Tag Archive for: IJA

IJA Annual General Meeting 2026 | Review

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The 36th Annual General Meeting for the Ireland Japan Association took place on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026. The meeting was held as a hybrid event with members attending in person and remotely via Zoom platform.

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Chairperson of the Ireland Japan Association (IJA), opened the meeting by remembering the former Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, H.E. Ambassador Junji Shimada. On behalf of the IJA Council and community, she extended her deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and former colleagues. Ambassador Shimada made a valued contribution to strengthening the relationship between Japan and Ireland and will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.

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Chairperson’s Report

Catherine Grennell-Whyte introduced attendees to the Chairperson’s Report for 2025, noting that 2025 was another active and positive year for the association. The Council focused on strengthening member engagement, expanding cultural, educational, and professional programmes, and continuing to build meaningful connections between Ireland and Japan.

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A major highlight of the year was the IJA receiving the prestigious Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation, recognising the Association’s longstanding contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.

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On behalf of the Council, Catherine Grennell-Whyte warmly welcomed the new Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, His Excellency Manabu Miyagawa. She thanked the Ambassador and the Embassy team for their continued support and collaboration and expressed the association’s appreciation for the strong relationship with the Embassy of Japan in Dublin, which the IJA looks forward to continuing.

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During 2025, the IJA organised and participated as co-organiser in variety of events, including language conversation groups, the Japanese Book Club, Japanese language courses, Calligraphy and Ikebana workshops, a Sake Tasting event, the Annual Dinner, the Ushioda Scholarship Award Ceremony, the DFGI Conference in collaboration with JETRO and TCD, the Annual Golf Outing, the Chairperson’s Lunch, the Ireland-Japan rugby reception hosted by Dillon Eustace, the Bounenkai celebration, and the book talk by Azumi Uchitani in January 2026. The Association also supported and promoted many events organised by partner organisations, members, and friends through its communication channels. The Council is currently working on a strong programme of events for 2026.

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte thanked all IJA members for their engagement and encouragement, highlighting the support of the 2025 Patron members – Fitzwilliam Capital and Yamamori Group. Chairperson extended special thanks to the Council team, the IJA Secretary and both Vice Chairs she had the opportunity to work alongside – Tsugumi Yamamoto and Neil Cowhey. She noted that is has been a privilege to serve as Chair and to contribute to strengthening the relationship between Ireland and Japan.

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Financial Statements 2025

A summary of the IJA Financial Statements for 2025 was presented to AGM participants. Membership subscription fees for 2026/2027 were reviewed and approved, and the newly elected IJA Council members were announced.

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Council Elections 2026

Catherine Grennell-Whyte informed that for the 2026 elections, the IJA received a sufficient number of nominations to meet the constitutional requirements for Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, and Ordinary Council members representing Corporate members, allowing these positions to be filled without requiring a vote. For the Ordinary Council seats representing Individual members, eight nominations were received with six places available. The elections were conducted via the online voting platform ElectionBody from 17th – 24th February 2026. The results were reviewed and certified by an independent assessor, IJA Accountant, Stephen Power.

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The Chairperson extended sincere gratitude to all outgoing council members for their dedication, participation, and teamwork during their tenure.

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From R-L: Neil Cowhey, IJA Chairperson and Raymond Hegarty, IJA Vice Chairperson

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The newly elected IJA Chairperson, Neil Cowhey, addressed AGM attendees, expressing his sincere thanks to Catherine Grennell-Whyte for her leadership over the past three years and for advancing the association’s mission of strengthening Ireland-Japan relations through education, business, and culture. He also thanked the outgoing Council members for their dedication and contributions, welcomed Raymond Hegarty as the newly elected Vice Chair, and congratulated all incoming Council members, encouraging open collaboration and new ideas for the year ahead.

