Japan’s Far More Female Future | Online Book Launch Event

Join Trinity Long Room Hub Arts and Humanities Research Institute‘s panel discussion to mark the launch of Journalist Bill Emmott’s latest book ‘Japan’s Far More Female Future – Increasing Gender Equality and Reducing Workplace Insecurity Will Make Japan Stronger’ (2020).

Date: Tuesday, 1st December 2020
Time: 7-8 PM
Registration is required: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bi1LvJRQQ6WEXvxJ4H-u-w 


In addition to a presentation by Bill Emmott, guest speakers include: A recorded video conversation between Bill and Ambassador Mari Miyoshi, Japanese Ambassador to Dublin 2015-18, who features in the book as being the most senior woman in the Japanese diplomatic service; two panelists, Helen Macnaughton, Senior Lecturer in International Business and Management, SOAS University of London and Akiko Sato, market advisor at Enterprise Ireland. The evening will be chaired by Prof Eve Patten, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub.

About Japan’s Far More Female Future
Japan’s socio-economic postwar history has been largely male dominated, and still women occupy a much smaller share of leadership positions than in other rich countries. However this reflects a wide gender inequality in tertiary education in the generations now holding or entering leadership positions. Beginning in the 1990s, female access to higher education converged dramatically with that of males, reflecting changing family and social attitudes, which promises to help Japan converge with European experience during the 2020s and 2030s. Through analysis of such trends and policy options, combined with interviews with 21 female role models from business to the arts, Bill Emmott takes an optimistic look at how Japan can achieve greater social justice and sustainable prosperity for the future, helping it to adapt to an ageing and declining population.

For more information and to register for this event: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bi1LvJRQQ6WEXvxJ4H-u-w

IJCC Partner Focus: Ireland Japan Association

The Ireland Japan Association has been featured in the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC) November 2020 newsletter issue under Partner Focus section.

The IJCC is a not-for-profit organisation and business network for Irish and Japanese companies and professionals. It was formally established in 2008 by a decision of the Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry. It replaced the Japan Ireland Economic Association (JIEA) which, since its foundation in 1973, has been the representative body for Irish-Japanese business interests in Japan. Members represent a cross-section of companies, business people and entrepreneurs from Ireland, Japan and other countries. The Chamber is a stakeholder in the European Business Council in Japan, the trade policy arm of the European Chambers and business organisations in Japan. The Chamber works closely with the Embassy of Ireland (The Ambassador of Ireland to Japan is Patron of the IJCC) and other Ireland-related institutions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt from the IJCC newsletter:

‘The objectives of the IJA are to promote greater economic and business ties between Ireland and Japan and to foster mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries, in particular, to encourage and assist in improving the knowledge of the culture of each country within the other. The IJA supports various cultural and educational learning facilities in Ireland for Japanese & Irish children such as the Japanese Saturday Schools and the Japanese Language Teachers in Ireland, who each play a crucial role in educating children in Ireland on Japanese language and culture.’

To read the full article, please see the link here: https://www.ijcc.jp/news/partner-focus-irish-japan-association

Documentary TV show ‘At Home but Abroad’ is looking for contributors

New Departures Media are currently developing a new documentary TV show with presenter Hector Ó hEochagáin called ‘At Home but Abroad’.
This fun and fascinating series filmed for prime time TV will celebrate the different communities and nationalities who have made Ireland their home, and as a result have made this country a more diverse and colourful place. 
Hector is Ireland’s most famous intrepid traveller and has been taking the viewers in TG4 on travels through all the continents over the last 20 years. Due to his travels being curtailed overseas for now, he has decided that he should feature the amazing people that live right here in Ireland. 
New Departures Media are looking to meet individuals of all ages and backgrounds from the Japanese community in Ireland who would be willing to spend a few hours with Hector, show him around their world, and tell their story. Examples could be someone who runs their own business, is very involved in the community, or simply has some great stories to tell. Hector loves activity, he loves music and sport, he loves food and cars…but most of all he loves people and family.
Do you know anybody who might be interested in this? Contact New Departures Media directly: +353 86 833 8628 or tg4hector@gmail.com

EU-Japan Economic Partnership (EPA) Progress Seminar | 24-26 Nov 2020

The European Union Delegation to Japan is organizing the EU-Japan Economic Partnership (EPA) Progress Seminar which will be held through a series of online webinars from 24 until 26 November 2020. 

