Tharman Shanmugaratnam Revealed More Details About His Wife Who Actually Doesn’t Speak Japanese

Despite George Goh’s comment that the Presidential Elections is no popularity contest, presidential candidate Tharman Shanmugaratnam is opening up more about himself to Singaporeans.

Recently, he got onto Instagram and TikTok.

On 15 July 2023, the former Senior Minister created his first Instagram post with the cursive caption, “I am an optimist.”

His first TikTok video was also captivatingly edited to the soundtrack of Charlie’s Angel.

And now, he revealed a little bit more about his wife, Jane Yumiko Ittogi.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam Revealed More Details About His Wife Who Actually Doesn’t Speak Japanese

In a Facebook post on 25 July 2023, Mr Tharman revealed more details about his wife, Jane.

Despite having a Japanese name, his wife does not actually speak Japanese. Her mother tongue is actually Teochew.

In Jurong, people would speak to her in Teochew, Mandarin or Malay. And for younger people, in English.

Wonder how proficient she is? Here’s a clip of his wife speaking in dialect in Tharman’s TikTok video:

@tharman.sgTaiji enthusiast, former samsui woman, Mdm Wong defies age at 97 🏅

♬ original sound – Tharman Shanmugaratnam

However, when out of their area, there are occasions where people goes up to her and practise their Japanese, he said.

That’s when they had a fun time explaining her non-existent Japanese skills.

Born to a Japanese Father and Chinese Mother

Jane was born to a Japanese merchant father and local Chinese mother.

She has lived in Singapore since she was three, starting from a mainly Teochew-speaking kampung.

When she entered Primary 1, Jane couldn’t read or write English. However, she was studious and loved learning from teachers and books.

The couple met at university in London. By then, Jane had completed her masters in law.

Despite the different stages of progression, the pair met as they go around the same social circle.

Changed from Legal to Non-Profit Profession

Both Tharman and Jane were interested in social issues.

More than 20 years ago, Jane switched from legal practice to community work after working in law for a few years.

She had a soft spot for disadvantaged children and young teens in Jurong, and reached out to them to do more.

Since then, she had also uplifted former inmates, some of them whom went on to become community volunteers and leaders.

Watch: An Interview of an Ex-Convict Who Met Mrs Tharman

She went on to found an NGO, Tasek Jurong, about ten years ago, growing it to beyond Jurong.

The couple has been married for 33 years and have four children.

Presidential Hopefuls

Thus far, we have a three candidates in the upcoming, highly-anticipated presidential race.

The first, former Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, unveiled his intention on 8 June 2023.

The second, businessman George Goh, announced his bid on 12 June 2023. Mr Goh is also the first independent candidate to enter the presidential race.

The third, former GIC Chief Investment Officer Peter Ng Kok Song, declared his participation on 19 July 2023. He’s the second independent candidate.

Earlier in May, current President Halimah Yacob, whose presidential term ends on 13 September 2023, declared that she would not seek re-election.