TODAY

Knowing that it is important to hold onto the Japanese culture in order to bring back the crowd, Liang Court decided to hold a Japanese New Year Festival (Foo, 2017) on 1 January 2018. 

 

Native Japanese treats, performances and dress-up opportunities were the highlights of this event.

 

Other than this festival, Liang Court also organised Hinamatsuri (Japan Doll Festival) (Metropolitant, 2013), which is a day to celebrate the growth of girls and to pray for their health and happiness. Parents were able to bring their daughters to the festival to see the beautiful Hina-kazari display of Hinaningyo (ornamental dolls) and tuck into sweet treats called Hina-arare. 

 

There is also an annual campaign called the Liang Court Summer Festival 2015 (Teng, 2015) held in conjunction with the Natsu Matsuri in Japan. The purpose of this festival is to honour the spirits of the ancestors. During this event, it is not rare to see people dressed in their traditional Japanese costumes as they roam around to enjoy the authentic street food in the Food Trail. As Liang Court recognises the power of social media, they decided to make use of the tool to advertise the campaign. 

 

When we asked Cindy, a hairstylist at Barber Minami about what she would miss the most if Liang Court were to close down, she said that it would be the Japanese festivals held in the mall. She said that it was nice to see Japanese patrons walking around in their Yukatas and Kimonos. 

 

Throughout the years, Liang Court has seen many ups and downs and faces an uncertain future. However, our team believes that Liang Court still has a place in Singapore today.

 

It is interesting to see how the tenants have developed a strong sense of belonging to the mall. Masa, a hairstylist in Barber Minami, mentioned that he would feel sad if the mall were to cease operations as he values the friendships forged in this place.  

Furthermore, Hsiao Hsiao from Pecori Japanese Egg Restaurant said that the restaurant has gained regulars over the years. In particular, the Japanese regulars love their omu-rice and milk pudding as they remind them of home.

 

Evidently, Liang Court still holds a special place in the hearts of tenants and patrons alike.