IJA Celebrates Bounenkai End of Year Party 2025

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Last week, the Ireland Japan Association celebrated its annual Bounenkai End of Year Party together with our members, friends and supporters. The event was organised in cooperation with our Patron Member Yamamori, who is proudly celebrating 30 years in business in 2025, and was hosted at Yamamori Tengu, located in the heart of Dublin city centre.

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Welcome speech by Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson

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A warm welcome was extended to all guests by Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson, who, on behalf of the IJA Council, paid respects to former Ambassador Junji Shimada, who sadly passed away earlier this month, and reflected on the year’s highlights and achievements, including the Commendation awarded by the Japanese Foreign Minister to the IJA in recognition of its ongoing contribution to strengthening Ireland – Japan relations.

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“It’s been a great year for the Ireland Japan Association, and great to share so many Ireland – Japan moments together. Looking forward to even better times next year. Cheers – and Kanpai!” – Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson.

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We were honoured to welcome Mr. Koji Hirohata, Chargés d’Affaires, Embassy of Japan in Ireland, who addressed guests during the evening.

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Speech by Koji Hirohata, Chargés d’Affaires, Embassy of Japan in Ireland

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The evening brought together the IJA community for a relaxed and festive gathering, celebrating milestones, shared successes, and the strong connections between Ireland and Japan.

We would like to thank the IJA event team – Neil Cowhey, Graham Ryan and Miyu Ishikawa – for their work and support in organising the event.

A special thank you also goes to the Yamamori team for their warm welcome, hospitality, and excellent service throughout the night, making the celebration special for everyone.

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Announcement of the passing of former Ambassador, Junji Shimada

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It is with deep sadness that the Ireland Japan Association Council shares the announcement from the Embassy of Japan in Ireland regarding the passing of former Ambassador Mr. Junji Shimada.

Ambassador Shimada was a dedicated diplomat and an exemplary representative of Japan. He will be greatly missed by his family, the staff who had the privilege of working alongside him, and the many people in Ireland whom he met during his service.

On behalf of the IJA Council, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Ambassador Shimada’s family, his colleagues, and all who mourn his loss. His contribution to strengthening the relationship between Ireland and Japan will be long remembered.

“Ambassador Shimada will be remembered with great respect and admiration for his dedication to strengthening the relationship between Japan and Ireland. His commitment, warmth, and gracious engagement with our Association and the wider community left a lasting and meaningful impact. We are profoundly grateful for his contributions and for the friendship he extended during his time in Ireland.” – Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

The IJA Council joins the Embassy of Japan and the wider community in honouring Ambassador Shimada’s legacy and mourning his loss. Our thoughts are with all who held him dear.

Book of Condolence

A book of condolence for former Ambassador Shimada will be available at the Embassy of Japan at the following times:

Dates:
Wednesday, 19 November | 10 am – 12 pm and 2 pm – 4 pm
Thursday, 20 November | 10 am – 12 pm and 2 pm – 4 pm

Location:
Embassy of Japan
3rd Floor, Merrion Centre
Nutley Lane, Dublin 4

Messages of Condolence by Email

The Embassy also welcomes condolences sent via email until 20 November.

Email: protocol@ir.mofa.go.jp

Please include:
1. Subject line: “Condolences: Former Ambassador Shimada”
2. Name
3. Title and organisation (if applicable)
4. Message

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The IJA Chairperson’s Lunch 2025: Celebrating Friendship and Recognition

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On Wednesday, 5th November, the Ireland Japan Association was delighted to host the annual IJA Chairperson’s Lunch at the iconic Stephen’s Green Club, Dublin.

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This year’s event was particularly special as we celebrated the Commendation by the Japanese Foreign Minister, an honour awarded to the Ireland Japan Association earlier this year in recognition of its longstanding contribution to fostering strong economic, cultural, and educational ties between Ireland and Japan.

