Tag Archive for: 2025 Commendation of the Foreign Minister of Japan

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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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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