Ireland Japan Association Hosts Annual Chairperson’s Lunch

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On 22nd October, the Ireland Japan Association (IJA), led by Chairperson Catherine Grennell-Whyte, proudly welcomed representatives of the IJA Corporate members to its annual Chairperson’s Lunch.

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This exclusive event honoured our esteemed corporate community while providing a unique platform for networking, collaboration, and the discussion of shared goals for the future.

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson together with H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and Mr. Hideo Yura, Director General, JETRO London

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Held at the luxurious Merrion Hotel in the heart of Dublin, the event marked a significant new chapter for the Ireland Japan Association, with emphasis on creating value for corporate members with a goal of providing the corporate community with meaningful opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and collaborate in ways that drive growth for businesses while strengthening the Ireland-Japan relationship.

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte opened the event with greetings in Japanese and expressed her gratitude to the IJA corporate members for their unwavering support and contributions to the association.

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At the Ireland Japan Association, we believe that the relationship between Ireland and Japan is built on the principles of a strong sense of community, a commitment to shared growth, and the pursuit of innovation in business, culture, and education. We are more than just an association; unique in our offering, we are a vibrant community of like-minded individuals and organizations who understand that the success of one contributes to the success of all.

To our corporate members, we are proud to have you as part of this community. Your engagement with the Ireland Japan Association is about more than just business – it’s about building long-lasting partnerships that bring value to your organizations while contributing to the wider economic and cultural landscape. – Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

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The IJA was honored to host distinguished guests, including IJA Patron H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, and Mr. Hideo Yura, Director General of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). JETRO plays a critical role in promoting economic opportunities between Japan and Europe, and the organisation’s presence and support to the IJA serve as a testament to the potential for even deeper trade and investment ties.

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A special thank you goes to our event hosts and the exceptional staff at The Merrion Hotel and the IJA Council members whose efforts were instrumental in the preparation of this successful event.

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IJA Chairperson’s Lunch at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

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IJA Chairperson’s Lunch at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and Darina Slattery, Oomi Travel and IJA Treasurer

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and Mary Honohan, PwC Ireland

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IJA Chairperson’s Lunch at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

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IJA Chairperson’s Lunch at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

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IJA Corporate Members 2024

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Photos: IJA Archive & Embassy of Japan in Ireland

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Ikebana Autumn Workshops with Tomoko Sempo Yanagi | PHOTO GALLERY

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We had a wonderful time at the Ikebana Autumn Workshops in October, diving into the beautiful world of Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging and learning from the esteemed Tomoko Sempo Yanagi, Professor of Ikenobo Ikebana Society and Chairperson of Ikenobo Ikebana UK & Ireland Group.

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We would like to thank Tomoko san for her expertise, passion, and guidance throughout the workshops, and all the participants who joined us in celebrating and exploring Japanese culture during this seasonal event. It was a weekend filled with inspiration, education, and new connections.
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A special thanks to Pauline and the team at the Warrenmount Education Centre in Dublin for the warm welcome and for providing a comfortable space for us all to learn and create.
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About Tomoko Sempo Yanagi
Tomoko Sempo Yanagi is a president of Ikenobo UK and Ireland Group and holds professor status with the Ikenobo School of Ikebana. Experienced in Ikebana since childhood. Her first public Ikebana demonstration was in California in 1989. After she moved to the UK in 1998, she exhibited her Ikebana works and conducted workshops at various places and occasions including The Embassy of Japan, Hammersmith and Fulham Flower Show, Google European HQ (Dublin), Cisco Poland, Flower Council of Holland, and a range of secondary schools in London. She was awarded a bronze medal at the Royal Horticultural Society, London Flower Show in 2001. Educated and lived in Japan, the US and the UK, she is also a mother of Irish/Japanese boys.
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Photos: Archive of Tomoko Sempo Yanagi
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IJA Japanese Book Club event featuring Irish writer and poet Nell Regan | PHOTO GALLERY

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The IJA Japanese Book Club event featuring Irish writer and poet Nell Regan was held on Saturday, 21st September and was hosted by ElectroRoute, an IJA corporate member, in Dublin city center.

