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IJA Annual General Meeting 2021 | Review

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The 31st Annual General Meeting for the Ireland Japan Association took place on Wednesday, 24th March 2021. Following the official guidelines and taking into account the current situation in the country, the meeting took place online via Zoom platform.

The IJA General Meeting was called prior to the AGM 2021 to discuss and vote on the proposal to amend the Paragraph 10 (Election Procedure) of the IJA Constitution regarding the duration of both Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson holding of their positions. The proposed amendment was approved by majority and will be included in the IJA Constitution: ‘10.7. Both the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson shall be elected by the Annual General Meeting and shall hold office for a one year period and may be re-elected but may not hold the same office for more than three consecutive years.’

Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson, thanked the outgoing Council members for their work, participation and team effort throughout the past year, Embassy of Japan for continued support to the IJA, AIB – the Patron member of the IJA in 2020, and all IJA Corporate and Individual members.

Raymond Hegarty paid his respects to the late Dr. Tom Hardiman (1929 -2020) who was the IJA Honorary Member and a passionate advocate of Ireland-Japan relations throughout his life.

In his report, Raymond Hegarty noted that despite the lockdown and numerous restrictions in 2020, the IJA adapted to the new situation and moved most of the events online. 10 business and culture events were organized throughout the past year, including Noh ‘Between the stones’ workshops and shows in Kilkenny and Wexford and the IJA Annual Dinner 2020 which was the last event the IJA managed to organise before the Covid pandemic hit the country, followed by a list of online events: AGM 2020, Hokkaido and the Coronavirus – coping with the second wave, IJA Photo Competition JAPANORAMIC, Kimono demonstration, Ikebana demonstration, Wellness talk ‘Happy Gut Happy Brain’, Managing Business Recovery Through Covid-19, New Business Opportunities with Japan and Ireland, and the IJA Japanese Conversation Group.

In 2020 IJA supported and promoted 12 online events in partnership with other organizations, IJA members and friends – UCD Japan, Unique Japan Tours and the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce.

The IJA supported three organizations with donations in 2020: Dublin School for Japanese Children (DSJC), Experience Japan festival in Dublin and 18th Japanese Speech Contest.

Raymond Hegarty informed that IJA member’s network has 34 corporate members and 47 individual members. Two new corporate members have joined the IJA in 2020 – Clover Aircraft Leasing and NTT Ireland Ltd. Raymond Hegarty thanked AIB for continued support to the IJA over the years as a Patron member.

An update on the Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship was given during the meeting, noting that the very first recipient of the scholarship – Sophia Herar (DCU) – returned from her studies in Japan in 2020 where she studied at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. Unfortunately, due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, Sophia’s stay in Japan was cut short but she has expressed her gratitude for the support to Mrs. Ushioda and the IJA.  Raymond Hegarty thanked Donagh Morris for his support and assistance with the scholarship management and administration process over the last 2 years.

In 2020, due to the pandemic, the scholarship award was put on pause but the IJA is delighted to announce that in 2021 the scholarship will be awarded to a student from University of Limerick – based on their academic merits. 

Summary of the IJA Financial Statements for 2020 was shared with the AGM participants, membership subscription fees were approved for 2021/2022 and the new IJA Council members were announced.

Raymond Hegarty informed that this year there are 8 current Council members leaving the Council. He thanked Colin Murray (Retro Vino), Donagh Morris (MUFG Fund Services), Eoghan Howe (Bank of Ireland), Graham Ryan (Yamamori), Hiro Ino (IJA Individual Member), Niall Moriarty (AIB), Shane Geraghty (Dillon Eustace) and Zach Schroeder (IJA Individual Member) for their work, participation and team effort during their time on the Council.

This year the IJA received a record number of nominations for the IJA Council elections – 17, and the elections for the very first time were held online from Thursday, 11th March – Thursday, 18th March.

Seven new Council members were welcomed to the IJA Council this year – Catherine Grennell-Whyte (Finnair/ATTS), Karl O’Reilly (KWE Ireland), Laura Goonan (Dillon Eustace), Pamela Connell (Bank of Ireland), Paula Kelly (IJA Individual Member), Rachel Curry (AIB) and Stephen Mullin (CPL Ireland).

The newly elected IJA Council for 2021:

Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson

  1. Raymond Hegarty (Chairperson)
  2. Yasuyuki Ozeki, JETRO (Vice-Chairperson)

Corporate Members:

  1. Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Finnair/ATTS
  2. Darina Slattery, Unique Japan Tours
  3. Karl O’Reilly, KWE Ireland
  4. Laura Goonan, Dillon Eustace
  5. Pamela Connell, Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking
  6. Rachel Curry, AIB Corporate Banking
  7. Stephen Mullin, CPL Ireland
  8. Tsugumi Yamamoto, Grant Thornton Ireland

Individual Members:

  1. Eddie Hughes, IJA Individual Member
  2. Hiroaki Ozaki, IJA Individual Member
  3. Paula Kelly, IJA Individual Member
  4. Verity Swan, IJA Individual Member

Not on Council but invited to attend meetings:

  1. Sou Watanabe (Honorary Member)

 

EU-Japan News | March 2021 Issue Available Now

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EU-Japan NEWS is the quarterly newsletter of the EU-Japan Centre launched in 2003 and containing EU-Japan-related news and features on topics of interest to EU and Japan businesses and public bodies.

