week SG, Focus on the Family, REACH Community Services, Singapore Medical Specialist Centre, KPopX Fitness, Jump Rope Federation, Shin Zhong Taiji Quan, SuperFit, ActivFitness, Team Axis, SerendipET, Giordano, Jakarta Radiant World, Jump Rope Federation, SuperLeap, and iSwitch

Sports Hub Community Play Day | Eighth Edition – 10 & 11 March @ OCBC Square, Water Sports Centre, Splash-N-Surf (9 am to 7 pm) • Almost 30,000 participants • Guest-of-Honour – Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources & Ministry of Health • Key highlights include 2nd Sports Hub – Singapore Dragon Boat Association Century Boat Race, DB Hearts Charity Race, Experience Fitness by Spark Connections, Singapore Fashion Runway: Fashion for a Social Cause and Tahiti Dance Fitness performance and workout • Collaboration with Families For Life, Health Promotion Board, National Arts Council, Public Utilities Board, Spark Connections, Nanyang Technological University, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Dragon Boat Association, Volleyball Association of Singapore, Singapore Fashion Runway, J’Kids, Shimano Cycling World, Singapore Kidspreneurs, Singapore Medical Specialist Centre, Tahiti Dance Fitness

Singapore Sports Hub Festival of Football in conjunction with Sports Hub Community Play Day | Ninth Edition – 14 June to 30 July @ OCBC Square (Various timings) • More than 50,000 participants • Key highlights include 4V4 football tournaments, daily football friendlies, penalty shootout games, meet- and-greets with football heroes, fitness activities throughout the festival, including footvolley exhibition matches and clinics, Glow DanceJam, Sunset Yoga, Experience Sports FIT-sessions such as Zumba, Boot Camp, Cardioblast, Yoga, and SuperFit.Community (Run), and leisure activities such as lunchtime movie screenings, Football Fan Scavenger Hunt, storytelling sessions, and Junior Playcation kids’ day camp • Collaboration with Sport Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board, National Youth Council, International Champions Cup, Football Association of Singapore, and Starhub