Tag Archive for: IJA

Business Seminar ‘Driving Business Growth through Sustainability’ | PHOTO GALLERY

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On 21st February, Ireland Japan Association and Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC) invited their members to participate in the business seminar ‘Driving Business Growth through Sustainability’ which was hosted in Dublin by the IJA and IJCC member PwC Ireland. This was our second collaboration event with the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce.

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From L-R: Dominic Keogh, IJCC, Mary Honohan, PwC Ireland, David Swan, Chief Operations & Sustainability Officer at SMBC Aviation Capital, Jeff Aherne, CEO at EVHACS, Ruairi Williamson, Managing Director at Hitachi Energy, and Caoimhe Giblin, Commercial Director at ElectroRoute.

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H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, opened the event, and we were delighted to welcome a list of experts for the panel discussion: David Swan, Chief Operations & Sustainability Officer at SMBC Aviation Capital, Caoimhe Giblin, Commercial Director at ElectroRoute, Jeff Aherne, CEO at EVHACS, and Ruairi Williamson, Managing Director at Hitachi Energy. Event was moderated by Dominic Keogh, IJCC.

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During event our experts shared examples and case studies of how their companies are using sustainability as a driver for business growth and what the future holds for sustainability, offering first-hand access to industry leading practices that can be adapted for businesses across Ireland. Discussions were followed by Q&A session and networking.

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H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland

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David Swan, Chief Operations & Sustainability Officer, SMBC Aviation Capital

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Jeff Aherne, CEO, EVHACS

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Ruairi Williamson, Managing Director, Hitachi Energy

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Caoimhe Giblin, Commercial Director, ElectroRoute

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Moderator of the event: Dominic Keogh, IJCC

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We would like to thank our partners – Dominic Keogh and his team at the IJCC, and our wonderful hosts – Mary Honohan and her team at PwC Ireland for all their support and work to make this event such a great success.

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Photos: Azumi Uchitani

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ALPS Electric Ireland Ltd. join the IJA as a Corporate member

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Ireland Japan Association is delighted to welcome ALPS Electric Ireland Ltd., a leading global manufacturer of electronic devices, on board the IJA as a Corporate member, and we are looking forward to a long lasting and successful cooperation.

ALPS Electric (Ireland) Ltd. is a subsidiary of The Alps Alpine Group, delivering products and services of an excellent standard to customers worldwide.
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Alps Alpine prides itself in “perfecting the art of electronics” through its electronic components, and mobile media solutions, head a global network of over 190 group companies.

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ALPS Electric (Ireland) Ltd. was founded in Millstreet Town, County Cork in 1988. Manufacturing is dedicated to Automotive Customers, IoT Technology and White Goods. Our main markets are in Europe under the corporate Made-In-Market philosophy.’’ – John Foley, Managing Director, ALPS Electric (Ireland) Ltd.

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Today ALPS Electric (Ireland) Ltd. employs over 400 people in Millstreet Town. The Facility has 56,000 square feet of world class manufacturing space which houses SMT, Moulding, Decorative Parts Painting and Laser Marking capabilities and various Final Assembly processes. Production processes are highly automated by ALPS Electric (Ireland) Ltd. own engineers.
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ALPS Electric (Ireland) Ltd. is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and IATF 16949 and holds quality awards from Jaguar Landrover and Volvo.

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If you wish to learn more about ALPS Electric and services they provide, please visit their website or visit ALPS Electric profile on LinkedIn  and YouTube!

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In Memoriam | Remembering and Honouring Mrs. Yoshiko Ushioda

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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.
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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson
IJA Council
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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

IJA Bounenkai End of Year Party 2023 | Photo Gallery

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On 30th November the IJA members and friends joined our annual Bounenkai End of the Year Party which was hosted at one of the most popular and authentic Japanese restaurants in Dublin – Daruma.

