BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ireland Japan Association - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ireland Japan Association X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ija.ie X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ireland Japan Association REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260407T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260407T210000 DTSTAMP:20260419T153853 CREATED:20250205T140005Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T144712Z UID:4987-1775592000-1775595600@ija.ie SUMMARY:IJA English Conversation Group DESCRIPTION:楽しみ、リラックスしながら英会話を練習しませんか\n.\nWe are pleased to invite you to join the ‘IJA English Language Conversation Group‘.\n.\nAbout the Group\nThe English Conversation Group was established in 2025\, after the success of the Pilot Project in 2024. Weekly online meetings will be hosted via Zoom\, providing an informal and casual environment for native Japanese speakers currently living in Ireland who want to practice and improve their English conversation skills\, learn about Irish culture and lifestyle. This group will not serve as a formal language course but will provide participants with the opportunity to engage in conversations that enhance their language skills\, boost confidence\, and allow them to connect with fellow learners.\n.\n.\n\n\n.\n.\n\n\nWho can join the Group?\nThis group is open to everyone\, whether you are an IJA member or not:\n* IJA Members: Individual and Corporate members\, including corporate employees and their families\, can join free of charge.\n* Non-Members: Enjoy a free trial for three consecutive weeks. After this period\, we kindly ask that you become a fully paid IJA member to continue participating in group chats.\n* Age Requirement: Participation is limited to individuals aged 18+ only.\n* Language Levels: All proficiency levels are welcome to join the chats.\n.\nOnline meeting schedule\nThe English Conversation Group will convene on Tuesday evenings at 8 PM\, with each session lasting one hour. Chats will be moderated by volunteer facilitators.\n.\nJoin the team as a Volunteer! \nWe are currently seeking several native English speakers to join our team of volunteer facilitators.  Volunteers will help to facilitate discussions\, rather than serve as teachers. If you are available to attend and help facilitate at least 1 meeting a month (1 hour)\, we would love to hear from you! If you know a person outside the IJA network who could be the right fit for this role\, please let them know about this project.\n\n.\nFor more information and to register: info@ija.ie\n\n.\n.\n\n話して、学んで、成長しよう：アイルランド在住日本人のための英会話グル \n.\nグループについて\n昨年実施したパイロットプロジェクトの成功を受けて、この英会話グループが設立されました。週1回のオンラインミーティングをZoomで開催し、アイルランドに在住する日本語を母語とする方々が、英会話力を練習・向上させながら、アイルランドの文化や生活について学べる、カジュアルでリラックスした環境を提供します。 \nこのグループは正式な語学コースではありませんが、参加者は会話を通じて英語力を高め、自信をつけ、学習仲間とつながることができます。 \n参加対象者\nこのグループはIJA会員・非会員を問わず、どなたでもご参加いただけます。 \n\nIJA会員：個人会員・法人会員（社員・ご家族を含む）は無料でご参加いただけます。\n非会員：最初の3週間は無料でお試しいただけます。それ以降も継続してご参加いただく場合は、IJA会員（有料）へのご登録をお願いしております。\n\n※参加は18歳以上の方に限らせていただきます。\n※英語レベルは問いません。どなたでもお気軽にご参加ください。 \nオンライン開催スケジュール\n毎週火曜日の夜8時から1時間、Zoomにて開催予定です。会話はボランティアのファシリテーターが進行します。 \n参加方法\nご希望の方は info@ija.ie までご連絡ください。いただいたご連絡先はグループのメーリングリストに追加され、イベントリマインダーとZoomリンクをメールでお送りします。 \n皆さまのご参加を心よりお待ちしております！ \n\n\n.\n.\n. URL:https://ija.ie/event/ija-english-conversation-group/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Cultural ORGANIZER;CN="IJA":MAILTO:info@ija.ie END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260416T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260416T210000 DTSTAMP:20260419T153853 CREATED:20230922T104412Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T211203Z UID:3858-1776369600-1776373200@ija.ie SUMMARY:IJA Japanese Book Club DESCRIPTION:We are delighted to announce the launch of the IJA Japanese Book Club! Our purpose is to create a vibrant community of book lovers who share a passion for Japanese literature\, culture\, philosophy\, business\, history\, and more.\n.\nWe are dedicated to exploring a diverse range of books each month\, engaging in thoughtful discussions\, expanding our knowledge\, and fostering friendships among members. What’s more\, we won’t limit ourselves to just Japanese authors; we’ll also delve into the works of Irish authors with connections to Japan.\n.\n\n\n\n. \nWith our official launch scheduled for September\, we have conducted two trial runs with a small group of participants during the summer break. It was truly fascinating to see how different perspectives and insights emerge\, even when reading the same book. We believe that sharing our reading experiences with others can deepen our understanding and appreciation of literature.\n.\nWouldn’t you like to be a part of this exciting literary journey with us? Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just starting to explore the world of books\, our book club welcomes everyone. Together\, we’ll embark on a fascinating exploration of Japanese literature and beyond.\n.\nHOW TO REGISTER\n\nPlease let us know if you are interested in joining our book club and send us an email to: info@ija.ie. We look forward to having you as a fellow book enthusiast and a valued member of our growing community. Open to the IJA members only.