On 14 November, the Department of Japanese Studies, along with the Centre for Language Studies (CLS), welcomed Her Excellency, Akie Abe, spouse of Prime Minister Shinzō Abe. She was accompanied by Mrs. Junko Yamazaki, spouse of the Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, Jun Yamazaki. The FASS Dean, Professor Robbie Goh, as well as the two Heads of Department, officially greeted Mrs. Abe and joined her in a briefing session about the two programs. The visit also included a tea ceremony by the NUS Sadō Club and music by the NUS koto ensemble, KotoKottoN. Afterwards, Mrs. Abe met students from Japanese Studies, CLS, and several Japan-related student clubs. The students discussed their motivations for learning about Japan and their future career plans.