The EPA Progress Seminar will seek to take stock of the progress on the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and will bring together representatives from academia, industry and trade associations, as well as the public sector. The EPA Progress Seminar will take place over three days, with each day covering a different aspect of the EPA and inviting a varied panel of speakers.

Please find a detailed programme below or you can download it here!

 

PROGRAMME:

Day 1 (November 24 – 09:00-10:00 am CET/16:00-17:00 pm JST) – Register Here!

  • Presentation of EPA Progress Report
  • Presentation of Business Survey
  • Success stories

Day 2 (November 25 – 09:00-10:00 am CET/16:00-17:00 pm JST) – Register Here!

  • Leather and footwear market in Japan

Day 3 (November 26 – 09:00-10:00 am CET/16:00-17:00 pm JST) – Register Here!

  • Presentation of Guide on Public Procurement

Each study/report will be introduced by one of the experts and is followed by contributions from business discussants and a Q&A session.

* Please note that for each day separate registration is required.

EU-Japan News | October 2020 Issue Available Now – NEW WEB Version

EU-Japan NEWS is the quarterly newsletter of the EU-Japan Centre launched in 2003 and containing EU-Japan-related news and features on topics of interest to EU and Japan businesses and public bodies.

*NEW!* The newest issue of the October 2020 Newsletter is available now in an online version (in addition to the usual PDF) with the EU and Japan related news, partnering opportunities, network news and lots of other useful information and links.

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is a unique venture between the European Commission and the Japanese government. It is a non-profit organisation established as an affiliate of the Institute of International Studies and Training (IIST). It aims at promoting all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan and at improving EU and Japanese companies’ competitiveness and cooperation by facilitating exchanges of experience and know-how between EU and Japanese businesses.

You can read full October 2020 Newsletter here!

Winners Announced | JAPANORAMIC Photo Competition

Thank you for all your wonderful entries for the IJA Photo Competition ‘JAPANORAMIC’. The IJA received 83 beautiful photographs from 42 contestants giving an insight into their best moments during travels in Japan.

We are living in times when overseas travels have been cancelled or limited due to a worldwide pandemic, and we were hoping that this competition will allow people to revisit the places they have been to in the past and share the beauty of their trips also with others.

‘We were delighted to receive a large number of entries (83 in total!) to our JAPANORAMIC photo competition. All entries were of a very high standard, so the judging was indeed a difficult task. Please join us in congratulating the winners and honourable mentions. We thank all entrants again for their participation and enthusiasm!’ – The IJA Judging Panel of the JAPANORAMIC Photo Competition

Our judges were delighted with the number and the quality of photographs, and it has been very difficult to select the top three winning images but without further ado, we are delighted to announce the three winners of our 2020 Photo Competition!

1st place – congratulations go to Alex Sinclair and the winning image:

Osaka (January 2020). Image was shot on black-and-white 35mm film. (C) Copyright Alex Sinclair

2nd place – congratulations go to Peter Sheerin and image:

Dusk in Matsu (May 2016). I always like to go out for a wander when I visit somewhere new, you never know what you’ll stumble across. Even though this was just a small piece of municipal decoration along a main road, there was something striking about it in the dusk with the moon rising behind. (C) Copyright Peter Sheerin

3rd place – congratulations go to Kenneth Waters and image:

Tokyo Nexus (November 2019). Looking out from the observation deck in Tokyo Tower watching unhindered the city flowing through the arterial nexus of its amazing transportation network. (C) Copyright Kenneth Waters

All 3 winners have been contacted by the IJA about the competition results and prizes.

