IJA Conversation Groups Kick-Off Meetup in Dublin




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Neil Cowhey, IJA Chairperson
It is an immense privilege to stand before you tonight as the Chairperson of the IJA.Looking out across this room, I see a vibrant reflection of the enduring friendshipbetween Ireland and Japan. We are joined tonight by a unique blend of industryleaders, educators, artists, and students. It is this specific mix that makes the IrelandJapan Association so special. – Neil Cowhey, IJA Chairperson.

Rie Mishima, Master of Ceremonies and the IJA Council Member

Kaai Onozaki, Embassy of Japan in Ireland
The IJA has always played a vital role in making our bilateral relations rich and resilient. I would like to once again extend my heartfelt congratulations on the Association’s receipt of the Foreign Minister’s Commendation last year. – H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland

H.E. Mr Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland

Peter Barrett, CEO, SMBC Aviation Capital








We are overwhelmed and delighted by the wonderful response to ‘Manifesting the Future: Yoshuku (予祝) and the Role of Ancient Japanese Wisdom in Modern Life’, the book talk by Azumi Uchitani, held in Dublin on 22nd January.
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A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this fully sold-out event, which brought together not only IJA members but also so many people with a deep passion for Japanese culture, philosophy, and wellbeing.
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The evening opened with warm welcome remarks from Prof. Nathan Hill, Director of TCD Centre for Asian Studies, and Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson, followed by Azumi san’s insightful, thoughtful, and inspiring presentation, introducing her new book ‘Yoshuku – The Japanese Art of Manifesting’.
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Her talk opened doors to ancient Japanese wisdom, exploring themes of gratitude, pre-celebration, inner balance, community, and how nurturing strong ‘roots’ can help our intentions blossom in modern life.
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A huge thank you also goes to the TCAS team and Trinity Long Room Hub for being such wonderful hosts and for their care and support in making this event such a success.
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Photos: TCAS
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We are thankful to everyone who joined us for the ‘Create Your 2025: New Year Japanese Calligraphy Workshop’ with the wonderful artist, educator, and writer Azumi Uchitani. Hosted in collaboration with ElectroRoute, this unique event was an inspiring way to welcome the new year with creativity, mindfulness, and intention.
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This special workshop guided participants through the art of Japanese calligraphy, blending meditation and mindful practice to align body, mind, and spirit. Under Azumi’s expert instruction, we explored the theme of NAGARE (流) – FLOW, creating a Kanji symbol together to serve as an anchor for the year ahead.
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Through a beautifully structured session, participants:
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A heartfelt thank you to all participants for bringing their energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to this experience and we hope that your Kanji symbol serves as a meaningful reminder throughout the year.
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A special thank you to Azumi Uchitani for her wisdom, guidance, and signature method, making this workshop accessible and enriching for all. Her ability to blend tradition with personal expression left a lasting impression on everyone present.
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Finally, our thanks goes to ElectroRoute team for their incredible support in making this event a success and being fantastic hosts as always.
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We look forward to welcoming you to more events this year that encourage self-expression, growth, and connection.
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Read more about the workshop details on Azumi Uchitani’s website: https://www.azumiuchitani.com/create-2025-japanese-calligraphy-dublin/
Photos: Azumi Uchitani, Kevin O’Neill
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We are excited to present a delightful cultural afternoon, “Argentine Tango & Japan,” featuring the internationally acclaimed legend of Argentine Tango, maestro Carlos Rivarola (1952, Argentina), who has made a remarkable contribution to Japan over the last consequent four decades.
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This special occasion will coincide with his 4th visit to Ireland, organised by Tango Classes Lucia & Gerry as part of his 2024 European tour during the month of the Japanese Sakura festival, putting a spotlight on cultural friendship, with the honorary presence of the Embassy of Argentina and the Embassy of Japan, warmly supported by Ireland Japan Association.
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The focal point of the afternoon is an engaging Interview with Carlos Rivarola, accompanied by an interactive Q&A session, moderated by Azumi Uchitani, followed by his signature, graceful Tango Performance.
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Throughout the event, we aim to showcase the works of the legendary Tango maestro, Carlos Rivarola, highlighting his profound contribution and friendship with Japan with the artistry of Argentine Tango.
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We extend a warm welcome to everyone who cherishes cultural friendship in the global community as well as tango enthusiasts.
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Date: Saturday 20 April
Time: 14:00 – 15:30
Venue: Laurel’s Ballroom, Royal Marine Hotel,
Address: Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin A96K063
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Programme:
14:00 Welcome, accompanied by a glass of Sake, and coffee & tea
14:15 Introduction
14:30 Interviews and Q&A session
15:00 Tango Performance
15:30 Closing
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Ticket Price: 30 euro
Booking & Contact: office@azumiuchitani.com
Tickets are available to purchase at Eventbrite
More Info: https://www.azumiuchitani.com/tango
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About Carlos Rivarola (カルロス リバローラ)
Carlos Rivarola (born 1952, Argentina) is regarded as one of the top 10 influential Argentine tango dancers of our time, a choreographer, and an actor. Renowned globally for his role in the groundbreaking Tango Argentino show, premiered in 1983, Rivarola has been a pivotal figure in revitalizing tango on the world stage.
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Alongside María Rivarola, his partner both on and off the dance floor, he has left an indelible mark on the tango world. Their artistic journey has taken them across continents, with annual performances in Japan since 1984 and the creation of the first all-Japanese tango show under Rivarola’s direction in 1986. Rivarola’s cinematic contributions include notable roles in films like “Tango Bar” (1989) and “Naked Tango” (1991), and his choreography in Carlos Saura’s “Tango” earned him the 1999 National Choreography Award from the United States Academy of Cinematic Arts and Sciences.
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Beyond performance, Rivarola is a dedicated educator, serving as a professor at the National University Institute of Art (IUNA) and contributing to tango literature with works like “Así se baila el tango argentino,” co-authored with Yoyi Kanematz. As a co-founder and president of the Argentine Tango Teachers, Dancers, and Choreographers Association (AMBCTA), Rivarola continues to champion the professional interests of tango artists, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of Argentine tango.
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Organised by:
Tango Lucia Seva & Gerry Roche
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Supported by:
Embassy of Argentina in Ireland
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