On 25th June, the Ireland Japan Association was delighted to celebrate Isabelle Emily Bates and her outstanding achievements at the 2026 Ushioda Scholarship Award Ceremony in Dublin.
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Isabelle Emily Bates, Award Winner of the 2026 Ushioda Scholarship, and Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson
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The ceremony opened with welcome words from Peter Vambeck, Director of Investment at Fitzwilliam Capital, and Raymond Hegarty, Chairperson of the Ireland Japan Association.
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Welcome words by Peter Vambeck, Director of Investment, Fitzwilliam Capital
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We were honoured to welcome H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, and Mrs Miyagawa, together with members of the Ushioda family and other guests, who joined us in celebrating this special occasion.
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Speech by H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland
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We wish Isabelle every success as she prepares to begin the next chapter of her journey at Rikkyo University, Tokyo, and hope that her time in Japan will be an inspiring and unforgettable experience.
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Our sincere thanks go to Paula Kelly, Ushioda Scholarship Coordinator, for all of her dedication and support in coordinating this year’s scholarship programme and to our Corporate Member, Fitzwilliam Capital, for kindly hosting the award ceremony.
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From L-R: Sean Bates, Cian Ushioda, Isabelle Emily Bates, Award Winner of the 2026 Ushioda Scholarship, H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, and Georgina Gaul
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Isabelle Emily Bates, Award Winner of the 2026 Ushioda Scholarship, with her parents, Sean Bates and Georgina Gaul
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Front: Paula Kelly, Coordinator of the Ushioda Scholarship and Mrs Miyagawa at the event with other guests
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Isabelle Emily Bates, Award Winner of the 2026 Ushioda Scholarship, and H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland
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L-R: Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson, Helen Ryan, Richard Ryan, Mrs. Miyagawa and H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland
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Photos: IJA and Embassy of Japan in Ireland
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https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/1-4.jpg13501080ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2026-06-29 09:00:292026-07-07 09:55:45Isabelle Emily Bates Honoured at the 2026 Ushioda Scholarship Award Ceremony
The Ireland Japan Association is delighted to announce that in 2026 the Ushioda Scholarship is awarded to Isabelle Emily Bates, studying Applied Languages and Translation Studies at DCU. Isabelle will be travelling to Japan for an exchange year at Rikkyo University, Tokyo.
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Isabelle is originally from Wexford and has spent the last three years studying Japanese and German in DCU.
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I first fell in love with languages while studying for my Junior Cert, and this is around the time when I began to learn Japanese. I chose to self-study Japanese due to my love of Japanese games and anime at the time, and I was lucky enough to have a very inspirational teacher and be able to study it for my Leaving Certificate.
Since the beginning of my Japanese studies, it has always been my dream to visit Japan and experience all of the wonderful things that the country, culture and people have to offer. If you had told me at 15 that I would now have the opportunity to study for a year in Japan, I would have never believed you, it felt so far away!
It feels incredibly surreal and exciting that I now have this fantastic opportunity and can make my dream come true. I hope that I can make the most of my year, work hard and make lots of lasting connections during my year abroad. – Isabelle Bates
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We would like to thank Paula Kelly, IJA Council Member and the IJA Education, Language and Ushioda Scholarship Subcommittee for support and assistance with the scholarship management and administration process this year.
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Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship was established in 2019 in honour of Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda’s major contribution to the development of the Ireland Japan Association and Ireland-Japan relations, and to underpin the association’s strong commitment to supporting Japanese studies in Ireland.
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https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/Ushioda-Sholarship-Logo-DRAFT.png292304ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2026-06-04 11:00:372026-06-04 15:31:262026 Ushioda Scholarship Award Winner: Isabelle Bates, DCU
The Ireland Japan Association is delighted to announce that the 2025 Ushioda Scholarship has been awarded to Holly Deegan, a second-year Japanese student at the University of Limerick.
Holly will travel to Japan to participate in the Nihongo for Exchange Students (NEST) Program at Toyo University, continuing her studies and deepening her connection with Japanese language and culture.
IJA Council is wishing Holly every success in her studies and adventures in Japan!
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‘Growing up I always had a passion for learning languages. When I had the opportunity to study Japanese in secondary school, I was instantly fascinated by both the language and culture. Having the option to continue my studies in university allowed not only for my language skills to develop, but for my appreciation for Japan to grow also. It will be a privilege to study in Japan and experience a different way of life. Whilst there, I hope to further improve my language skills and explore more of the culture first-hand. ’ – Holly Deegan
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We extend our sincere thanks to Paula Kelly, the IJA Council, and the IJA Education, Language and Ushioda Scholarship Subcommittee for their continued support and dedication in managing the scholarship process.
The Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship was established in 2019 to honour their remarkable contributions to the Ireland Japan Association and to Ireland-Japan relations. It continues to support and encourage the growth of Japanese studies in Ireland.
