Tag Archive for: Business Networking

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 Hosts the 11th International Symposium on Dialogue for Global Innovation

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The Ireland Japan Association was proud to sponsor and co-organise the 11th International Symposium on Dialogue for Global Innovation (DFGI-11), which took place in Dublin on 16 – 17 September 2025 at Trinity College Dublin.

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This year’s theme, Technologies for Human Flourishing: Advancing AI & Quantum Computing with Responsibility,’ could not have been more timely. Over the course of two days, inspiring speakers and leaders from Europe and Japan came together to share insights on global technology and innovation, explore future opportunities, and discuss the responsibilities that come with advancing cutting-edge fields such as AI and quantum computing.

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We were especially honoured that IJA Chairperson, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, addressed the symposium participants on the opening day. In her remarks, Catherine introduced the work of the IJA and emphasised its mission as a bridge between Ireland and Japan, fostering collaboration in business, culture, and education. “It is a privilege for the IJA to contribute to this important dialogue,” she said, “and to see Ireland host such an influential gathering of minds, dedicated to innovation with responsibility.”

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

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Traditionally held in London, DFGI has long been a platform for leading voices from Europe and Japan to exchange expertise and strengthen cooperation across business, academia, and technology. Hosting the symposium in Ireland for the first time highlighted Ireland’s growing role in this global dialogue and provided a unique opportunity to build new connections and partnerships.

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The IJA would like to thank the organisers, partners, and supporters of this prestigious event for making it such a success. Events like DFGI-11 play an important role in today’s rapidly evolving world, reminding us of the need to combine innovation with responsibility, and dialogue with collaboration.

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson during her speech at the DFGI-11 in Dublin, Ireland

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson during her speech at the DFGI-11 in Dublin, Ireland

 

From L-R: Raymond Hegarty, IJA Council, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and David Doran, IDA Ireland

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