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The event provided a special opportunity for book club members and Japanese poetry enthusiasts to meet Nell Regan in person and learn about the book ‘百人一首 – 100 Poems by 100 Poets’, as well as her work translating it into English with James Hadley. Nell’s presentation was captivating, allowing us to delve into the richness of Japanese literature and appreciate her remarkable talent for poetry.

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We extend our gratitude to Ambassador Maruyama for joining the event and reading some of the original poems from the book in Japanese.

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Attendees also had the chance to engage in a traditional Japanese card game and savor delicious, freshly baked Japanese treats provided by Gopan Bakery.

Special thanks to Tsugumi Yamamoto, IJA Vice Chairperson, for coordinating this event, and to our wonderful hosts at ElectroRoute for their excellent hospitality throughout the event.

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Academic Bridge Ltd joins the IJA as a Corporate member

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Ireland Japan Association is delighted to welcome Academic Bridge Ltd, Dublin-based English school, on board the IJA as a Corporate member, and is looking forward to a long lasting and successful cooperation.

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Founded in 2010, the school first opened its doors in September 2012, welcoming students from various parts of the world, including Japan, and offering a high-quality English language courses for non-native speakers as well as Cambridge and IELTS preparation courses.

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Academic Bridge was founded with the mission to provide a unique educational experience for international students who wish to learn English in Dublin. Our commitment goes beyond just teaching the language; we aim to offer a full cultural immersion, helping our students explore new cultures and broaden their horizons. – Roberto Kobashigawa, Academic Bridge Ltd.

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The school is dedicated to providing the best English learning experience by using a unique methodology allowing students to make significant progress during their study time. In 2015, to accommodate its rapid growth, the school relocated to a more spacious building in one of Dublin’s historic areas near O’Connell Street. Academic Bridge Ltd. was among the first schools in Ireland to implement and offer the Learner’s Protection Policy to its students.

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Continuously evolving, the school actively participates in international student fairs and expands its networking. In 2016, it became part of the official ILEP list, which consists of government-approved education programs meeting specific standards and requirements, provided by universities, colleges, and English language schools. In 2024, the school joined the Ireland Japan Association’s network of corporate members.

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We are incredibly happy to have this opportunity to be part of the IJA. Being a member of this association is a significant step for us, as we are always exploring and incorporating new cultures into our English exchange program. We believe this partnership will be mutually beneficial and open up many opportunities for our students. – Roberto Kobashigawa, Academic Bridge Ltd.

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For more information about Academic Bridge Ltd, please visit website: https://academicbridge.ie. You can also follow their updates on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

 

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Cpl team wins the IJA Ishikawa Golf Cup 2024

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The IJA Annual Golf Outing 2024 tournament took place on 5th September at the beautiful Foxrock Golf Club, Dublin.
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We would like to congratulate the Cpl Team, winners of the IJA Golf Outing 2024! The Ishikawa Cup was presented to the winning team by Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and Norimasa Yoshida, Deputy Head of the Mission at the Embassy of Japan.
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L-R: Cpl Team captain Stephen Mullin, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and Norimasa Yoshida, Deputy Head of the Mission at the Embassy of Japan.

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Iskikawa Cup 2024 winners: Cpl Team
Stephen Mullin
Johnnie O’Connor
Ian Sparling
Tom Fitzgerald
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2nd and 3rd places were awarded to NTT Data (Team 1) and NTT Data (Team 2). Big thanks to all the teams from Bank of Ireland, Dillon Eustace, ElectroRoute, Mitsubishi Electric, and NTT DATA, Inc. for joining us this year and making the tournament a great success.
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We would also like to thank our amazing hosts – Foxrock Golf Club – for their fantastic hospitality and the IJA Council members and event team who helped to organise this event: Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Neil Cowhey, Raymond Hegarty and Verity Swan.
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A special thanks go to our generous prize sponsors:
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IJA Council members and corporate representatives visit Japan House in Dublin

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On 10th and 12th of July, H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, welcomed the IJA Council members and representatives of the IJA Corporate members to Japan House in Dublin to discuss the IJA work and activities in Ireland as well as look at cooperation options in the future.