The newest issue of the March 2021 Newsletter is available in an online and PDF version packed with the EU and Japan related news, partnering opportunities, network news and lots of other useful information and links.

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is a unique venture between the European Commission and the Japanese government. It is a non-profit organisation established as an affiliate of the Institute of International Studies and Training (IIST). It aims at promoting all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan and at improving EU and Japanese companies’ competitiveness and cooperation by facilitating exchanges of experience and know-how between EU and Japanese businesses.

You can read full March 2021 Newsletter online here!

You can read full March 2021 Newsletter in PDF format here!

Read the Tokyo Journal for FREE | Exclusive to the IJA Members only

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We are delighted to let you know that we have secured an exclusive opportunity for the IJA members to have full access to the newest issue of the Tokyo Journal, one of the oldest English magazines from Japan sold across bookstores in Japan and internationally.

If you are a Corporate or Individual member of the IJA and would like to get free access to the quarterly issue of the Tokyo Journal, please contact us by email: info@ija.ie and we will send you log-in details to access the newest issue online.

The magazine was established in 1981 and since the early ’80s, it has been distributed in major bookstores throughout Japan as well as internationally. For over three decades, the Tokyo Journal has provided a glimpse into Japanese culture, all sectors of life and styles, entertainment, and events, often through the eyes of those who have travelled and lived there.

In 2017, Tokyo Journal received the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Travel and Tourism’s Japan Travel Agency Commissioner’s Award.

EU-Japan News | December 2020 Issue Available Now

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EU-Japan NEWS is the quarterly newsletter of the EU-Japan Centre launched in 2003 and containing EU-Japan-related news and features on topics of interest to EU and Japan businesses and public bodies.

The newest issue of the December 2020 Newsletter is available in an online and PDF version packed with the EU and Japan related news, partnering opportunities, network news and lots of other useful information and links.

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is a unique venture between the European Commission and the Japanese government. It is a non-profit organisation established as an affiliate of the Institute of International Studies and Training (IIST). It aims at promoting all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan and at improving EU and Japanese companies’ competitiveness and cooperation by facilitating exchanges of experience and know-how between EU and Japanese businesses.


You can read full December 2020 Newsletter online here!

You can read full December 2020 Newsletter in PDF format here!

Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship | Post-scholarship report by Sophia Herar

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We are delighted to let you know that Sophia Herar, Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship recipient in 2019, has returned from Japan where she studied at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies.
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Studying abroad is a unique, unforgettable experience and we are happy that Sophia had this wonderful opportunity not only to study in Japan but also to explore the country, experience Japan’s authentic culture and make new friendships. Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, Sophia’s stay in Japan was cut short but she would like to express her gratitude for the support and wonderful year abroad to Mrs. Ushioda and the IJA.
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‘I prepared for so many eventualities, and yet the most memorable moments were the ones I could have never anticipated. Traveling abroad for a year undoubtedly poses more challenges than anyone can prepare for, but they make the joyous moments all the more worth living.’ – Sophia Herar 

Sophia Herar and Mrs. Yoshiko Ushioda, IJA founder member and Scholarship Patron at the official presentation of the scholarship (August 2019).

If you would like to read about Sophia’s experience in Japan, her full post-scholarship essay is available on the IJA website here!
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Sophia and her friends on a hiking trip from Kibuneguchi to Kurama

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First time wearing a traditional Kimono

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Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda Scholarship was established in 2019 in honour of Dr. and Mrs. Ushioda’s major contribution to the development of the Ireland Japan Association and Ireland-Japan relations, and to underpin the association’s strong commitment to supporting Japanese studies in Ireland.
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IJCC Partner Focus: Ireland Japan Association

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The Ireland Japan Association has been featured in the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC) November 2020 newsletter issue under Partner Focus section.

The IJCC is a not-for-profit organisation and business network for Irish and Japanese companies and professionals. It was formally established in 2008 by a decision of the Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry. It replaced the Japan Ireland Economic Association (JIEA) which, since its foundation in 1973, has been the representative body for Irish-Japanese business interests in Japan. Members represent a cross-section of companies, business people and entrepreneurs from Ireland, Japan and other countries. The Chamber is a stakeholder in the European Business Council in Japan, the trade policy arm of the European Chambers and business organisations in Japan. The Chamber works closely with the Embassy of Ireland (The Ambassador of Ireland to Japan is Patron of the IJCC) and other Ireland-related institutions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt from the IJCC newsletter:

‘The objectives of the IJA are to promote greater economic and business ties between Ireland and Japan and to foster mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries, in particular, to encourage and assist in improving the knowledge of the culture of each country within the other. The IJA supports various cultural and educational learning facilities in Ireland for Japanese & Irish children such as the Japanese Saturday Schools and the Japanese Language Teachers in Ireland, who each play a crucial role in educating children in Ireland on Japanese language and culture.’