\n.\nMeetings take place once every quarter and the date\, time and Zoom link is shared with registered club members via email. The meetings are conducted in English\, and all selected books can be read in either Japanese or English.\n\n\n\n\nAPRIL 2026\n.\nWe are delighted to announce that the next meeting of the IJA Japanese Book Club will take place on Thursday\, 16th April\, and warmly invite you to join us online.\n.\nApril 2026 Japanese Book Club Meeting\nDate: Thursday\, 16th April 2026\nTime: 8 – 9 PM\nFormat: Online Talk & Discussion – Zoom link will be shared with all registered participants closer to the date)\n.\nBook of the Month | Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata\nPublishers: Grove Atlantic | Granta\n.\n\n.\n.\nAbout the Book\n\nConvenience Store Woman is the heartwarming and surprising story of thirty-six-year-old Tokyo resident Keiko Furukura. Keiko has never fit in\, neither in her family\, nor in school\, but when\, at the age of eighteen\, she begins working at the Hiiromachi branch of “Smile Mart\,” she finds peace and purpose in her life. \nIn the store\, unlike anywhere else\, she understands the rules of social interaction – many are laid out line by line in the store’s manual – and she does her best to copy the dress\, mannerisms\, and speech of her colleagues\, playing the part of a “normal” person excellently\, more or less. Keiko is very happy\, but the people close to her\, from her family to her coworkers\, increasingly pressure her to find a husband\, and to start a proper career\, prompting her to take desperate action… \nA brilliant depiction of a world hidden from view\, Convenience Store Woman is an ironic and sharp-eyed look at contemporary work culture and the pressures we all feel to conform\, as well as a charming and completely fresh portrait of an unforgettable heroine. \n. \nAbout Sayaka Murata \nSayaka Murata is one of the most exciting up-and-coming writers in Japan today. She herself still works part-time in a convenience store\, which gave her the inspiration to write Convenience Store Woman. She debuted in 2003 with Junyu (Breastfeeding)\, which won the Gunzo Prize for new writers. In 2009\, she won the Noma Prize for New Writers with Gin iro no uta (Silver Song)\, and in 2013 the Mishima Yukio Prize for Shiro-oro no machi no\, sono hone no taion no (Of Bones\, of Body Heat\, of Whitening City). Convenience Store Woman won the 2016 Akutagawa Award. Murata has two short stories published in English (both translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori): “Lover on the Breeze” (Ruptured Fiction(s) of the Earthquake\, Waseda Bungaku\, 2011) and “A Clean Marriage” (Granta 127: Japan\, 2014). \n\n\n\nAfter studying Spanish and Russian at the University of Bath\, he lived in Madrid and Moscow\, immersing himself in local culture and developing his craft as a storyteller. He published his first book\, The Sun Struck Upwards\, in 2010\, followed by El Camino in 2015. His latest novel\, Hikikomori: Journey From Darkness\, continues his exploration of cultural connection and narrative adventure. \nIn addition to his writing\, Luke co-owns Madrid & Darracott\, a wine shop and tasting space in Madrid. A WSET Level 3 wine expert and certified Kikisake-shi sake specialist\, he is dedicated to sharing the joy of wine\, sake\, and spirits through engaging and accessible education. \n\n\n.\nRead a review here!\n.\n.\n. URL:https://ija.ie/event/ija-japanese-book-club/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Cultural ORGANIZER;CN="IJA":MAILTO:info@ija.ie END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260512T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260512T210000 DTSTAMP:20260419T153853 CREATED:20251005T200003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T150906Z UID:2137-1778616000-1778619600@ija.ie SUMMARY:IJA Japanese Conversation Group DESCRIPTION:Join our FREE Japanese conversation group meetings and improve your Japanese conversational skills in an informal\, friendly atmosphere! \nMeetings take place twice a month on Tuesdays from 8-9 p.m. via Zoom. \nTo join the group\, please sign up by sending email to: info@ija.ie. \n  \n \n  \n\nSession Format\nThe group meets online on Tuesdays twice a month \nOnline Sessions\n60min (30min Beginner / 30min Intermediate)\n* First 30min of the session – Beginner-friendly introduction & practice\n* Last 30min of the session – Intermediate conversation & expansion\n* End with 5 min “今日の一言” – one practical sentence to use daily. \nIn-Person Meetups\nEvery 2 months  – 2 hour long in-person meeting to connect with others\, socialise and practice your language skills. Date and venue will be announced for each upcoming meeting. \nTopics\nWe will share the specific topic for each session with registered group members in advance\, along with the Zoom link. Sessions are facilitated by native Japanese speaker/s. \nWho can join?\nWe warmly encourage you to join our group sessions – new members are always welcome\, and we would love to meet you! \n* IJA Members\n* University students (18+) studying Japanese are welcome to join 3 complimentary sessions to try out the group before deciding on membership.