Hiro Ino, IJA Council, thanked the guests for their support to the association and invited everyone to enjoy themselves and celebrate the end of the year at Daruma. We were delighted that H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Japanese Ambassador to Ireland, and Ms. Keiko Nakata, Embassy of Japan, joined our Bounenkai celebrations. Ambassador Maruyama addressed event guests and wished everyone a wonderful evening.
Event guests were treated to a traditional Japanese Izakaya style dinner and had the opportunity to taste variety of Japanese sake.
We would like to thank everyone  – our individual and corporate members as well as friends and supporters who attended this event. We appreciate your continued support to the IJA throughout this year, and we are looking forward to many other occasions to meet in 2024!
A very big thanks goes to Hiro Ino, IJA Council, for his time, support and help to make this event such a great success, and the wonderful team at Daruma for hosting our event and making sure everyone had the best time during the evening.
Photos: Tsugumi Yamamoto, Kevin O’Neill

Business Seminar ‘Preparing for the next world EXPO in Osaka, Japan’ | PHOTO GALLERY

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On 11th October, Ireland Japan Association and Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC) invited their members to participate in the business seminar ‘Preparing for the next world EXPO in Osaka, Japan’ which was hosted in Dublin by the IJA and IJCC member PwC Ireland.

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and Dominic Keogh, IJCC Director

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The panel of guest speakers included H.E. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, Yushi Tanaka, Executive Advisor to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo, John Concannon, Director General, Global Ireland, Department of Foreign Affairs, and Brian O’Brien, Commissioner General for EXPO Osaka, The Department of Foreign Affairs.

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From left: Yushi Tanaka, Executive Advisor to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo; John Concannon, Director General, Global Ireland, Department of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland; Brian O’Brien, Commissioner General for EXPO Osaka, The Department of Foreign Affairs, and moderator Dominic Keogh, IJCC Director.

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Our guest speakers discussed Global Ireland strategy, reviewed the experience at Expo Dubai 2020, and introduced Expo Osaka 2025 sharing the latest information on the Irish Pavilion. Conversations were moderated by Dominic Keogh, IJCC Director. Presentations and discussions were followed by networking opportunities.

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We would like to thank our partners – Dominic Keogh and his team at the IJCC, and our wonderful hosts – Mary Honohan and her team at PwC Ireland for all their support and work to make this event such a great success.

 

This event was organised by:
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This event was supported by:

 

PHOTO GALLERY

(Please click on the image to enlarge it!)

Photos: IJA Council and IJCC archive

IJA launches Japanese Book Club | Join today!

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We are delighted to announce the launch of the IJA Japanese Book Club! Our purpose is to create a vibrant community of book lovers who share a passion for Japanese literature, culture, philosophy, business, history, and more.
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We are dedicated to exploring a diverse range of books each month, engaging in thoughtful discussions, expanding our knowledge, and fostering friendships among members. What’s more, we won’t limit ourselves to just Japanese authors; we’ll also delve into the works of Irish authors with connections to Japan.
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With our official launch scheduled for September, we have conducted two trial runs with a small group of participants during the summer break. It was truly fascinating to see how different perspectives and insights emerge, even when reading the same book. We believe that sharing our reading experiences with others can deepen our understanding and appreciation of literature.
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Wouldn’t you like to be a part of this exciting literary journey with us? Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just starting to explore the world of books, our book club welcomes everyone. Together, we’ll embark on a fascinating exploration of Japanese literature and beyond.
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HOW TO REGISTER
Please let us know if you are interested in joining our book club and send us an email to: info@ija.ie. We look forward to having you as a fellow book enthusiast and a valued member of our growing community. Open to the IJA members only.
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More details about the first club meeting and book of the month:
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Bank of Ireland FDI team wins the IJA Ishikawa Golf Cup 2023

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The IJA Annual Golf Outing 2023 tournament took place on 4th September at the beautiful Foxrock Golf Club, Dublin.

 

 

We would like to thank all the teams who supported us and participated in the tournament this year, and we send special congratulations to the winners – Bank of Ireland FDI team – who came first and won the IJA Ishikawa Cup in 2023!

 

 

Many thanks to all participants of the tournament this year: Bank of Ireland, Cpl Resources, Dillon Eustace, ElectroRoute, Mitsubishi Electric and Suntory.

A very special thanks goes to our tournament sponsors – K&L Gates Ireland.

 

 

We would like to thank IJA Council members and event team who helped to organise this event: Stephen Mullin and Catherine Grennell-Whyte.