The lunch brought together members, partners, and friends of the IJA for an afternoon of connection and celebration.

We were honoured to welcome our Guest Speaker, Ivana Bacik TD, Leader of the Labour Party, who shared thoughtful remarks on leadership, collaboration, and Ireland’s growing ties with Japan. We were also privileged to hear from Koji Hirohata, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Japan, who addressed guests and congratulated the IJA on receiving the prestigious commendation.

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Ivana Bacik TD, Leader of the Labour Party

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Koji Hirohata, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Japan

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The event was attended by IJA Council members, corporate and individual members, and a number of the Association’s former Chairs and Vice Chairs, who have each played an important role in shaping the organisation’s journey over the years.

It was a memorable afternoon celebrating the friendship between Ireland and Japan, the achievements of the IJA community, and the shared commitment to building an even stronger partnership for the future.

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IJA Chairpersons – from L-R: Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Darina Slattery, Richard Ryan, Paula Kelly, Donagh Morris and Raymond Hegarty

From L-R: Koji Hirohata, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Japan, Teresa Weafer, Google Ireland, Ivana Bacik TD, Leader of Labour Party, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, Raymond Hegarty, IJA Council

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Bank of Ireland Team Wins the IJA Ishikawa Golf Cup 2025

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The Ireland Japan Association’s Annual Golf Outing 2025 took place on Thursday, 25th September at the beautiful Foxrock Golf Club, Dublin, bringing together IJA members and friends for a fantastic day of golf, networking and celebration.

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We are delighted to congratulate the Bank of Ireland team, winners of the IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025! The Ishikawa Cup and first prize were presented to the winning team by Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson, and Mr. Hirohata, Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan.

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IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 winners from Bank of Ireland Team – Casey Steele and Philip Healy together with Mr. Hirohata, Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan

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Winners – Bank of Ireland Team
Philip Healy
Casey Steele
Patrick O’Connor
Devon Burns

2nd Place – NTT Data Team
3rd Place – SuMi TRUST (SMT Fund) Team

Spot Prizes
Nearest the Pin – Louise Mernagh, Mitsubishi Electric
Longest Drive – Adrian Gubbins, Mitsubishi Electric

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IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – 2nd place – NTT Data Team

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – Nearest The Pin Spot Prize – Winner Louise Mernagh, Mitsubishi Electric with Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – Longest Drive Spot Prize – Winner Adrian Gubbins, Mitsubishi Electric with Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson

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A big thank you to all the teams – Bank of Ireland, Dillon Eustace, ElectroRoute, Mitsubishi Electric, NTT Data, and SuMi TRUST – for taking part and making this year’s tournament such a success.

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We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our wonderful hosts at Foxrock Golf Club for their warm hospitality, and to the IJA Council members and event team, especially Neil Cowhey and Raymond Hegarty, for their commitment and support in organising this event.

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We look forward to seeing everyone again at next year’s tournament!

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A very special thank you to our tournament prize sponsors for their generous support! 

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Foxrock Golf Club

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – Foxrock Golf Club

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025

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Ireland Hosts the 11th International Symposium on Dialogue for Global Innovation

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The Ireland Japan Association was proud to sponsor and co-organise the 11th International Symposium on Dialogue for Global Innovation (DFGI-11), which took place in Dublin on 16 – 17 September 2025 at Trinity College Dublin.

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This year’s theme, Technologies for Human Flourishing: Advancing AI & Quantum Computing with Responsibility,’ could not have been more timely. Over the course of two days, inspiring speakers and leaders from Europe and Japan came together to share insights on global technology and innovation, explore future opportunities, and discuss the responsibilities that come with advancing cutting-edge fields such as AI and quantum computing.

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We were especially honoured that IJA Chairperson, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, addressed the symposium participants on the opening day. In her remarks, Catherine introduced the work of the IJA and emphasised its mission as a bridge between Ireland and Japan, fostering collaboration in business, culture, and education. “It is a privilege for the IJA to contribute to this important dialogue,” she said, “and to see Ireland host such an influential gathering of minds, dedicated to innovation with responsibility.”

