What do a Japanese singer, a South Korean chef, a Taiwanese cinema operator, an Indian architect and a Vietnamese journalist have in common? They have all been touched by Singapore, and have chosen in their own ways to live a slice of Singapore life back home. This National Day, they tell their stories.
Sachiyo Nakagaki
Japan
Singer-songwriter who bridges Japan and Singapore through music and culture
TOKYO – Meet the first Japanese “Singapore Girl”.
Ms Sachiyo Nakagaki was only six years old when, as a child model, she appeared in a 1974 advertisement for Singapore Airlines to introduce its then twice-daily flights between Japan and Singapore.
She also played the role of a “flower girl”, welcoming Japanese dignitaries at the airport.
I wish its people will not take the Singapore story for granted, and that Singaporeans will unite to overcome challenges ahead.
![japan.1b09f3cc.jpg](https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2024/08/foreigners-connection-singapore-national-day/_app/immutable/assets/japan.1b09f3cc.jpg)
Sachiyo Nakagaki
Japan
Singer-songwriter who bridges Japan and Singapore through music and culture
Born in Japan, sings about Singapore
by Walter Sim, Japan CorrespondentTOKYO – Meet the first Japanese “Singapore Girl”.
Ms Sachiyo Nakagaki was only six years old when, as a child model, she appeared in a 1974 advertisement for Singapore Airlines to introduce its then twice-daily flights between Japan and Singapore.
She also played the role of a “flower girl”, welcoming Japanese dignitaries at the airport.