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Sunday, September 14, 2025

The Magic Cup That United Singapore During COVID-19

Discover the original Magic Cup from Kyushu, Japan, used by Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong during COVID-19 addresses. The hand-painted blue porcelain cup became a viral symbol of multilingual Singapore.


From Kyushu Mountains to Singapore Screens

We searched across mountains and seas to find the true origin of Singapore's most famous blue cup.

The journey led us to Kyushu, Japan, where the original maker still crafts these special pieces.

PM Lee's Language-Changing Ritual

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong used this simple blue cup during his COVID-19 national addresses.

He would take a sip before switching to speak in different languages to Singaporeans.

The cup appeared in multiple pandemic briefings throughout 2020 and 2021.

How a Simple Cup Became a National Symbol

The unassuming hand-painted porcelain cup captured Singapore's imagination.

Citizens noticed the pattern: cup sip equals language change.

Social media exploded with memes and jokes about the "Magic Language-Changing Cup."

Why Singaporeans Fell in Love

The blue cup represented something deeper than humor.

It symbolized Singapore's multilingual harmony during difficult times.

The cup gave people a gentle laugh when they needed it most.

The Original Maker's Story

Artisans in Kyushu, Japan created this piece using traditional methods.

Each cup features hand-painted details that make it unique.

The maker never expected their work would become famous across Southeast Asia.

Cultural Impact Beyond Politics

The Magic Cup shows how small details create big moments.

It proves that humor helps communities bond during a crisis.

The cup remains a beloved symbol of Singapore's diverse linguistic heritage.

Where Politics Meets Pop Culture

Government communications rarely become viral content.

This cup bridged the gap between official announcements and public entertainment.

It made serious pandemic updates more approachable for all Singaporeans.

The Magic Cup is a hand-painted blue porcelain cup from Kyushu, Japan, that gained fame when Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong used it during COVID-19 national addresses. The cup became viral after citizens noticed Lee would sip from it before changing languages during multilingual speeches. This simple ritual turned the cup into a beloved symbol of Singapore's linguistic diversity and provided humor during the pandemic. The original Japanese artisan never expected their traditional porcelain work would become a cultural phenomenon representing Singapore's harmonious multilingual society.

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