SINGAPORE - Showing that disabilities do not hold them back, acclaimed Japanese calligrapher Shoko Kanazawa, who has Down Syndrome, and Singaporean pianist Azariah Tan, who is hearing-impaired, showcased their talents at an event on Friday (Oct 21).

In front of shoppers and guests at Paragon Shopping Mall, Ms Kanazawa painted two words - guang (light) and de (virtue), while Mr Tan played Liszt's Rigoletto Paraphrase.

The performance was part of the SJ50 Event,which commemorated 50 years of diplomatic ties between Singapore and Japan.

Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin was the guest of honour, and guests also included Japan's ambassador to Singapore Kenji Shinoda, as well as representatives from the Singapore and Japanese business communities.