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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Applications are now open for 2025 MEXT Scholarships

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The Embassy of Japan in Ireland is pleased to inform you that applications from Irish nationals are currently accepted for the 2025 Japanese Government Monbukagakusho (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology/MEXT) Research Student Scholarships. The application period for the 2025 MEXT Undergraduate Student Scholarships will open shortly.

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MEXT Research Student Scholarships
MEXT Research Student Scholarships are offered to Irish university graduates and graduate students who wish to study in graduate courses at Japanese universities as Research Students. Applicants must have Irish citizenship, be born on or after 2 April 1990, and hold at least a Bachelor’s degree. Details of the application procedure and schedule are now available on the Embassy website here, and general information about the MEXT Scholarships can be found on the Study in Japan website here.
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MEXT Undergraduate Student Scholarships
MEXT Undergraduate Student Scholarships are offered to Irish students who wish to pursue their undergraduate education in the fields of Social Sciences & Humanities or Natural Sciences at Japanese universities. Applicants must have Irish citizenship and be born on or after 2 April 2000. Details of the application procedure and schedule will be available on the Embassy website here shortly, and general information about the MEXT Scholarships can be found on the Study in Japan website here.
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Application documents can be downloaded from the Study in Japan website:
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Deadline
Applications for both scholarships should be submitted by e-mail by Tuesday, 04 June 2024 to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science at Scholarships@dfheris.gov.ie and not to the Embassy of Japan.
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Applications for MEXT Scholarships through the Embassy Recommendation system must be submitted to the Embassy of Japan in the country of the applicant’s nationality. A list of websites of Japanese Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Missions is available at https://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/mofaserv.html.
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It would be greatly appreciated if you could pass this information on to any colleagues or students you know who may be eligible and interested in these scholarship opportunities.
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If you or any potential applicants require any further information or have any questions regarding the scholarships, please don’t hesitate to contact the Embassy’s Information & Culture Section at culture@ir.mofa.go.jp.
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Cork Chamber of Commerce and the IJA agrees reciprocal membership

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Ireland Japan Association is delighted to announce that reciprocal membership has been agreed with the Cork Chamber of Commerce, the leading business organisation for the promotion and development of economic and commercial activity in Co. Cork and the region. The IJA Council is looking forward to building a long-standing and successful business relationship with the Cork Chamber and its members.

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Cork Chamber of Commerce has been a champion for the business community and a strong advocate for the economic development of the Cork region for over 200 years.

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‘As the voice of Chamber members, through our public affairs and communications activity, we engage proactively with Government and key stakeholders on pressing regional business issues like talent attraction and retention, housing, transport, and climate action to collaboratively drive a positive and progressive agenda, creating a world leading business environment.’ – Annie FitzGibbon, Director of Member Services at Cork Chamber

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In addition connecting to international networks through trade missions, events and business-matching initiatives, while raising the profile of Cork internationally to support the attraction of investment and talent to the region is a key priority for Cork Chamber.

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‘We support companies at every stage with a variety of impactful services, providing opportunities to network and connect through a dynamic events programme, to stay informed through exemplary communications, to maintain competitiveness with high quality training and to shine a spotlight on your business with strong promotional channels. Working together we empower and support a successful and inclusive membership who drive a thriving Cork.’ – Annie FitzGibbon, Director of Member Services at Cork Chamber

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If you wish to learn more about the Cork Chamber of Commerce and services they provide, please visit their website and follow the Cork Chamber on social media: LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

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Google Ireland joins the IJA as a Corporate member

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Ireland Japan Association is delighted to welcome Google Ireland, one of the world’s leading multinational corporations and technology companies specialising in internet-related services and products, on board the IJA as a Corporate member, and is looking forward to a long lasting and successful cooperation.

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‘I’m delighted to become a member of the Ireland Japan Association and excited about the potential for collaboration.’ – Teresa Weafer, Government Affairs & Public Policy Community Affairs Manager

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Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. That’s why Search makes it easy to discover a broad range of information from a wide variety of sources.