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https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/Ushioda-Sholarship-Logo-DRAFT.png292304ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2025-06-04 12:00:292025-06-06 18:06:122025 Ushioda Scholarship Award Winner: Holly Deegan, University of Limerick
The Ushioda Scholarship Award Ceremony was held on Friday, June 28th and was hosted by the IJA Corporate Member Oomi Travel in Dublin. 2024 award winner Eloise Maguire was warmly welcomed and congratulated by Catherine Grennell-Whyte, the Chairperson of IJA, Ms. Paula Kelly, the Ushioda Scholarship coordinator, and members of the Ushioda family, Dr. Ema Ushioda and Kazi Ushioda.
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We were honored to have H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan, in attendance at the award ceremony. The Ambassador shared his well wishes and words of encouragement with Eloise as she prepares for her upcoming studies in Japan.
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From L-R: Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, Kazi Ushioda, Dr. Ema Ushioda, Eloise Maguire, DCU and H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland
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.Eloise Maguire, who is studying Applied Languages and Translation Studies at DCU, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Ushioda Scholarship in 2024. Eloise will travel to Japan where she will be studying at Rikkyo University in Tokyo.
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‘It is a massive honour to receive this scholarship and I plan to make the most of it during my study abroad! While immersing myself in the Japanese language and improving my language skills, I hope to experience the culture and way of life in Japan.’ – Eloise Maguire
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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and Eloise Maguire, DCU
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We express our gratitude to Laura O’Grady from Oomi Travel for her hospitality, as well as to Graham Ryan and Miyu Iskikawa from Yamamori for the delightful Japanese refreshments. A special thank you to everyone who joined us at the event to celebrate Eloise’s remarkable achievement.
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Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship was established in 2019 in honour of Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda’s major contribution to the development of the Ireland Japan Association and Ireland-Japan relations, and to underpin the association’s strong commitment to supporting Japanese studies in Ireland.
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Speech by Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson
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Speech by H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland
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Speech by Paula Kelly, Ushioda Scholarship Coordinator
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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and Eloise Maguire, DCU
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https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/Ushioda-Scholarship-2024-6-scaled.jpeg20392560ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2024-07-03 12:00:412024-07-04 12:59:33Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship 2024 Award Ceremony | PHOTO GALLERY
The Ireland Japan Association is delighted to announce that in 2024 the Ushioda Scholarship is awarded to Eloise Maguire, studying Applied Languages and Translation Studies at DCU. Eloise will be travelling to Japan for an exchange year at Rikkyo University, Tokyo.
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‘It is a massive honour to receive this scholarship and I plan to make the most of it during my study abroad! While immersing myself in the Japanese language and improving my language skills, I hope to experience the culture and way of life in Japan.’ – Eloise Maguire
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We would like to thank Paula Kelly, IJA Individual Member and the IJA Education, Language and Ushioda Scholarship Subcommittee for support and assistance with the scholarship management and administration process this year.
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Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship was established in 2019 in honour of Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda’s major contribution to the development of the Ireland Japan Association and Ireland-Japan relations, and to underpin the association’s strong commitment to supporting Japanese studies in Ireland.
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https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/Ushioda-Sholarship-Logo-DRAFT.png292304ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2024-05-24 09:00:222024-05-27 14:35:122024 Ushioda Scholarship Award Winner: Eloise Maguire, DCU
The Ireland Japan Association is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Mrs. Yoshiko Ushioda, a remarkable individual whose impact on our community and the Ireland Japan Association will forever be remembered.
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Mrs. Ushioda was not only a generous supporter of education and fostering understanding and collaboration between Ireland and Japan, but also a beacon of inspiration for all those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her dedication to the cause of education, particularly through the Ushioda Scholarship she so generously sponsored, has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals and students who pursue Japan studies in Ireland and Irish Universities. Her passion for making a positive difference in the world was evident in every action she took.
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It is undeniable that Mrs. Ushioda played a pivotal role in shaping the future of aspiring students through her commitment to fostering education. The scholarship program named after her and her beloved husband served as a source of hope and encouragement for many, opening doors to opportunities that otherwise might have been out of reach.
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During this time of mourning, our thoughts and prayers are with her family and all those who were close to her. While words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel, may we all find solace in the memories of her kindness, generosity, and the lasting impact she had on so many lives.
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Mrs. Ushioda will be deeply missed, and her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those she touched.
Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship was established in 2019 in honour of Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda’s major contribution to the development of the Ireland Japan Association and Ireland-Japan relations, and to underpin the association’s strong commitment to supporting Japanese studies in Ireland.
In 2023, the scholarship was awarded to Ben Murphy, studying Japanese Language at University of Limerick. Ben will be travelling to Japan for an exchange year at Waseda University, Tokyo.
From left: Mrs. Yoshiko Ushioda, IJA founder member and Scholarship Patron, H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, and Ben Murphy, Univeristy of Limerick & Ushioda Scholarship winner in 2023.