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L-R: Neil Cowhey (Dillon Eustace/IJA Council), Raymond Hegarty (IJA Council), Azumi Uchitani (IJA Council), Catherine Grennell-Whyte (IJA Chairperson), Norio Maruyama (Ambassador of Japan to Ireland), Teresa Weafer (Google Ireland) and Hiro Ino (IJA Council).

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, Tsugumi Yamamoto, IJA Vice Chairperson, IJA Council members – Hiro Ino, Neil Cowhey (Dillon Eustace), Raymond Hegarty, Azumi Uchitani, Eddie Hughes, Hirofumi Noda (ElectroRoute), and the IJA corporate representatives – Darina Slattery (Oomi Travel), Mary Honohan (PwC Ireland), Jun Watanabe (ALPS Electric) and Teresa Weafer (Google) attended.

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The IJA Council thanks the Ambassador Maruyama and his team for the warm welcome and hospitality during the visit.

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L-R: Jun Watanabe (ALPS Electric), Hirofumi Noda (ElectroRoute/IJA Council), Darina Slattery (Oomi Travel), Norio Maruyama (Ambassador of Japan to Ireland), Tsugumi Yamamoto (IJA Vice Chairperson), Mary Honohan (PwC Ireland) and Eddie Hughes (IJA Council).

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Photos: Embassy of Japan

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Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship 2024 Award Ceremony | PHOTO GALLERY

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The Ushioda Scholarship Award Ceremony was held on Friday, June 28th and was hosted by the IJA Corporate Member Oomi Travel in Dublin. 2024 award winner Eloise Maguire was warmly welcomed and congratulated by Catherine Grennell-Whyte, the Chairperson of IJA, Ms. Paula Kelly, the Ushioda Scholarship coordinator, and members of the Ushioda family, Dr. Ema Ushioda and Kazi Ushioda.

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We were honored to have H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan, in attendance at the award ceremony. The Ambassador shared his well wishes and words of encouragement with Eloise as she prepares for her upcoming studies in Japan.

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From L-R: Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, Kazi Ushioda, Dr. Ema Ushioda, Eloise Maguire, DCU and H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland

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.Eloise Maguire, who is studying Applied Languages and Translation Studies at DCU, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Ushioda Scholarship in 2024. Eloise will travel to Japan where she will be studying at Rikkyo University in Tokyo.

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‘It is a massive honour to receive this scholarship and I plan to make the most of it during my study abroad! While immersing myself in the Japanese language and improving my language skills, I hope to experience the culture and way of life in Japan.’ – Eloise Maguire

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and Eloise Maguire, DCU

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We express our gratitude to Laura O’Grady from Oomi Travel for her hospitality, as well as to Graham Ryan and Miyu Iskikawa from Yamamori for the delightful Japanese refreshments. A special thank you to everyone who joined us at the event to celebrate Eloise’s remarkable achievement.

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Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship was established in 2019 in honour of Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda’s major contribution to the development of the Ireland Japan Association and Ireland-Japan relations, and to underpin the association’s strong commitment to supporting Japanese studies in Ireland.

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Speech by Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

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Speech by H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland

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Speech by Paula Kelly, Ushioda Scholarship Coordinator

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and Eloise Maguire, DCU

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IJA Annual Dinner 2024: Celebrating the Irish-Japanese Community

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Ireland Japan Association’s Annual Dinner 2024, a significant event for the Irish-Japanese community, was held on May 17th at the Conrad Dublin hotel. Esteemed members of the Ireland Japan Association and distinguished guests, including key figures from government, business, academia, and the arts, gathered to celebrate the strong ties between Ireland and Japan.
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The evening began with a Sake & Prosecco reception, creating an atmosphere of elegance and camaraderie. Master of Ceremonies Raymond Hegarty warmly welcomed attendees. Guests then enjoyed a sumptuous three-course meal in the beautiful Ballroom, followed by a Prize Giving ceremony.
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IJA Council Members with special guests: H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan in Ireland, H.E. Ms. Leena Gardemeister, Ambassador of Finland to Ireland, and Mr. Jack Chambers, State Minister for the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

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H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan in Ireland and IJA Patron, honoured the event with his presence and delivered an inspiring address.
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Special guest Mr. Jack Chambers, State Minister for the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, gave a memorable speech, sharing insights from his recent visit to Japan.

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H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan in Ireland.