We would like to use this opportunity and thank everybody who entered our competition this year! We really enjoyed all your holiday photos!

The IJA Judging Panel would also like to share the Honourable Mentions:

Yosakoi Wave, by Kate McConville

Yosakoi Wave – 26th August 2017 – Taken during the Yosakoi Dance performance, the flag bearer harnesses a stoic strength and power to elevate his team-mates’ performances. As integral to the team as any dancer, he waves his flag with all his might. (C) Copyright Kate McConville

Surfers of Sendai Shinko, by Daniel Kelly

Surfers of Sendai Shinko – 2018/12/24 – Shinko (Sendai, Miyagi) is a popular spot for surfers, offering some of the best waves in Tohoku. However, following the 2011 tsunami, the area was destroyed. Through the determination of the local surfers, restoration is underway. This photo shows the die-hard surfers who continue to surf during the reconstruction. (C) Copyright Daniel Kelly

Portrait of a Gaijin, by Saša Krnetic

Portrait of a Gaijin Turn the head away from panorama of Kyoto and you’ll find yourself in garden of delight… Who doesn’t love fluorescent trees right beneath the clouds? She surely does! (C) Copyright Saša Krnetic

Senso-ji temple through a lens ball in Tokyo, by Stephanie FitzGerald-Smith

Senso-ji temple through a Lens Ball in Tokyo – January 2019 (C) Copyright Stephanie FitzGerald-Smith

Kyoto, the kids & the colour, by Andrew Keegan

Kyoto, the kids & the colour – again outside of the Kyoto station the school kids were waiting for the bus home? I liked the “bland” of the uniforms & concrete building ,against the bright colour of the mural. (C) Copyright Andrew Keegan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EU-Japan News | June 2020 Issue Available Now

EU-Japan NEWS is the quarterly newsletter of the EU-Japan Centre launched in 2003 and containing EU-Japan-related news and features on topics of interest to EU and Japan businesses and public bodies.

The newest issue of the June 2020 Newsletter is available now with the EU and Japan related news, partnering opportunities, Enterprise Europe network news and lots of other useful information and links.

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is a unique venture between the European Commission and the Japanese government. It is a non-profit organisation established as an affiliate of the Institute of International Studies and Training (IIST). It aims at promoting all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan and at improving EU and Japanese companies’ competitiveness and cooperation by facilitating exchanges of experience and know-how between EU and Japanese businesses.

You can read full June 2020 Newsletter here!

In Memoriam: Dr Tom Hardiman (1929-2020)

The Ireland Japan Association is sad to hear of the passing of Dr Tom Hardiman.

Dr. Hardiman was an honorary member of the IJA and contributed regularly at IJA Council meetings as a knowledgeable and passionate advocate of EU-Japan relations. He was kind and insightful on matters of business, culture and education. He spoke with beautiful, measured language and always had a twinkle in his eye.

He left a deep impression on everybody he met. We were blessed in the Ireland Japan Association to share the time with such a great man.

Our thoughts are with his wife, Rosaleen, his family and many friends at this time.

Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson

On behalf of the Council of the Ireland Japan Association


Photo: www.ria.ie

IJA Annual General Meeting 2020 | Review

The 30th Annual General Meeting for the Ireland Japan Association took place on Thursday, 19th March 2020. It was hosted via conference call due to the Covid-19 developments in the country and advice from the authorities to avoid large meetings indoors.

Darina Slattery, IJA Chairperson, thanked the outgoing Council members for their work, participation and team effort throughout the past year, Embassy of Japan for continued support to the IJA, AIB – the Patron member of the IJA, and all IJA Corporate and Individual members.

In her report, Darina Slattery noted that 2019 was a very busy year for the IJA, especially with the Rugby World Cup taking place in Japan which created a lot of interest about Japan here in Ireland. 16 business and culture events were organized throughout the past year (14 events in 2019 and 2 events in 2020), including Japanese language courses, free Japanese conversation group meetings in cooperation with TCD, business briefings in cooperation with the IJA Corporate members, RWC Travel and Culture Day, Sushi & Sake experience, exclusive fine dining event at Michelin star restaurant Ichigo Ichie, IJA Annual Dinner, Annual Golf Outing, Japanese Noh ‘Between the Stones’ tour in Ireland and Bounenkai celebration at the end of the year.

The IJA supported four organizations with donations in 2019: Dublin School for Japanese Children (DSJC), Japanese School of Ireland, Experience Japan festival in Dublin and 17th Japanese Speech Contest.  

Ushioda Scholarship was established 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. In 2019, the scholarship was awarded to Sophia Herar, DCU.

Darina Slattery informed that IJA member’s network has 37 corporate members and 45 individual members. Four new corporate members have recently joined the IJA – CLP Resources plc, MUFG Investor Services, Retro Vino and Clover Aircraft Leasing. Darina Slattery thanked AIB for continuous support and decision to remain as a Patron member for 2020.

Summary of the IJA Financial Statements for 2019 was shared with the AGM participants, membership subscription fees were approved for 2020/2021 and the new IJA Council members were announced.

Darina Slattery thanked Neil Maher (Mitsubishi Electric) and Paula Kelly (Individual member) for their work at the IJA Council in the past years. Both have stepped down at the AGM after three years of service at the IJA Council. Darina Slattery also informed that after four years in the position of the IJA Chairperson, she is stepping down and thanked everyone at the IJA Council for a truly amazing work promoting Japanese culture and strengthening ties between both countries.

Four new Council members were welcomed to the IJA Council this year – Colin Murray (Retro Vino / Retro Sake), Eddie Hughes (Individual member), Hiroaki Ozaki (Individual member) and Zachary Schroeder (Individual member), and very warm welcome to the newly elected IJA Chairperson – Raymond Hegarty.

The newly elected IJA Council for 2020:

Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Ex-Officio

  1. Raymond Hegarty (Chairperson)
  2. Yasuyuki Ozeki, JETRO (Vice-Chairperson)
  3. Darina Slattery, Unique Japan Tours (Ex-Officio)

Corporate Members:

  1. Colin Murray, Retro Vino
  2. Eoghan Howe, BOI Corporate Banking
  3. Donagh Morris, MUFG Investor Services
  4. Graham Ryan, Yamamori
  5. Niall Moriarty, AIB Corporate Banking
  6. Shane Geraghty, Dillon Eustace
  7. Tsugumi Yamamoto, Grant Thornton Ireland

Individual Members:

  1. Eddie Hughes, Individual Member
  2. Hiro Ino, Individual Member
  3. Hiroaki Ozaki, Individual Member
  4. Verity Swan, Individual Member
  5. Zachary Schroeder, Individual Member

Not on Council but invited to attend meetings:

  1. Sou Watanabe (Honorary)
  2. Tom Hardiman (Honorary)

Darina Slattery informed that the IJA is carefully monitoring the situation regarding Covid-19 and, unfortunately, all IJA upcoming events in March have been cancelled. The IJA will be following public health advice guidelines from the authorities regarding events in the next months. Please follow announcements on the IJA website and social media.

Coronavirus COVID-19 | IJA Announcement

The IJA is carefully monitoring the situation regarding Coronavirus COVID-19 and would like to inform that at the moment all IJA upcoming events in March are cancelled or will take place virtually/online/via conference call. [updated on 16.03.2020]

It is essential that any decisions regarding responses to COVID-19 are proportionate, necessary and based on specific public health advice. We will be following public health advice guidelines, will consult our event hosts/venues, and will make the decision about each upcoming event separately. Please follow announcements on our website and social media.

We would like to ask that the public continue to follow hse.ie and gov.ie for accurate information regarding COVID-19, its symptoms and the steps the public can take to protect themselves.

IJA Council