Tag Archive for: IJA Chairperson

IJA Chairperson meets with Ambassador Miyagawa at the Embassy of Japan

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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.

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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.

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

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The Embassy published the following announcement about the visit:

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

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Photos: Embassy of Japan in Ireland

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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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In Memoriam | Remembering Michael Darcy

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The Ireland Japan Association is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Darcy, a longstanding IJA member and former Chairperson.

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Michael Darcy was a passionate advocate for Ireland-Japan relations, dedicating himself to strengthening the ties between both nations. His contributions and commitment to the association will always be remembered, and he will be deeply missed.

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‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Darcy. As an active member of the Ireland Japan Association and Chairman for many years, he was a valued friend and supporter of the association. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.” – Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson.

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https://rip.ie/death-notice/michael-darcy-dublin-foxrock-586544

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Ireland Japan Association Hosts Annual Chairperson’s Lunch

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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IJA Chairperson’s Lunch at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

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IJA Chairperson’s Lunch at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

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

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

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IJA Chairperson’s Lunch at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

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IJA Chairperson’s Lunch at The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

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IJA Corporate Members 2024

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Photos: IJA Archive & Embassy of Japan in Ireland

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Warmest Wishes for a Joyous Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

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Dear Members of the Ireland Japan Association,

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As we gather together in the spirit of the season, I extend my heartfelt Christmas greetings to each and every one of you. This time of year is a special opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and moments we’ve shared as an Association, and to express gratitude for the bonds that connect us.

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In the true spirit of unity and friendship, the Ireland Japan Association has continued to thrive throughout the past year. Our collective efforts have brought us closer together, fostering a sense of community. It is heartening to witness the vibrant exchange of culture, ideas, and camaraderie among our diverse membership.

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Christmas is a time of celebration and reflection, and as we look back on the achievements of the past year, let us also look forward to the promising opportunities that the coming year holds. May the bonds of friendship we have built within our Association continue to strengthen, and may the spirit of collaboration guide us to new heights in the days ahead.

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I would like to express my sincere appreciation to each member of the Ireland Japan Association for your unwavering commitment and enthusiasm. Your dedication has been instrumental in making our Association a beacon of cultural exchange, business, education and friendship.

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May this Christmas be filled with joy, laughter, and moments of togetherness with loved ones. As we bid farewell to the current year and eagerly anticipate the new one, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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With warm regards,
Catherine Grennell-Whyte
IJA Chairperson

Interview with Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson | 2022 Ireland Report for The Japan Times

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We are delighted and very proud that the 2022 Ireland Report for The Japan Times features an interview with Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson. You can read the full interview with Raymond Hegarty here: https://sms-bridges.com/encouraging-connections/
Founded in 1897, The Japan Times is Japan’s largest and oldest English-language daily newspaper with headquarters in Tokyo.
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This interview was prepared in cooperation with media specialists SMS Bridges. Bridges is a digital business and lifestyle magazine for high-level Japanese executives, global business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs.

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