Discover Why The Japanese Enjoy Visiting Singapore

The connection between Japan and Singapore dates back to the early days of both countries. In 1868, Japan opened its ports to the world with the Meiji Restoration, and many Japanese businessmen and students started to travel to other parts of the world. Singapore was one of the places they visited, and some even stayed on to do business there.

In 1873, a group of samurai from Japan led by Saig? Takamori landed in Singapore after their failed attempt to overthrow the government in Japan. They were eventually deported back to Japan, but their visit left a lasting impression on Singaporeans. A street in Singapore is even named after Saig? Takamori!

Over time, the ties between the two countries have become so strong that one might wonder if Singapore is an annex of Japan. For example, Albirex Niigata, a Japanese-owned football team in the Singaporean football league, sends players from the parent club in Japan to play in Singapore. 

There are several reasons why Singapore appears to be a favorite destination for Japanese tourists, and the two countries share many similarities.

Culture In Japan and Singapore

There are some shared values between Japan and Singapore, but the two cultures are not exactly the same. One of the key shared values is a strong emphasis on education and hard work - both countries have a very high literacy rate and are known for their highly-skilled workforce. Another shared value is a strong focus on family and community.

Both the Japanese and the Singaporeans are well-known for their strict adherence to the law. When it was announced that family gambling would be legalized in Singapore, Japanese tourists contacted the embassy, asking how they should prove the players' relationship. 

When it comes to music, Singapore is a popular destination for Japanese musicians who tour the country due to their love of J-Pop, or Japanese music. As a result, it is not uncommon to see Japanese musicians touring the country or settling in Singapore.

There are also some key differences between the two cultures. For example, Japan is known for its samurai culture and its strict social hierarchy, while Singapore is known for its multiculturalism and diversity. In terms of cuisine, Japan is famous for its sushi and ramen noodles, while Singapore is known for its chili crab dish. So overall, there are some similarities but also some distinct cultural differences. 

Easy To Travel Between Japan and Singapore

Traveling between the two countries is relatively simple. There are direct flights between the two countries, so visitors do not need to take connecting flights before arriving in either country. Stress is a depressing factor that can derail travel plans, but with direct flights, the onset of stress can be avoided to a large extent. Both countries are quite developed, with some of the best airports in the world. 

Japan's largest Airline, All Nippon Airways has a travel focus on Singapore's Changi airport. Likewise, interested Singaporeans can likewise visit Japan using any of Scoot Tigerair Pte Ltd flights to Japan or any similar flights linking Singapore with Japan. Singapore offers casino hotel resorts that Japanese nationals can lodge upon arrival. Hotels offering casino services can be traced via Japanese casino travel link ensuring tourists have the most memorable time during their tour.  

Professional Exchange Between The Two Countries

The Japanese are much more advanced in technological development; hence professionals from the country may visit Singapore to execute a project. Rail construction is one of the areas Japan has been helpful to Singapore. Japanese construction firms have been influential in building Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Network in Singapore. Just as Japanese companies like Nishimatsu, Taisei Corporation, and Penta-Ocean have helped in constructing the rails, other Japanese companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have helped to supply trains to Singapore. The mutual relationships between the two countries have therefore contributed to infrastructure development for Singapore. 

Education

Singapore is a favorable landing spot for Japanese seeking to pursue education outside the shores of their homeland. Schools operating in Japanese neighborhoods in Singapore offer schooling opportunities cutting across different educational levels such as kindergarten, and high school education. Enrolling in Japanese-operated schools helps Japanese nationals to enroll their kids in a school where they can still keep in touch with their ethnic Japanese culture. The Japanese School Singapore, The Japanese Supplementary School, and Waseda Shibuya Senior High School are some of the schools available to Japanese nationals who want to enroll their kids in a school with strong Japanese interests.   

To summarize, the ties that bind Japan and Singapore are strong, and the two countries have had a friendly relationship for several decades. Tariffs on Japanese exports to Singapore have been removed, and Japan has reciprocated by removing tariffs on Singapore imports, though this exemption excludes leather products and agricultural produce. In essence, these two countries are major trading partners and their friendly relationship has a positive impact on tourism between the countries.