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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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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