Tag Archive for: IJA

Ireland Japan Association Honoured with Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.
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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.

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

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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.’

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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.’ 

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

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2025 Ushioda Scholarship Award Winner: Holly Deegan, University of Limerick

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

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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!

Exclusive Sake Tasting Workshop together with Yamamori | PHOTO GALLERY

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We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us on Thursday, April 10th for the exclusive Sake Tasting Workshop, hosted in collaboration with our 2025 Patron Member – Yamamori.

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Held at the beautiful Yamamori North City / Tengu, the evening was a true celebration of Japanese culture, springtime, and community spirit. The event brought together both IJA members and non-members for a unique blend of networking and cultural exploration through the world of Japanese sake.

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A very special thank you goes to our guest speaker, Sake Sommelier Sarika Seki Hussey, whose expertise, passion, and warm personality guided us through a curated selection of premium Japanese sake. Each sake was thoughtfully paired with delicious bites crafted by the talented Yamamori team, making the tasting not only educational but truly memorable.

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We are also immensely grateful to our event co-hosts and partners at Yamamori, who are celebrating a remarkable 30 years in business this year. This workshop was just one of the many exciting events planned to mark their anniversary, and we are incredibly proud to have them as our IJA Patron Member in 2025.

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Events like this are a wonderful reminder of the strong bonds between Japan and Ireland, and we are delighted to be able to bring people together to share experiences, knowledge, and of course – fantastic food and drink!

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We look forward to seeing you at our next event! Arigatou gozaimasu & Sláinte!

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Photos: Yamamori & Eddie Hughes, IJA Council

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IJA Annual General Meeting 2025 | Review

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The 35th Annual General Meeting for the Ireland Japan Association took place on Tuesday, 25th March 2025. 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 expressing her heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former IJA Chair Michael Darcy on his passing. She highlighted Michael’s pivotal role in the Association, acknowledging his dedication, passion, and leadership in strengthening ties between Ireland and Japan. His invaluable contributions helped shape the IJA into what it is today, and his unwavering commitment to the community will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude. While his presence will be greatly missed, his legacy will continue to inspire.

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Chairperson’s Report

Catherine Grennell-Whyte introduced attendees to the Chairperson’s Report for 2024, which outlined the Association’s key activities, achievements, and challenges over the past year.

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Over the past 12 months, the Ireland Japan Association has continued to expand its community, hosting 23 events across cultural, business, and networking sectors. These included language courses, business forums, and cultural workshops, reflecting the growing interest in Irish-Japanese relations. Membership has also seen growth, with six new corporate members and seven new individual members joining in 2024.

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The Chairperson expressed deep appreciation to the Council Members, volunteers, corporate partners, and sponsors for their dedication and support. Special thanks were extended to the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, former Ambassador Maruyama, and a warm welcome was given to Ambassador Shimada and his wife as he begins his tenure in Ireland.

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The Chairperson concluded by thanking IJA members for their continued support and engagement, emphasizing the Association’s commitment to strengthening ties between Ireland and Japan in the years ahead.

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Financial Statements 2024

Summary of the IJA Financial Statements for 2024 was presented with the AGM participants by Vice Chairperson Tsugumi Yamamoto, membership subscription fees were discussed and approved for 2025/2026 and the new IJA Council members were announced.

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Council Elections 2025

Catherine Grennell-Whyte informed that for the 2025 elections, the IJA received a sufficient number of nominations to meet the constitutional requirements for Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, allowing both positions to be filled without requiring a vote. For the Ordinary Council seats, 13 nominations were received – six corporate and seven individual members. The elections were conducted via the online voting platform ElectionBody from Tuesday, March 11, to Tuesday, March 18, 2024. The results were reviewed and certified by an independent assessor, IJA Auditor 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. As per the IJA Constitution, members must step down after three years of service. The following council members were thanked for their contributions: Tsugumi Yamamoto, Vice-Chairperson, Hiro Ino, Individual Member, Jonathan Kelly, Individual Member.

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson

 

The newly elected IJA Council for 2025:

Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson

  1. Catherine Grennell-Whyte, ATTS/Finnair (Chairperson)
  2. Neil Cowhey, Dillon Eustace (Vice Chairperson)

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Corporate Members:

  1. Atsushi Kadota, ElectroRoute
  2. Darina Slattery, Oomi Travel
  3. David Tyrrell, NTT Data
  4. Graham Ryan, Yamamori
  5. Peter Vambeck, Fitzwilliam Capital
  6. Yuka Nagano, Clerkin Lynch

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Individual Members:

  1. Azumi Uchitani, IJA Individual Member
  2. Eddie Hughes, IJA Individual Member
  3. Maria Mardiki, IJA Individual Member
  4. Paula Kelly, IJA Individual Member
  5. Raymond Hegarty, IJA Individual Member
  6. Verity Swan, 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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IJA Fireside Chat Series: A Conversation with Joan Mulvihill | Photo Gallery

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On Thursday, 27th February, we were delighted to host the second event in our exclusive IJA Fireside Chat Series, in collaboration with the Embassy of Finland in Ireland.
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A huge thank you to all participants for engaging in our insightful discussion on ‘Leadership and the Art of Digital Transformation: A Human Approach’ with our inspiring keynote speaker, Joan Mulvihill, Siemens Ireland.

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Joan’s thought-provoking talk explored the importance of rehumanising organisations in the digital age, seamlessly bridging the worlds of technology, creativity, and human-centric leadership.
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Special thanks to our hosts, H.E. Ms. Leena Gardemeister, Ambassador of Finland and the Embassy of Finland in Ireland, for their warm hospitality and support in making this event a success.
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We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming IJA events!
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This event was supported by the IJA 2025 Patron Members: Fitzwilliam Capital and Yamamori Dublin.
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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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IJA Bounenkai End of Year Party 2024 | PHOTO GALLERY

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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Photos: Eddie Hughes & Miyu Ishikawa

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