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The newly elected IJA Council for 2026:

Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Ex-Officio

  1. Neil Cowhey, Dillon Eustace (IJA Chairperson)
  2. Raymond Hegarty, IJA Individual Member (IJA Vice Chairperson)
  3. Catherine Grennell-Whyte (Ex Officio)

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Corporate Members:

  1. Atsushi Kadota, ElectroRoute
  2. Graham Hodgkin, SMBC Bank EU AG
  3. Graham Ryan, Yamamori
  4. Jonathan Kelly, Ryugaku+
  5. Peter Vambeck, Fitzwilliam Capital
  6. Yuka Nagano, Clerkin Lynch

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Individual Members:

  1. Azumi Uchitani, IJA Individual Member
  2. Cormac Hegarty, IJA Individual Member
  3. Eddie Hughes, IJA Individual Member
  4. Maria Mardiki, IJA Individual Member
  5. Paula Kelly, IJA Individual Member
  6. Rie Mishima, IJA Individual Member

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Not on Council but invited to attend meetings:

  1. Keiko Nakata, Embassy of Japan (Honorary Member)

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Many thanks to IJA Corporate member, Dillon Eustace for hosting the AGM 2026.

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RYUGAKU+ joins the IJA as a Corporate Member

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The Ireland Japan Association is delighted to welcome RYUGAKU+ as a new Corporate Member this year, and we look forward to building a strong and successful partnership.

We are pleased to be working and partnering with an organisation whose focus on education, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections closely aligns with the values of the IJA and our mission to strengthen ties between Ireland and Japan.

Ryugaku+ is an Irish company which provides high-quality study abroad programmes for Japanese high school students wishing to study in Ireland. The company works closely with Irish schools and host families to deliver academically strong placements, safe and supportive homestay accommodation, and comprehensive student care.

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Ryugaku+ places particular emphasis on thorough pre-departure preparation, personalised guidance, and ongoing support throughout the student’s stay in Ireland. Through its work, the company aims to strengthen educational exchange between Ireland and Japan and support students in gaining meaningful international experience. – Jonathan Kelly, Managing Director, Ryugaku+

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To learn more about Ryugaku+ and the services they provide, please visit their website:
https://www.ryugakuplus.com/

We warmly welcome Ryugaku+ to the IJA community and look forward to collaborating in the year ahead.

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PBC Biomed joins the IJA as a Corporate Member in 2026

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The Ireland Japan Association is delighted to welcome PBC Biomed as a new Corporate Member in 2026 and looks forward to building a strong and successful partnership. We are pleased to be working with an organisation whose commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence closely aligns with the values of the IJA and our mission to strengthen connections between Ireland and Japan across business, culture, and knowledge exchange.

PBC Biomed is a leading medical device company that partners with medical device, biologic, and pharmaceutical companies to accelerate innovation from design and development through to commercialisation.

 

‘We have a deep knowledge of the R&D, Regulatory, Quality Assurance, Clinical, Commercialization and Vigilance requirements facing innovators based in Europe, the US, and beyond, as well as contract manufacturing capabilities in Shannon, Ireland.

With locations in Ireland, the US and France, we collaborate with clients ranging from start-ups to multinationals by providing expertise, resources, and access to global clinical and industry networks to ‘Accelerate Medical Innovation.’ – Bronagh O’Doherty, Global Product Manager, PBC Biomed

 

The IJA is very pleased to welcome PBC Biomed to our Corporate Members’ network and looks forward to opportunities for engagement, exchange, and collaboration in the year ahead.

To learn more about PBC Biomed and the services they provide, please visit their website: https://pbcbiomed.com, and connect with them on LinkedIn for updates and insights into their work.

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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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Christmas Greetings from Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

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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.

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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
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MLI International Schools joins the IJA as a Corporate member

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The Ireland Japan Association is delighted to welcome MLI International Schools as our new Corporate Member, and we look forward to a strong and successful partnership with this leading international education provider, whose long-standing commitment to high-quality learning aligns closely with the values of our Association.