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Google Ireland is Google’s Europe, Middle East and Africa Headquarters. Google established its first office in Ireland in 2003 with just five employees and has now grown to a workforce of over 9000 people from over 100 countries.

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Google Ireland serves as a hub for dozens of functions and teams supporting Google’s global operations.

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LinkedIn

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Japanese Film Festival 2024

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The Japanese Film Festival Ireland returns for its 15th edition this April, with a line-up of films that will bring the best of Japanese cinemas to towns and cities across Ireland.
Ireland’s only truly national film festival will showcase 19 films this year, from the latest anime hits to exciting indie discoveries. The festival will run from April 9 – 27, with screenings in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Waterford, Dundalk, Wexford and – for the first time – Bray.
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‘Having started with just 4 films in 3 cities in 2008, this event is now in its 15th edition with 19 films in 9 locations around Ireland. Its continued success is thanks to the dedication of all the organisers, but above all to the enthusiasm of Irish audiences. I am delighted to see so much interest in Japanese cinema in Ireland, and hope that everyone will enjoy this year’s exciting selection of films from Japan.’ – Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland
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This year’s line-up will bring Irish audiences everything from acclaimed dramas to crowd-pleasing anime hits. This year’s programme includes the Irish premieres of exceptional new dramas such as Egoist, Great Absence, Ichiko, Remembering Every Night and Shadow of Fire. Those searching for more light-hearted fare should seek out time-loop office satire Mondays: See You ‘This’ Week! and the playful horror-comedy Love Will Tear Us Apart. Anime fans won’t want to miss the first Irish screenings of new titles Lonely Castle in the Mirror and Komada: A Whisky Family. Audiences will also be able to enjoy a special insight into Japanese culture and traditions with films such as Tsugaru Lacquer Girl and Yudo: The Way of the Bath.
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The festival is proud to pay tribute to the late, great Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto with a special double bill in Dublin of his beautiful final concert film Opus and Hirokazu Koreeda’s award-winning Monster (which features Sakamoto’s final film score) in Dublin. Opus will also play in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford during the festival. Audiences in Dublin and Galway will also be able to catch this year’s classic screening – Shinji Somai’s coming-of-age drama Typhoon Club, which has been widely celebrated as one of the greatest Japanese films of the 1980s.
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‘We’re always excited to bring the latest Japanese films to audiences across Ireland, and this year’s JFF 24 has added significance as it marks the 15th edition of the festival and our collaboration with the Embassy of Japan. We look forward to welcoming festival audiences – whether you’re a JFF regular or have never been before – to this year’s screenings. We’ve made sure to ensure this year’s line-up of films has something for everybody, including everything from the latest festival favourites to future cult classics.’ – Maeve Cooke, director of access>CINEMA
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Experience Japan 2024 | Join the celebrations of Hanami Festival!

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Experience Japan festival will be returning to the wonderful Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin on Sunday, 28th April 12 – 4 PM.
Hanami Festival is a free, family-friendly day out where you can enjoy and celebrate Japanese – Irish culture!
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Join us in the beautiful grounds of Farmleigh House to witness performances, demonstrations, seminars, and traditions both old and in the making! All events are free and everybody is welcome!
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This year’s programme is packed with amazing events for everyone! 
  • Get ready to be dazzled by a mixture of Irish and Japanese music and dance performances.
  • A mixture of Japanese food vendors, from sweets to savoury. Of course, expect some classic options as well!
  • Demonstrations from a mixture of styles which originated in Japan, and are practised here in Ireland!
  • Enjoy a Treasure Hunt aimed at children or a more challenging Scavenger Hunt for adults!
  • Take a tour of traditional Japanese crafts which have found a home in Ireland.
  • Our tradition of reading verse under the cherry blossom continues this year.
  • A dedicated area in the Pleasure Gardens for practising your Japanese language skills, and meeting new friends!
  • An opportunity to see our many cosplayers all in one place! Taking place on the Martial Arts stage.