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

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Traditionally held in London, DFGI has long been a platform for leading voices from Europe and Japan to exchange expertise and strengthen cooperation across business, academia, and technology. Hosting the symposium in Ireland for the first time highlighted Ireland’s growing role in this global dialogue and provided a unique opportunity to build new connections and partnerships.

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The IJA would like to thank the organisers, partners, and supporters of this prestigious event for making it such a success. Events like DFGI-11 play an important role in today’s rapidly evolving world, reminding us of the need to combine innovation with responsibility, and dialogue with collaboration.

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson during her speech at the DFGI-11 in Dublin, Ireland

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson during her speech at the DFGI-11 in Dublin, Ireland

 

From L-R: Raymond Hegarty, IJA Council, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and David Doran, IDA Ireland

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Ireland Japan Association Honoured with Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation

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The Ireland Japan Association is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Commendation of the Foreign Minister of Japan, a prestigious recognition presented to organisations and individuals worldwide who have made outstanding contributions to strengthening ties with Japan.

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This honour acknowledges the IJA’s decades of work promoting economic, cultural, and educational connections between Ireland and Japan. In 2025, the IJA joins a distinguished group of 58 organisations and 173 individuals worldwide receiving the award.

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In its commendation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan noted:

“The IJA has helped not only to promote and develop economic and business relations between Japan and Ireland for many years, but also to promote Japanese language education and to foster human resource development in Japanese studies in Ireland. The IJA also runs regular workshops where participants can experience traditional Japanese culture. Through these and other activities, the IJA facilitates people-to-people exchanges while strengthening and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and Ireland.”

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Founded in 1990 from the merger of the Ireland Japan Society (est. 1969) and the Ireland Japan Economic Association (est. 1974), the IJA has been a cornerstone of Ireland-Japan relations for more than 35 years. Its mission has always been to act as a bridge between the two countries, creating opportunities for collaboration in business, culture, and education.

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Chairperson of the IJA, said:

“We are deeply honoured to receive this commendation from the Government of Japan. It is a powerful recognition of the work the IJA has carried out to support economic cooperation and trade links between Ireland and Japan, alongside our cultural and educational programmes. For more than three decades, our Association has been dedicated to fostering lasting connections, and this award is a testament to the strength of the friendship between our two nations.”

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About the Foreign Minister’s Commendations
The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are presented annually to individuals and groups with exceptional achievements in international fields, recognising their role in promoting friendship between Japan and other countries. The award also raises awareness within Japan of the recipients’ contributions to international exchange.
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An Evening of Friendship and Culture: IJA Council Visits Ambassador Shimada’s Residence

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The Ireland Japan Association would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and his wife, Mrs. Kaoru Shimada, for their kind and generous invitation to host a dinner at their residence in Dublin on 17th June.

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, was joined by Council and Patron Member Peter Vambeck (Fitzwilliam Capital) and Council Member Maria Mardiki for a memorable evening filled with warm hospitality, engaging conversation, and cultural exchange.

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The evening offered a special opportunity to experience Japanese traditions and enjoy a beautifully prepared meal in the company of our hosts. Our Council members were deeply honoured by the warm welcome and truly appreciated the chance to strengthen the bond between the IJA and the Embassy of Japan.

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We are sincerely grateful for this gesture of friendship and look forward to continuing to nurture and grow our relationship with Ambassador Shimada, Mrs. Shimada, and the Embassy in the future.

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IJA Annual Dinner Grand Prize Winner Plans Dream Trip to Japan!

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We are excited to share that the winner of the IJA Annual Dinner 2025 Grand Prize, Peter Callaghan, is now planning his unforgettable journey to Japan.
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Peter won an incredible prize – return flight tickets and a one-week travel package for two to Osaka – generously sponsored by our 2025 Travel Partners, Finnair and Oomi Travel.