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Mr. Jack Chambers, State Minister for the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

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IJA Chairperson Catherine Grennell-Whyte highlighted the association’s mission and recent achievements. She noted the rapid growth and expansion of the association, marked by a variety of events and activities throughout the year and an increasing number of individual and corporate members.
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“We are committed to fostering education, cultural exchange, and business opportunities between Ireland and Japan,” said Catherine Grennell-Whyte. “Our goal is to build a vibrant community offering real benefits and opportunities through close collaborations, cultural appreciation, innovative business discussions, and invaluable networking.”
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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

 
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The IJA Annual Dinner 2024 was a memorable night, celebrating the enduring bond between Ireland and Japan.
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IJA Annual Dinner 2024 Prosecco & Sake Reception at The Conrad, Dublin.

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The IJA Council expresses its gratitude to the Dublin School for Japanese Children for crafting and presenting exquisite Japanese origami decorations to our dinner guests. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the event team at Conrad Dublin for their exceptional hospitality and service during our event. We also want to extend our thanks to Raymond Hegarty, Master of Ceremonies, and our dedicated event team for their invaluable time, support, and contributions in making this year’s event a resounding success.

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The IJA Council extends gratitude to the prize sponsors for their ongoing support and generous contributions: Dillon Eustace, Finnair, Japan Rugby and Football Union, KWE Ireland, Oomi Travel, Mitsubishi Electric, NTT Data, PwC Ireland, and SuMi TRUST.
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Photo Gallery | IJA Annual Dinner 2024

Photos: Stephen Cullen, K9 Studio

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(If you were a guest at the IJA Annual Dinner 2024 and would like to receive an access to full photo gallery from the night, please email your request to: info@ija.ie)

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2024 Ushioda Scholarship Award Winner: Eloise Maguire, DCU

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The Ireland Japan Association is delighted to announce that in 2024 the Ushioda Scholarship is awarded to Eloise Maguire, studying Applied Languages and Translation Studies at DCU. Eloise will be travelling to Japan for an exchange year at Rikkyo University, Tokyo.

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‘It is a massive honour to receive this scholarship and I plan to make the most of it during my study abroad! While immersing myself in the Japanese language and improving my language skills, I hope to experience the culture and way of life in Japan.’ – Eloise Maguire

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We would like to thank Paula Kelly, IJA Individual Member and the IJA Education, Language and Ushioda Scholarship Subcommittee for support and assistance with the scholarship management and administration process this year.

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Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship was established in 2019 in honour of Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda’s major contribution to the development of the Ireland Japan Association and Ireland-Japan relations, and to underpin the association’s strong commitment to supporting Japanese studies in Ireland.

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Business Briefing ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work’

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On Thursday, 2nd May, the IJA invited members to join the business breakfast briefing on ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work’. This event was organised in collaboration with the IJA corporate member Cpl and Cpl’s Future of Work Institute.
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From L-R: Elysia Hegarty, Associate Director at Cpl’s Future of Work Institute, Cormac Reid, Program Manager, ElectroRoute, H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Managing Director, ATTS, Raymond Hegarty, CEO, IntaVal and Ferenc Gál, Digital Marketing Director, Cpl.

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H.E. Mr Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, addressed event participants with a welcome speech followed by a panel discussion led by Elysia Hegarty, Associate Director at Cpl’s Future of Work Institute.
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Special thanks go to our panel of guest speakers – Raymond Hegarty (CEO, IntaVal), Catherine Grennell-Whyte (Managing Director, ATTS), Cormac Reid (Program Manager, ElectroRoute) and Ferenc Gál (Digital Marketing Director, Cpl) – for sharing their valuable insights and offering a glimpse into the world of AI and its inevitable impact on businesses and our professional lives right now and in the future.
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Panel discussed how Artificial Intelligence technologies can fundamentally revolutionise our workplaces and propel collaboration to new heights, fostering exciting innovations, driving new efficiencies, and enabling sustainable transformations. Thought-provoking details were also discussed about challenges we might face in the future, and how AI may reshape our lives in unexpected and potentially frightening ways.
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We thank everyone who joined us in person and remotely for this very exciting and insightful discussion.
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This event was organised in cooperation with:
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