Please note that as a community festival, organisers cannot guarantee all activities and persons will be available on the day.

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HOW TO GET THERE?

The Hanami Festival 2024 is located in Farmleigh House, at the back of Phoenix Park, Dublin.

Please visit Experience Japan website for more details!

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Follow Experience Japan for more updates and news!
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Argentine Tango and Japan | Carlos Rivarola 2024 European Tour

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We are excited to present a delightful cultural afternoon, “Argentine Tango & Japan,” featuring the internationally acclaimed legend of Argentine Tango, maestro Carlos Rivarola (1952, Argentina), who has made a remarkable contribution to Japan over the last consequent four decades.

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This special occasion will coincide with his 4th visit to Ireland, organised by Tango Classes Lucia & Gerry as part of his 2024 European tour during the month of the Japanese Sakura festival, putting a spotlight on cultural friendship, with the honorary presence of the Embassy of Argentina and the Embassy of Japan, warmly supported by Ireland Japan Association.

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The focal point of the afternoon is an engaging Interview with Carlos Rivarola, accompanied by an interactive Q&A session, moderated by Azumi Uchitani, followed by his signature, graceful Tango Performance.

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Throughout the event, we aim to showcase the works of the legendary Tango maestro, Carlos Rivarola, highlighting his profound contribution and friendship with Japan with the artistry of Argentine Tango.

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We extend a warm welcome to everyone who cherishes cultural friendship in the global community as well as tango enthusiasts.

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Date: Saturday 20 April

Time: 14:00 – 15:30

Venue: Laurel’s Ballroom, Royal Marine Hotel,

Address: Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin A96K063

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Programme: 

14:00 Welcome, accompanied by a glass of Sake, and coffee & tea

14:15 Introduction

14:30 Interviews and Q&A session

15:00 Tango Performance

15:30 Closing

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Ticket Price: 30 euro

Booking & Contact: office@azumiuchitani.com

Tickets are available to purchase at Eventbrite

 

More Info: https://www.azumiuchitani.com/tango

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About Carlos Rivarola  (カルロス  リバローラ)

Carlos Rivarola (born 1952, Argentina) is regarded as one of the top 10 influential Argentine tango dancers of our time, a choreographer, and an actor. Renowned globally for his role in the groundbreaking Tango Argentino show, premiered in 1983, Rivarola has been a pivotal figure in revitalizing tango on the world stage.

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Alongside María Rivarola, his partner both on and off the dance floor, he has left an indelible mark on the tango world. Their artistic journey has taken them across continents, with annual performances in Japan since 1984 and the creation of the first all-Japanese tango show under Rivarola’s direction in 1986. Rivarola’s cinematic contributions include notable roles in films like “Tango Bar” (1989) and “Naked Tango” (1991), and his choreography in Carlos Saura’s “Tango” earned him the 1999 National Choreography Award from the United States Academy of Cinematic Arts and Sciences.

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Beyond performance, Rivarola is a dedicated educator, serving as a professor at the National University Institute of Art (IUNA) and contributing to tango literature with works like “Así se baila el tango argentino,” co-authored with Yoyi Kanematz. As a co-founder and president of the Argentine Tango Teachers, Dancers, and Choreographers Association (AMBCTA), Rivarola continues to champion the professional interests of tango artists, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of Argentine tango.