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Grand Prize winner Peter Callaghan (centre) with Darina Slattery, Oomi Travel (left) and Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Finnair/ATTS (right)

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Here’s what Peter had to say about winning:

‘I was shocked when my number was called out. I have never won anything like that, and then to win such a fantastic prize! It didn’t really sink in till later, and when I told my wife, she was absolutely thrilled – this trip is a bucket list experience for her.’

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Although Peter has travelled to Tokyo many times for work, this will be his first time exploring beyond the capital. Together with his wife, he plans to discover the rich history, traditions, and stunning landscapes of Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima – from majestic temples to breathtaking scenery.

.‘I am so grateful to Finnair and Oomi Travel for their incredible generosity and their kind arrangements for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.’ 

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We extend our sincere thanks to our Grand Prize Sponsors and valued IJA 2025 Travel Partners: Finnair and Oomi Travel for their generous support.

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2025 Ushioda Scholarship Award Winner: Holly Deegan, University of Limerick

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The Ireland Japan Association is delighted to announce that the 2025 Ushioda Scholarship has been awarded to Holly Deegan, a second-year Japanese student at the University of Limerick.

Holly will travel to Japan to participate in the Nihongo for Exchange Students (NEST) Program at Toyo University, continuing her studies and deepening her connection with Japanese language and culture.

IJA Council is wishing Holly every success in her studies and adventures in Japan!

 

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‘Growing up I always had a passion for learning languages. When I had the opportunity to study Japanese in secondary school, I was instantly fascinated by both the language and culture. Having the option to continue my studies in university allowed not only for my language skills to develop, but for my appreciation for Japan to grow also. It will be a privilege to study in Japan and experience a different way of life. Whilst there, I hope to further improve my language skills and explore more of the culture first-hand. ’ – Holly Deegan

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We extend our sincere thanks to Paula Kelly, the IJA Council, and the IJA Education, Language and Ushioda Scholarship Subcommittee for their continued support and dedication in managing the scholarship process.

The Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship was established in 2019 to honour their remarkable contributions to the Ireland Japan Association and to Ireland-Japan relations. It continues to support and encourage the growth of Japanese studies in Ireland.

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A Celebration of Ireland-Japan Friendship: Highlights from the IJA Annual Dinner 2025

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The Ireland Japan Association would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for the IJA Annual Dinner 2025, held on Friday, 16th May at the luxurious Conrad Hotel in Dublin.

This special evening was a celebration of friendship, culture, and the strong connections between Ireland and Japan. It was a pleasure to welcome our members, friends, supporters, and special guests for a night of networking, cultural appreciation, and shared experiences.

 

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson:

“It’s incredible how we (IJA) have evolved from being a cultural society with an admirable mission into a thriving community built upon three foundational pillars: Business, Education and Culture. It’s these three intersecting pillars that make the IJA a unique, vibrant association.

In recent years, we have accelerated our growth not just in numbers but also in impact.

Our individual members, many of whom are here this evening, remain at the heart of this association. Your enthusiasm brings inspiration and energy to everything we do. Whether it is our ever-popular weekly conversation groups, the Book Club, or our amazing and varied workshops, it is your presence that gives these events meaning and success.

Equally, shining a light on our corporate members – you are the engine that allows us to do more and reach further. You play an increasingly vital role in our development. Your support, especially in recent years, has allowed us to scale our ambitions – to deliver high-quality business forums like our Fireside Chat Series, to continue our Ushioda Scholarship Programme, and to invest in wonderful events such as The Japan Experience at Farmleigh. You are not just members of this association; you are partners in advancing the Ireland–Japan relationship.”

 

We were honoured by the presence of our Patron, H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, who joined us as Guest of Honour along with his wife, Mrs. Kaoru Shimada. We were also privileged to welcome Mr. Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation, and Mr. Hideo Yura, Director General at JETRO London, along with representatives from the Irish and Japanese business, diplomatic, academic, and cultural communities.