The small but heartwarming award ceremony of the scholarship took place on 30th August 2023 at the beautiful offices of the IJA Patron Member – ElectroRoute. Ben was greeted and congratulated by Mrs. Yoshiko Ushioda, IJA founder member and Scholarship Patron, Ms. Tsugumi Yamamoto, IJA Vice-Chaiperson, Ms. Paula Kelly, IJA Council and Scholarship coordinator, and Mr. Donal Flyn, CFO, Managing Director of Finance & Operation at ElectroRoute.
H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and Ms. Keiko Nakata, Embassy of Japan in Ireland, were the special invited guests at this event. Ambassador dedicated well wishes and words of encouragement to Ben as he is preparing to travel to Japan for his year abroad.
I have always wanted to explore and discover another culture and language. Studying Japanese in UL has granted me the opportunity to do so. Since my first class in Japanese, I have been captivated by Japan and its history and culture. I have met some of my closest friends, both Japanese and non-Japanese through my studies, and I hope to see them all in Japan when I complete my study abroad in Japanese at Waseda University in Tokyo!’ – Ben Murphy
We would like to thank Ms. Paula Kelly, IJA Council, and Barbara Geraghty, University of Limerick, for their support and assistance with the scholarship management and administration process this year.
Many thanks to Azumi Uchitani and her team at ElectroRoute for a very warm welcome, reception set up and looking after all the guests during this event.
https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/US2023-receptipn-13.jpg431561ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2023-09-01 14:00:402023-09-12 14:56:49Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship 2023 award ceremony | PHOTO GALLERY
The Ireland Japan Association is delighted to announce that in 2023 the Ushioda Scholarship is awarded to Ben Murphy, studying Japanese at University of Limerick. Ben will be travelling to Japan for an exchange year at Waseda University, Tokyo.
‘My name is Ben, and I have always wanted to explore and discover another culture and language. Studying Japanese in UL has granted me the opportunity to do so. Since my first class in Japanese, I have been captivated by Japan and its history and culture. I have met some of my closest friends, both Japanese and non-Japanese through my studies, and I hope to see them all in Japan when I complete my study abroad in Japanese at Waseda University in Tokyo!’ – Ben Murphy
We would like to thank Ms Paula Kelly, IJA Council, for her support and assistance with the scholarship management and administration process this year.
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Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship was established in 2019 in honour of Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda’s major contribution to the development of the Ireland Japan Association and Ireland-Japan relations, and to underpin the association’s strong commitment to supporting Japanese studies in Ireland.
https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/Ushioda-Sholarship-Logo-DRAFT.png292304ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2023-04-20 12:00:082023-04-20 13:58:27Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship in 2023 is awarded to Ben Murphy (UL)
The Ireland Japan Association is delighted to announce that in 2022 the Ushioda Scholarship is awarded to Joseph Peter Talento, studying Business Studies International at DCU. Joseph will be travelling to Japan for an exchange year at Toyo University.
‘My name is Joseph, a Filipino who is in love with Japanese culture. Growing up I was surrounded and influenced in many ways by Japanese culture, including the language and media. I often found myself staring at videos, watching people visiting Japan and vlogging their experiences studying in the country. When I saw the option to complete an exchange year abroad in Japan with DCU, I thought – why don’t I try that myself? Along the way, I was able to learn more and more about Japanese society. Today, I am months away from beginning my exchange year abroad at Toyo University, under the Faculty of Economics. During these coming 11 months, I plan to really develop my strength in the language, travel as much as I can and overall, see what the realities of life in Japan is truly like!’ – Joseph Peter Talento
We would like to thank Ms Paula Kelly, IJA Council, for her support and assistance with the scholarship management and administration process this year.
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Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship was established in 2019 in honour of Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda’s major contribution to the development of the Ireland Japan Association and Ireland-Japan relations, and to underpin the association’s strong commitment to supporting Japanese studies in Ireland.
https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/Ushioda-Sholarship-Logo-DRAFT.png292304ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2022-08-03 11:00:172022-08-03 14:26:02Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship in 2022 is awarded to Joseph Peter Talento
The Ireland Japan Association is honoured to announce that in 2021 the Ushioda Scholarship is awarded to Francis Donnelly, studying for BA in Applied Languages, University of Limerick. Francis is planning to go to Nagoya University of Foreign Studies to continue Japanese studies during autumn semester next year.
‘I’m studying Japanese because I find both the country and the language fascinating. Japanese is a language that is enjoyable to learn and very rewarding when put into practice, and learning it is a nice change of pace from the European languages we typically focus on in Ireland. I’m hoping to study in Nagoya, where I aim to increase my proficiency in the language while also experiencing and learning about Japanese culture and history.’ – Francis Donnelly
We would like to thank Ms Paula Kelly, IJA Council, and Ms Barbara Geraghty, UL, for their support and assistance with the scholarship management and administration process this year.
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Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship was established in 2019 in honour of Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda’s major contribution to the development of the Ireland Japan Association and Ireland-Japan relations, and to underpin the association’s strong commitment to supporting Japanese studies in Ireland.
https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/Ushioda-Sholarship-Logo-DRAFT.png292304ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2021-11-11 13:00:232021-11-11 13:49:21Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship in 2021 is awarded to Francis Donnelly
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