We would like to thank our prize sponsors, the IJA Council and Finnair/ATTS, our hosts and team at the Foxrock Golf Club for all the help and support before and during our event, and last but not least – all our event participants who joined us on this day and made it such a great success.

We are looking forward to our Golf Outing 2024 tournament next year!

 

 

 

 

Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship 2023 award ceremony | PHOTO GALLERY

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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.

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.

 

 

IJA Annual Dinner 2023 | Photo Gallery

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On 12th May the IJA members, friends, and supporters celebrated and enjoyed one of our biggest events of the year – the IJA Annual Dinner 2023. This year’s event took place at one of the most beautiful and luxurious Dublin venues – Conrad Dublin Hotel.

 

 

The IJA Council was delighted to welcome H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan in Ireland and the IJA Patron, as well as Mr. Jack Chambers, State Minister for the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications, as special guests and speakers at the event.

 

From left: Ms. Tsugumi Yamamoto, IJA Vice Chairperson, H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan in Ireland and the IJA Patron, Ms. Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, Mr. Jack Chambers, State Minister for the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications, and Mr. Raymond Hegarty, IJA Ex-Officio and Master of Ceremonies. Photo: Stephen Cullen, K9 Studio

 

The evening began with Sake reception, kindly supported by the IJA Council in cooperation with Retro Vino Wine & Sake. Reception was followed by welcome words from Raymond Hegarty, IJA Ex-Officio and Master of Ceremonies, and after that dinner guests enjoyed a delicious 3-course meal in the beautiful Ball Room.

 

Raymond Hegarty, IJA Ex-Officio and Master of Ceremonies. Photo: Stephen Cullen, K9 Studio

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, expressed her gratitude to the IJA corporate and individual members present at the event, inviting everyone to enjoy ‘the celebration of cultures and our successes, a celebration of friendships forged through the Ireland Japan Association and of our achievements together’.

 

No association can function effectively without a strong membership who are committed to the ongoing activities, and we believe the members of this association are one of the main reasons we are so successful.  We can see the evidence of this here this evening with such a large attendance.  I would like to reiterate how much we value your individual, family, student and corporate membership participation in the many events we host and support throughout the year. – Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson.

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson. Photo: Stephen Cullen, K9 Studio

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte thanked the IJA Patron member – ElectroRoute – for their support to the association and a very successful cooperation. Special gratitude was expressed to the IJA Patron H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan in Ireland. ‘Your patronage of the association is most gratefully appreciated and so is the support of the entire team at the Embassy,’ said Catherine Grennell-Whyte.

 

Ms. Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan in Ireland and the IJA Patron. Photo: Stephen Cullen, K9 Studio

 

Prize Giving this year was sponsored by the IJA Corporate members – ElectroRoute, Dillon Eustace, Oomi Travel (former Unique Japan Tours), PwC Ireland, SuMi TRUST and Yamamori,  and we would like to thank everyone for their continued support and very generous prizes. The Grand Prize this year was sponsored by our Corporate member Finnair, and we would like to congratulate the lucky winner who received a return flight to Japan – Mr. Yiannis Gkoufas.

We would also like to thank everyone at the Dublin School for Japanese Children who created and gifted beautiful Japanese origami decorations to our dinner guests, and to Mrs. Tomoko Ozaki who created stunning Ikebana flower arrangements for the event. Huge thanks to the event team at Conrad Dublin for being great hosts and providing excellent service during our event.

We would like to thank Raymond Hegarty, Master of Ceremonies, and our event team and volunteers from the IJA Council – Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Tsugumi Yamamoto, Darina Slattery, Laura Goonan, Azumi Uchitani, Eva Reavley and Verity Swan – for their time, support and help to make this year’s event such a great success. Special thanks to Eddie Hughes, former IJA Council member, for his dedication and help with the event arrangements.

 

Photo Gallery | IJA Annual Dinner 2023

Photos: Stephen Cullen, K9 Studio

(If you were a guest at the IJA Annual Dinner 2023 and would like to receive an access to full photo gallery from the night, please email your request to: info@ija.ie)

 

 

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