 

 

MLI International Schools is celebrating over 30 years of excellence in international education. Their Junior Summer Programmes, designed for students aged 10-17, combine engaging English language lessons with a fully supervised programme of sports, activities, and social events. A highlight of every programme is a series of excursions that allow students to discover Ireland’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

MLI also offers a comprehensive High School Programme for students aged 11-18. This programme provides a safe, supportive environment where students can improve their English, thrive academically, and experience authentic Irish school life. With an extensive network of private and public partner schools nationwide, MLI carefully tailors each placement to meet the individual needs and goals of every learner.

 

“At MLI, our mission is to create a friendly, warm, and welcoming environment where every student feels supported and inspired. Ireland, with its long-standing tradition of academic excellence and high rates of progression to third-level education, is the perfect destination for an unforgettable learning experience.” – Therese Dillon, Director, MLI International Schools

 

To learn more about MLI International Schools and the programmes they offer, please visit their website: https://www.mli-group.com/ and connect with them on social media for updates and insights into their work.

LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

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IJA Celebrates Bounenkai End of Year Party 2025

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Last week, the Ireland Japan Association celebrated its annual Bounenkai End of Year Party together with our members, friends and supporters. The event was organised in cooperation with our Patron Member Yamamori, who is proudly celebrating 30 years in business in 2025, and was hosted at Yamamori Tengu, located in the heart of Dublin city centre.

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Welcome speech by Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson

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A warm welcome was extended to all guests by Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson, who, on behalf of the IJA Council, paid respects to former Ambassador Junji Shimada, who sadly passed away earlier this month, and reflected on the year’s highlights and achievements, including the Commendation awarded by the Japanese Foreign Minister to the IJA in recognition of its ongoing contribution to strengthening Ireland – Japan relations.

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“It’s been a great year for the Ireland Japan Association, and great to share so many Ireland – Japan moments together. Looking forward to even better times next year. Cheers – and Kanpai!” – Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson.

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We were honoured to welcome Mr. Koji Hirohata, Chargés d’Affaires, Embassy of Japan in Ireland, who addressed guests during the evening.

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Speech by Koji Hirohata, Chargés d’Affaires, Embassy of Japan in Ireland

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The evening brought together the IJA community for a relaxed and festive gathering, celebrating milestones, shared successes, and the strong connections between Ireland and Japan.

We would like to thank the IJA event team – Neil Cowhey, Graham Ryan and Miyu Ishikawa – for their work and support in organising the event.

A special thank you also goes to the Yamamori team for their warm welcome, hospitality, and excellent service throughout the night, making the celebration special for everyone.

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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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Bank of Ireland Team Wins the IJA Ishikawa Golf Cup 2025

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The Ireland Japan Association’s Annual Golf Outing 2025 took place on Thursday, 25th September at the beautiful Foxrock Golf Club, Dublin, bringing together IJA members and friends for a fantastic day of golf, networking and celebration.

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We are delighted to congratulate the Bank of Ireland team, winners of the IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025! The Ishikawa Cup and first prize were presented to the winning team by Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson, and Mr. Hirohata, Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan.

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IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 winners from Bank of Ireland Team – Casey Steele and Philip Healy together with Mr. Hirohata, Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan

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Winners – Bank of Ireland Team
Philip Healy
Casey Steele
Patrick O’Connor
Devon Burns

2nd Place – NTT Data Team
3rd Place – SuMi TRUST (SMT Fund) Team

Spot Prizes
Nearest the Pin – Louise Mernagh, Mitsubishi Electric
Longest Drive – Adrian Gubbins, Mitsubishi Electric

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IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – 2nd place – NTT Data Team

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – Nearest The Pin Spot Prize – Winner Louise Mernagh, Mitsubishi Electric with Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – Longest Drive Spot Prize – Winner Adrian Gubbins, Mitsubishi Electric with Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson

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A big thank you to all the teams – Bank of Ireland, Dillon Eustace, ElectroRoute, Mitsubishi Electric, NTT Data, and SuMi TRUST – for taking part and making this year’s tournament such a success.