IJA Council and corporate members together with Annual Dinner Special Guests: IJA Patron, H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, and his wife, Mrs. Kaoru Shimada, Mr. Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation, and Mr. Hideo Yura, Director General at JETRO London.

 

Ambassador Shimada and Minister Chambers delivered speeches congratulating the IJA on another successful year, and emphasised the association’s vital role in strengthening the Ireland-Japan relationship. On behalf of the Irish Government, Minister Chambers also thanked Catherine Grennell-Whyte for her leadership, dedication, and achievements.

 

IJA Patron, H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland

 

Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation

 

The evening featured a sake and prosecco reception, a delicious three-course dinner, engaging speeches, and a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture and tradition. Guests enjoyed a carefully curated menu with accompanying wine and had the chance to win incredible prizes during the raffle draw – including the grand prize: return flight tickets and a one-week travel package for two to Osaka, Japan, generously sponsored by our 2025 Travel Partners – Finnair and Oomi Travel.

 

The lucky winner of the Grand Prize together with Darina Slattery, Oomi Travel and Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Finnair. The prize included return flight tickets and a one-week travel package for two to Osaka, Japan, generously sponsored by IJA 2025 Travel Partners – Finnair and Oomi Travel.

 

We would like to express our sincere thanks to all our raffle prize sponsors for their generosity and support:
Azumi Uchitani, Dillon Eustace, Eddie Hughes, Fitzwilliam Capital, SuMi TRUST, Yamamori, Neil Cowhey and Laura Goonan.

Special thanks also go to the Dublin School for Japanese Children who prepared beautiful origami decorations for our dinner guests – a thoughtful gesture that added charm to each table and honoured Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

 

 

We are truly grateful to the team at Conrad Dublin for their excellent service, warm hospitality, and meticulous attention to detail, all of which ensured the evening ran smoothly.

We deeply appreciate the ongoing support of our members and community, and we look forward to many more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and strengthen the ties between Ireland and Japan in the future.

Arigatou gozaimasu – thank you once again for being part of this special celebration!

IJA Annual Dinner 2025 – Video Highlights

Photos: Shane Cullen, K9 Studio

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson (Finnair/ATTS) and Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson (Dillon Eustace)

 

IJA Annual Dinner 2025 | Conrad Dublin

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, Mrs. Kaoru Shimada and H.E. Mr. Junji Shimda, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, Raymond Hegarty, IJA Council

 

Raymond Hegarty, IJA Council and Master of Ceremonies

 

Teresa Weafer, Google Ireland, William Smyth, Fitzwilliam Capital, Graham Ryan, Yamamori Group, H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and Mrs. Kaoru Shimada

 

H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation, and Mrs. Kaoru Shimada

 

Saara Heinola, Embassy of Finland in Ireland, Keiko Nakata, Embassy of Japan in Ireland, Mrs. Kaoru Shimada and Darina Slattery, Oomi Travel

 

Peter Vambeck, Fitzwilliam Capital, Saara Heinola, Embassy of Finland in Ireland, Graham Ryan, Yamamori Group, William Smyth, Fitzwilliam Capital, Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and Mrs. Kaoru Shimada.

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation

 

H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and Mrs. Kaoru Shimada

 

Oomi Travel team with Darina Slattery, founder of Oomi Travel and Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson (Finnair) – with the IJA Annual Dinner 2025 Grand Prize ticket

 

IJA Annual Dinner 2025 | Conrad Dublin

 

IJA Annual Dinner 2025 | Conrad Dublin

 

IJA Annual Dinner 2025 | Conrad Dublin

 

IJA Annual Dinner 2025 | Conrad Dublin

 

We gratefully acknowledge the sponsors of the raffle prizes for the IJA Annual Dinner 2025!