Ireland Japan Association Receives Japan’s Foreign Minister’s Commendation
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On 31 July, members of the IJA Council were honoured to attend the official presentation ceremony for Japan’s Foreign Minister’s Commendation at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan to Ireland.
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The commendation, awarded to the IJA in 2025, was formally presented to IJA Chairperson Raymond Hegarty, followed by speeches from H.E. Mr Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, and Raymond Hegarty.
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Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson and H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland
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It is a great honour for the IJA to receive this prestigious recognition, acknowledging the Association’s longstanding work in supporting economic cooperation and trade links between Ireland and Japan, alongside our cultural, educational and community programmes.
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The IJA Council is grateful for this recognition and looks forward to continuing our work to strengthen the connections between Ireland and Japan, particularly as we look ahead to the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027.
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Our sincere thanks to the Embassy of Japan in Ireland for this honour and for its continued support and partnership throughout the years.
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From L-R: Keiko Nakata (Embassy of Japan), Koji Hirohata (Embassy of Japan), Graham Hodgkin (SMBC Bank EU AG/IJA Council), Rie Mishima (IJA Council), Catherine Grennell-Whyte (ATTS/Finnair/IJA Council), Raymond Hegarty (IJA Chairperson), H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa (Ambassador of Japan to Ireland), Peter Vambeck (Fitzwilliam Capital/IJA Council), Eddie Hughes (IJA Council), Graham Ryan (Yamamori/IJA Council) and Mrs. Noriko Miyagawa.
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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. In 2025, the IJA joined a distinguished group of 58 organisations and 173 individuals worldwide receiving the award.
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. In 2025, the IJA joined a distinguished group of 58 organisations and 173 individuals worldwide receiving the award.
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