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We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our wonderful hosts at Foxrock Golf Club for their warm hospitality, and to the IJA Council members and event team, especially Neil Cowhey and Raymond Hegarty, for their commitment and support in organising this event.

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We look forward to seeing everyone again at next year’s tournament!

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A very special thank you to our tournament prize sponsors for their generous support! 

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Foxrock Golf Club

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – Foxrock Golf Club

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025

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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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Tag Archive for: IJA

IJA Japanese Conversation Group

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Join our FREE Japanese conversation group meetings and improve your Japanese conversational skills in an informal, friendly atmosphere!

Meetings take place twice a month on Tuesdays from 8-9 p.m. via Zoom.

To join the group, please sign up by sending email to: info@ija.ie.

 

 

Session Format
The group meets online on Tuesdays twice a month

Online Sessions
60min (30min Beginner / 30min Intermediate)
* First 30min of the session – Beginner-friendly introduction & practice
* Last 30min of the session – Intermediate conversation & expansion
* End with 5 min “今日の一言” – one practical sentence to use daily.

In-Person Meetups
Every 2 months  – 2 hour long in-person meeting to connect with others, socialise and practice your language skills. Date and venue will be announced for each upcoming meeting.

Topics
We will share the specific topic for each session with registered group members in advance, along with the Zoom link. Sessions are facilitated by native Japanese speaker/s.

Who can join?
We warmly encourage you to join our group sessions – new members are always welcome, and we would love to meet you!

* IJA Members
* University students (18+) studying Japanese are welcome to join 3 complimentary sessions to try out the group before deciding on membership.
* Non-members wishing to attend are kindly welcome to become IJA members before joining the group.

Please Note!
* This conversation group is a fun activity for people who enjoy speaking Japanese, not a language course or class.
* This group is open to IJA members and students studying Japanese.
* Suitable for participants aged 18+ only.

For more information or to sign up, please contact us: info@ija.ie

 

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IJA Annual Dinner 2026

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**BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY!**
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The IJA Council is delighted to invite you to the IJA Annual Dinner 2026 – one of the most anticipated and exciting highlights of the year for the Irish-Japanese community in Ireland.
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Join us for an exceptional evening of connection, culture, and celebration, bringing together IJA members, friends, supporters, and distinguished guests from government, business, academia, and the arts. This year’s dinner will bring memorable moments and outstanding hospitality in a truly elegant and luxurious Dublin city centre setting.
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We are especially honoured to announce that H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and IJA Patron, will join us as our Guest of Honour to deliver an inspiring address on the flourishing ties between our two nations.
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Event Details
Date: Friday, 15th May 2026
Time: From 6.30 p.m.
Location: The College Green Hotel, College Green, Westmoreland Street, Dublin, D02 HR67
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Event Highlights
* Inspiring speeches and presentations
* A celebration of the dynamic ties between Ireland and Japan
* Exceptional networking opportunities with IJA members, friends and supporters
* Fine dining and celebrations in a luxurious Dublin city centre venue
* A memorable evening shared with friends and colleagues
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Tickets
* IJA Members: €145
* Non-Members: €165
* Table of 10: €1,450
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Bookings
Book online by card – please see booking form below!
RSVP Deadline: Friday, 1st May 2026.
Cancellations after this date are non-refundable.
Early booking is recommended.
For information, please email: info@ija.ie
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Dress Code
Business attire / Suits / Dresses / Japanese traditional dress.
(Black tie is not required)
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Seating Arrangements
Round tables will seat 8-10 guests. Corporate tables are welcome.
For seating requests or dietary requirements, please contact us by the RSVP deadline.
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Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
We are pleased to offer sponsorship opportunities for our corporate members. If you would like to contribute a prize for the evening, please email details to info@ija.ie by Friday, 1st May 2026. Your company logo will be displayed during the night on a large screen and added to our digital event programmes.
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Whether you are a long-standing member or joining us for the first time, this is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a truly special occasion, celebrating friendship, partnership, and the unique bond between Ireland and Japan.
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