\n* Non-members wishing to attend are kindly welcome to become IJA members before joining the group. \nPlease Note!\n* This conversation group is a fun activity for people who enjoy speaking Japanese\, not a language course or class.\n* This group is open to IJA members and students studying Japanese.\n* Suitable for participants aged 18+ only. \nFor more information or to sign up\, please contact us: info@ija.ie \n\n\n\n  \n. \n. \n. URL:https://ija.ie/event/ija-japanese-conversation-group/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Cultural ORGANIZER;CN="IJA":MAILTO:info@ija.ie END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260515T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260515T233000 DTSTAMP:20260419T153853 CREATED:20260302T110047Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T133219Z UID:5736-1778869800-1778887800@ija.ie SUMMARY:IJA Annual Dinner 2026 DESCRIPTION:**BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY!**\n.\nThe IJA Council is delighted to invite you to the IJA Annual Dinner 2026 – one of the most anticipated and exciting highlights of the year for the Irish-Japanese community in Ireland.\n.\nJoin us for an exceptional evening of connection\, culture\, and celebration\, bringing together IJA members\, friends\, supporters\, and distinguished guests from government\, business\, academia\, and the arts. This year’s dinner will bring memorable moments and outstanding hospitality in a truly elegant and luxurious Dublin city centre setting.\n.\nWe are especially honoured to announce that H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa\, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and IJA Patron\, will join us as our Guest of Honour to deliver an inspiring address on the flourishing ties between our two nations.\n.\nEvent Details\nDate: Friday\, 15th May 2026\nTime: From 6.30 p.m.\nLocation: The College Green Hotel\, College Green\, Westmoreland Street\, Dublin\, D02 HR67\n.\n.\n.\n.\nEvent Highlights\n* Inspiring speeches and presentations\n* A celebration of the dynamic ties between Ireland and Japan\n* Exceptional networking opportunities with IJA members\, friends and supporters\n* Fine dining and celebrations in a luxurious Dublin city centre venue\n* A memorable evening shared with friends and colleagues\n.\nTickets\n* IJA Members: €145\n* Non-Members: €165\n* Table of 10: €1\,450\n.\nBookings\nBook online by card – please see booking form below!\nRSVP Deadline: Friday\, 1st May 2026.\nCancellations after this date are non-refundable.\nEarly booking is recommended.\nFor information\, please email: info@ija.ie\n.\nDress Code\nBusiness attire / Suits / Dresses / Japanese traditional dress.\n(Black tie is not required)\n.\nSeating Arrangements\nRound tables will seat 8-10 guests. Corporate tables are welcome.\nFor seating requests or dietary requirements\, please contact us by the RSVP deadline.\n.\nCorporate Sponsorship Opportunities\nWe are pleased to offer sponsorship opportunities for our corporate members. If you would like to contribute a prize for the evening\, please email details to info@ija.ie by Friday\, 1st May 2026. Your company logo will be displayed during the night on a large screen and added to our digital event programmes.\n.\nWhether you are a long-standing member or joining us for the first time\, this is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a truly special occasion\, celebrating friendship\, partnership\, and the unique bond between Ireland and Japan.\n.\n\n.\n\n\nBuy Tickets\n\n\n\n \n \n Book your tickets now! \n "*" indicates required fields \n \n Name*\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Phone/Mobile*Email*\n \n Your Comments*Please add any additional information in here including guest names\, company\, IJA membership name\, etc.Select Tickets (choose 'IJA Members' or 'Non-Members' or 'Corporate table' from drop-down menu)*IJA MembersNon-MembersTable of 10Quantity*12345678910Total\n \n Data Protection*This form collects your details above so we can contact you back in relation to your booking. Please see our privacy policy for more information.\n\n \n I consent to you collecting my details above. * URL:https://ija.ie/event/ija-annual-dinner-2026/ LOCATION:The College Green Hotel\, College Green\, Westmoreland Street\, Dublin\, D02 HR67\, Ireland CATEGORIES:Business,Cultural ORGANIZER;CN="IJA":MAILTO:info@ija.ie END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T114000 DTSTAMP:20260419T153853 CREATED:20260413T090043Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T144620Z UID:5802-1783162800-1783165200@ija.ie SUMMARY:Family Origami Workshop: Create\, Fold\, Imagine DESCRIPTION:**SAVE THE DATE!** \nDiscover the magic of Japanese paper folding at our summer Origami Workshop for families on Saturday\, 4th July! \nEvent will take place in Dublin city centre venue\, and two sessions will be available. Suitable for children aged 6 – 12. \nMore information about event coming soon! \n. URL:https://ija.ie/event/family-origami-workshop-create-fold-imagine/ CATEGORIES:Cultural ORGANIZER;CN="IJA":MAILTO:info@ija.ie END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR