Tag Archive for: Catherine Grennell-Whyte

IJA Chairperson meets with Ambassador Miyagawa at the Embassy of Japan

/in /by

We would like to sincerely thank the new Japanese Ambassador to Ireland, Manabu Miyagawa, and his team for their warm hospitality in welcoming the IJA Chairperson, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, to the Embassy for a meeting on 5th January.

.
The Ireland Japan Association greatly values the close and longstanding relationship between Ireland and Japan, and we look forward to working closely together to further strengthen the ties of friendship, understanding, and cooperation between our two countries.

.

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland

.

The Embassy published the following announcement about the visit:

.

On 5 January, Ambassador-designate MIYAGAWA Manabu met Ms. Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Chairperson of the Ireland Japan Association. Both sides looked back at economic and cultural exchanges between Ireland and Japan generated through the IJA’s activities down through the years. They also exchanged views on future opportunities for further cooperation.
.
Ambassador-designate reiterated his congratulations on IJA’s receipt of the Foreign Minister’s Commendation in 2025 for their outstanding contribution to exchanges between Ireland and Japan. The Embassy of Japan in Ireland will continue to collaborate with the IJA for even deeper and diversified relations between our two countries for many years to come.’
.
アイルランド日本協会との交流
　１月５日、宮川学駐アイルランド大使は、キャサリン・グレネル＝ホワイト・アイルランド日本協会会長と会談しました。両者は長年にわたるアイルランド日本協会を通じた両国間の経済・文化交流を振り返り、また、今後の協力の機会についても意見を交わしました。大使は、同協会の日アイルランド交流への貢献に対する令和７年の外務大臣表彰につき改めて祝意を表しました。日本大使館は、これからも末永く同協会と連携して、日アイルランド関係を一層豊かなものにしていく考えです。
.

L-R: Keiko Nakata, Embassy of Japan, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland

.
Photos: Embassy of Japan in Ireland

.

.

.

 

Christmas Greetings from Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

/in /by

As we approach the festive season and reflect on the year that has passed, we are pleased to share a Christmas message from Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Chairperson of the Ireland Japan Association.

Her words capture the spirit of gratitude, community, and shared values that continue to strengthen the friendship between Ireland and Japan.

On behalf of the IJA Council, we warmly extend these greetings to our members, partners, and supporters.

.

.
.
As the year draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to thank everyone in the Ireland Japan Association – our Individual members, Corporate members, Partners, and Supporters, not forgetting, of course, our Council Members and Secretariat – for being part of our community throughout the past year.
It has been a busy and meaningful year for the IJA, and much of what we achieved was made possible by the commitment, goodwill, and generosity of our members. Whether your support came through participation at events, sponsorship, collaboration, or quiet encouragement, each contribution helped strengthen the friendship and understanding between Ireland and Japan.
I am particularly grateful for the sense of openness and respect that defines our amazing Association and community. The Ireland – Japan relationship is built not only on shared interests but on shared values, and it is always encouraging to see those values reflected in the way our members engage with one another.
At Christmas, we are reminded of the importance of connection, gratitude, respect and community. I personally and sincerely hope this season brings you time to rest, reflect, and enjoy the company of family, friends, and colleagues.
On behalf of the Council and the Ireland Japan Association, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy, peaceful Christmas, and every good wish for health, success, and friendship in the year ahead.
With warmest regards,
Catherine Grennell-Whyte
IJA Chairperson
.
.
.

The IJA Chairperson’s Lunch 2025: Celebrating Friendship and Recognition

/in /by

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.

.

.

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.

.

Ivana Bacik TD, Leader of the Labour Party

.

Koji Hirohata, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Japan

.

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.

.

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

.
.
.

Ireland Hosts the 11th International Symposium on Dialogue for Global Innovation

/in /by

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.

.

.

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.

.

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.”

.

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

.

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.

.

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.

.

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

.

.

.

.

Ireland Japan Association Honoured with Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation

/in /by

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.

.

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.

.

.

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.”

.

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.

.

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.”

.
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.
.
.
.

An Evening of Friendship and Culture: IJA Council Visits Ambassador Shimada’s Residence

/in /by

The Ireland Japan Association would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and his wife, Mrs. Kaoru Shimada, for their kind and generous invitation to host a dinner at their residence in Dublin on 17th June.

.

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, was joined by Council and Patron Member Peter Vambeck (Fitzwilliam Capital) and Council Member Maria Mardiki for a memorable evening filled with warm hospitality, engaging conversation, and cultural exchange.

.

.

The evening offered a special opportunity to experience Japanese traditions and enjoy a beautifully prepared meal in the company of our hosts. Our Council members were deeply honoured by the warm welcome and truly appreciated the chance to strengthen the bond between the IJA and the Embassy of Japan.

.

We are sincerely grateful for this gesture of friendship and look forward to continuing to nurture and grow our relationship with Ambassador Shimada, Mrs. Shimada, and the Embassy in the future.

.

.

.

.

IJA Annual Dinner Grand Prize Winner Plans Dream Trip to Japan!

/in /by

We are excited to share that the winner of the IJA Annual Dinner 2025 Grand Prize, Peter Callaghan, is now planning his unforgettable journey to Japan.
.
Peter won an incredible prize – return flight tickets and a one-week travel package for two to Osaka – generously sponsored by our 2025 Travel Partners, Finnair and Oomi Travel.

.

Grand Prize winner Peter Callaghan (centre) with Darina Slattery, Oomi Travel (left) and Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Finnair/ATTS (right)

.
Here’s what Peter had to say about winning:

‘I was shocked when my number was called out. I have never won anything like that, and then to win such a fantastic prize! It didn’t really sink in till later, and when I told my wife, she was absolutely thrilled – this trip is a bucket list experience for her.’

.

Although Peter has travelled to Tokyo many times for work, this will be his first time exploring beyond the capital. Together with his wife, he plans to discover the rich history, traditions, and stunning landscapes of Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima – from majestic temples to breathtaking scenery.

.‘I am so grateful to Finnair and Oomi Travel for their incredible generosity and their kind arrangements for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.’ 

.

We extend our sincere thanks to our Grand Prize Sponsors and valued IJA 2025 Travel Partners: Finnair and Oomi Travel for their generous support.

.

.

.

A Celebration of Ireland-Japan Friendship: Highlights from the IJA Annual Dinner 2025

/in /by

The Ireland Japan Association would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for the IJA Annual Dinner 2025, held on Friday, 16th May at the luxurious Conrad Hotel in Dublin.

This special evening was a celebration of friendship, culture, and the strong connections between Ireland and Japan. It was a pleasure to welcome our members, friends, supporters, and special guests for a night of networking, cultural appreciation, and shared experiences.

 

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson:

“It’s incredible how we (IJA) have evolved from being a cultural society with an admirable mission into a thriving community built upon three foundational pillars: Business, Education and Culture. It’s these three intersecting pillars that make the IJA a unique, vibrant association.

In recent years, we have accelerated our growth not just in numbers but also in impact.

Our individual members, many of whom are here this evening, remain at the heart of this association. Your enthusiasm brings inspiration and energy to everything we do. Whether it is our ever-popular weekly conversation groups, the Book Club, or our amazing and varied workshops, it is your presence that gives these events meaning and success.

Equally, shining a light on our corporate members – you are the engine that allows us to do more and reach further. You play an increasingly vital role in our development. Your support, especially in recent years, has allowed us to scale our ambitions – to deliver high-quality business forums like our Fireside Chat Series, to continue our Ushioda Scholarship Programme, and to invest in wonderful events such as The Japan Experience at Farmleigh. You are not just members of this association; you are partners in advancing the Ireland–Japan relationship.”

 

We were honoured by the presence of our Patron, H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, who joined us as Guest of Honour along with his wife, Mrs. Kaoru Shimada. We were also privileged to welcome Mr. Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation, and Mr. Hideo Yura, Director General at JETRO London, along with representatives from the Irish and Japanese business, diplomatic, academic, and cultural communities.

IJA Council and corporate members together with Annual Dinner Special Guests: IJA Patron, H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, and his wife, Mrs. Kaoru Shimada, Mr. Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation, and Mr. Hideo Yura, Director General at JETRO London.

 

Ambassador Shimada and Minister Chambers delivered speeches congratulating the IJA on another successful year, and emphasised the association’s vital role in strengthening the Ireland-Japan relationship. On behalf of the Irish Government, Minister Chambers also thanked Catherine Grennell-Whyte for her leadership, dedication, and achievements.

 

IJA Patron, H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland

 

Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation

 

The evening featured a sake and prosecco reception, a delicious three-course dinner, engaging speeches, and a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture and tradition. Guests enjoyed a carefully curated menu with accompanying wine and had the chance to win incredible prizes during the raffle draw – including the grand prize: return flight tickets and a one-week travel package for two to Osaka, Japan, generously sponsored by our 2025 Travel Partners – Finnair and Oomi Travel.

 

The lucky winner of the Grand Prize together with Darina Slattery, Oomi Travel and Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Finnair. The prize included return flight tickets and a one-week travel package for two to Osaka, Japan, generously sponsored by IJA 2025 Travel Partners – Finnair and Oomi Travel.

 

We would like to express our sincere thanks to all our raffle prize sponsors for their generosity and support:
Azumi Uchitani, Dillon Eustace, Eddie Hughes, Fitzwilliam Capital, SuMi TRUST, Yamamori, Neil Cowhey and Laura Goonan.

Special thanks also go to the Dublin School for Japanese Children who prepared beautiful origami decorations for our dinner guests – a thoughtful gesture that added charm to each table and honoured Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

 

 

We are truly grateful to the team at Conrad Dublin for their excellent service, warm hospitality, and meticulous attention to detail, all of which ensured the evening ran smoothly.

We deeply appreciate the ongoing support of our members and community, and we look forward to many more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and strengthen the ties between Ireland and Japan in the future.

Arigatou gozaimasu – thank you once again for being part of this special celebration!

IJA Annual Dinner 2025 – Video Highlights

Photos: Shane Cullen, K9 Studio

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson (Finnair/ATTS) and Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson (Dillon Eustace)

 

IJA Annual Dinner 2025 | Conrad Dublin

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, Mrs. Kaoru Shimada and H.E. Mr. Junji Shimda, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, Raymond Hegarty, IJA Council

 

Raymond Hegarty, IJA Council and Master of Ceremonies

 

Teresa Weafer, Google Ireland, William Smyth, Fitzwilliam Capital, Graham Ryan, Yamamori Group, H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and Mrs. Kaoru Shimada

 

H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation, and Mrs. Kaoru Shimada

 

Saara Heinola, Embassy of Finland in Ireland, Keiko Nakata, Embassy of Japan in Ireland, Mrs. Kaoru Shimada and Darina Slattery, Oomi Travel

 

Peter Vambeck, Fitzwilliam Capital, Saara Heinola, Embassy of Finland in Ireland, Graham Ryan, Yamamori Group, William Smyth, Fitzwilliam Capital, Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and Mrs. Kaoru Shimada.

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation

 

H.E. Mr. Junji Shimada, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and Mrs. Kaoru Shimada

 

Oomi Travel team with Darina Slattery, founder of Oomi Travel and Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson (Finnair) – with the IJA Annual Dinner 2025 Grand Prize ticket

 

IJA Annual Dinner 2025 | Conrad Dublin

 

IJA Annual Dinner 2025 | Conrad Dublin

 

IJA Annual Dinner 2025 | Conrad Dublin

 

IJA Annual Dinner 2025 | Conrad Dublin

 

We gratefully acknowledge the sponsors of the raffle prizes for the IJA Annual Dinner 2025!

IJA Bounenkai End of Year Party 2024 | PHOTO GALLERY

/in /by

The IJA Council would like to extend a heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the annual IJA Bounenkai End of Year Party on 28th November at Yamamori Izakaya Japas & Sake in Dublin. Your presence truly made the evening special, and we hope you enjoyed celebrating the culmination of this year’s hard work.

.

.

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, warmly welcomed event guests and initiated the festivities with a traditional Japanese Kanpai toast.

.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and IJA Patron, for honouring us with his presence and delivering a heartfelt farewell message as he concludes his service in Ireland and prepares to return to Japan.

.

Our sincere thanks also go to the IJA event team and our exceptional hosts at Yamamori Izakaya Japas & Sake for their warm hospitality and for ensuring the event was a resounding success.

.

Here’s to creating more wonderful memories together in the future!

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Photos: Eddie Hughes & Miyu Ishikawa

.

.

Ireland Japan Association Hosts Annual Chairperson’s Lunch

/in /by

On 22nd October, the Ireland Japan Association (IJA), led by Chairperson Catherine Grennell-Whyte, proudly welcomed representatives of the IJA Corporate members to its annual Chairperson’s Lunch.

.

This exclusive event honoured our esteemed corporate community while providing a unique platform for networking, collaboration, and the discussion of shared goals for the future.

.

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson together with H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and Mr. Hideo Yura, Director General, JETRO London

.

Held at the luxurious Merrion Hotel in the heart of Dublin, the event marked a significant new chapter for the Ireland Japan Association, with emphasis on creating value for corporate members with a goal of providing the corporate community with meaningful opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and collaborate in ways that drive growth for businesses while strengthening the Ireland-Japan relationship.

.

Catherine Grennell-Whyte opened the event with greetings in Japanese and expressed her gratitude to the IJA corporate members for their unwavering support and contributions to the association.

.

At the Ireland Japan Association, we believe that the relationship between Ireland and Japan is built on the principles of a strong sense of community, a commitment to shared growth, and the pursuit of innovation in business, culture, and education. We are more than just an association; unique in our offering, we are a vibrant community of like-minded individuals and organizations who understand that the success of one contributes to the success of all.

To our corporate members, we are proud to have you as part of this community. Your engagement with the Ireland Japan Association is about more than just business – it’s about building long-lasting partnerships that bring value to your organizations while contributing to the wider economic and cultural landscape. – Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

.

The IJA was honored to host distinguished guests, including IJA Patron H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, and Mr. Hideo Yura, Director General of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). JETRO plays a critical role in promoting economic opportunities between Japan and Europe, and the organisation’s presence and support to the IJA serve as a testament to the potential for even deeper trade and investment ties.

.

A special thank you goes to our event hosts and the exceptional staff at The Merrion Hotel and the IJA Council members whose efforts were instrumental in the preparation of this successful event.

.

IJA Chairperson’s Lunch at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

.

IJA Chairperson’s Lunch at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

.

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and Darina Slattery, Oomi Travel and IJA Treasurer

.

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and Mary Honohan, PwC Ireland

.

IJA Chairperson’s Lunch at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

.

IJA Chairperson’s Lunch at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

.

IJA Corporate Members 2024

.

Photos: IJA Archive & Embassy of Japan in Ireland

.

.

.

Tag Archive for: Catherine Grennell-Whyte

Nothing Found

Sorry, no posts matched your criteria