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Organised by:

Tango Lucia Seva & Gerry Roche

Azumi Uchitani Communications

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Supported by:

Embassy of Argentina in Ireland

Embassy of Japan in Ireland

Ireland Japan Association

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Sublime Aesthetics or the Cultural & Mythical Inversion Power of Negativity | Japan Seminar Series

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We invite you to join Professor Hideki Kuwajima, Hiroshima University, as he seeks to uncover a certain possibility for a comparative aesthetic fusion between Irish and Japanese cultures, moving from Edmund Burke’s Ireland to Lafcadio Hearn’s Izumo in Hidden Japan at the upcoming seminar ‘Sublime Aesthetics or the Cultural & Mythical Inversion Power of Negativity’ organised by our friends at UCD Centre for Japanese Studies.
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Date: Wednesday, 27th March 2024
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
Venue: UCD Newman Building, Room D101, Stillorgan Road, Belfield, Dublin
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Hideki Kuwajima
Born in Gumma, Japan, in 1970. Received his BA, MA and PhD from the Osaka University. Professor of Aesthetics, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences / School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University. A Director/Executive Committee Member of Japan-Ireland Society, Japanese Society for Aesthetics, and Japanese Society for British Philosophy, as well as a Founding Committee Member of the Hiroshima-Ireland Friendship Association etc.
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Business Seminar ‘Driving Business Growth through Sustainability’ | PHOTO GALLERY

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On 21st February, Ireland Japan Association and Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC) invited their members to participate in the business seminar ‘Driving Business Growth through Sustainability’ which was hosted in Dublin by the IJA and IJCC member PwC Ireland. This was our second collaboration event with the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce.

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From L-R: Dominic Keogh, IJCC, Mary Honohan, PwC Ireland, David Swan, Chief Operations & Sustainability Officer at SMBC Aviation Capital, Jeff Aherne, CEO at EVHACS, Ruairi Williamson, Managing Director at Hitachi Energy, and Caoimhe Giblin, Commercial Director at ElectroRoute.

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H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, opened the event, and we were delighted to welcome a list of experts for the panel discussion: David Swan, Chief Operations & Sustainability Officer at SMBC Aviation Capital, Caoimhe Giblin, Commercial Director at ElectroRoute, Jeff Aherne, CEO at EVHACS, and Ruairi Williamson, Managing Director at Hitachi Energy. Event was moderated by Dominic Keogh, IJCC.

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During event our experts shared examples and case studies of how their companies are using sustainability as a driver for business growth and what the future holds for sustainability, offering first-hand access to industry leading practices that can be adapted for businesses across Ireland. Discussions were followed by Q&A session and networking.

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

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David Swan, Chief Operations & Sustainability Officer, SMBC Aviation Capital

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Jeff Aherne, CEO, EVHACS

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Ruairi Williamson, Managing Director, Hitachi Energy

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Caoimhe Giblin, Commercial Director, ElectroRoute

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Moderator of the event: Dominic Keogh, IJCC

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We would like to thank our partners – Dominic Keogh and his team at the IJCC, and our wonderful hosts – Mary Honohan and her team at PwC Ireland for all their support and work to make this event such a great success.

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Photos: Azumi Uchitani

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Research Opportunities in Japan

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We invite you to join a seminar ‘Research Opportunities in Japan’ organised by our friends at UCD Centre for Japanese Studies in cooperation with JSPS London.
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Date: Tuesday, 27th February 2024
Time: 1 p.m.
Venue: H2.22 Science Hub, O’Brien Centre for Science, Belfield Campus Dublin
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Guest speakers:

* Professor Naoto Kobayashi, Director, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) London

* Professor Emma Sokell, Head of UCD School of Physics and former JSPS Scholar; Deputy Director, UCD Centre for Japanese Studies

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The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) also known as Gakushin, is an independent administrative institution. It provides various fellowships for researchers to conduct, under the guidance of their Japanese hosts, cooperative research with leading research groups in universities and other Japanese institutions. As Japan’s premier research funding agency, JSPS carries out a diverse program that includes funding scientific research, fostering young researchers, promoting international scientific exchange, and supporting the reform and globalization of universities. Its annual budget in 2011 fiscal year was ¥334.7 billion. The JSPS is equivalent to both Science Foundation Ireland and the Ireland Research Council for Japan, covering all disciplinary areas.
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