To read the full article, please see the link here: https://www.ijcc.jp/news/partner-focus-irish-japan-association

EU-Japan News | October 2020 Issue Available Now – NEW WEB Version

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EU-Japan NEWS is the quarterly newsletter of the EU-Japan Centre launched in 2003 and containing EU-Japan-related news and features on topics of interest to EU and Japan businesses and public bodies.

*NEW!* The newest issue of the October 2020 Newsletter is available now in an online version (in addition to the usual PDF) with the EU and Japan related news, partnering opportunities, network news and lots of other useful information and links.

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is a unique venture between the European Commission and the Japanese government. It is a non-profit organisation established as an affiliate of the Institute of International Studies and Training (IIST). It aims at promoting all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan and at improving EU and Japanese companies’ competitiveness and cooperation by facilitating exchanges of experience and know-how between EU and Japanese businesses.

You can read full October 2020 Newsletter here!

Winners Announced | JAPANORAMIC Photo Competition

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Thank you for all your wonderful entries for the IJA Photo Competition ‘JAPANORAMIC’. The IJA received 83 beautiful photographs from 42 contestants giving an insight into their best moments during travels in Japan.

We are living in times when overseas travels have been cancelled or limited due to a worldwide pandemic, and we were hoping that this competition will allow people to revisit the places they have been to in the past and share the beauty of their trips also with others.

‘We were delighted to receive a large number of entries (83 in total!) to our JAPANORAMIC photo competition. All entries were of a very high standard, so the judging was indeed a difficult task. Please join us in congratulating the winners and honourable mentions. We thank all entrants again for their participation and enthusiasm!’ – The IJA Judging Panel of the JAPANORAMIC Photo Competition

Our judges were delighted with the number and the quality of photographs, and it has been very difficult to select the top three winning images but without further ado, we are delighted to announce the three winners of our 2020 Photo Competition!

1st place – congratulations go to Alex Sinclair and the winning image:

Osaka (January 2020). Image was shot on black-and-white 35mm film. (C) Copyright Alex Sinclair

2nd place – congratulations go to Peter Sheerin and image:

Dusk in Matsu (May 2016). I always like to go out for a wander when I visit somewhere new, you never know what you’ll stumble across. Even though this was just a small piece of municipal decoration along a main road, there was something striking about it in the dusk with the moon rising behind. (C) Copyright Peter Sheerin

3rd place – congratulations go to Kenneth Waters and image:

Tokyo Nexus (November 2019). Looking out from the observation deck in Tokyo Tower watching unhindered the city flowing through the arterial nexus of its amazing transportation network. (C) Copyright Kenneth Waters

All 3 winners have been contacted by the IJA about the competition results and prizes.

We would like to use this opportunity and thank everybody who entered our competition this year! We really enjoyed all your holiday photos!

The IJA Judging Panel would also like to share the Honourable Mentions:

Yosakoi Wave, by Kate McConville

Yosakoi Wave – 26th August 2017 – Taken during the Yosakoi Dance performance, the flag bearer harnesses a stoic strength and power to elevate his team-mates’ performances. As integral to the team as any dancer, he waves his flag with all his might. (C) Copyright Kate McConville

Surfers of Sendai Shinko, by Daniel Kelly

Surfers of Sendai Shinko – 2018/12/24 – Shinko (Sendai, Miyagi) is a popular spot for surfers, offering some of the best waves in Tohoku. However, following the 2011 tsunami, the area was destroyed. Through the determination of the local surfers, restoration is underway. This photo shows the die-hard surfers who continue to surf during the reconstruction. (C) Copyright Daniel Kelly

Portrait of a Gaijin, by Saša Krnetic

Portrait of a Gaijin Turn the head away from panorama of Kyoto and you’ll find yourself in garden of delight… Who doesn’t love fluorescent trees right beneath the clouds? She surely does! (C) Copyright Saša Krnetic

Senso-ji temple through a lens ball in Tokyo, by Stephanie FitzGerald-Smith

Senso-ji temple through a Lens Ball in Tokyo – January 2019 (C) Copyright Stephanie FitzGerald-Smith

Kyoto, the kids & the colour, by Andrew Keegan

Kyoto, the kids & the colour – again outside of the Kyoto station the school kids were waiting for the bus home? I liked the “bland” of the uniforms & concrete building ,against the bright colour of the mural. (C) Copyright Andrew Keegan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EU-Japan News | June 2020 Issue Available Now

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EU-Japan NEWS is the quarterly newsletter of the EU-Japan Centre launched in 2003 and containing EU-Japan-related news and features on topics of interest to EU and Japan businesses and public bodies.

The newest issue of the June 2020 Newsletter is available now with the EU and Japan related news, partnering opportunities, Enterprise Europe network news and lots of other useful information and links.

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is a unique venture between the European Commission and the Japanese government. It is a non-profit organisation established as an affiliate of the Institute of International Studies and Training (IIST). It aims at promoting all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan and at improving EU and Japanese companies’ competitiveness and cooperation by facilitating exchanges of experience and know-how between EU and Japanese businesses.

You can read full June 2020 Newsletter here!

In Memoriam: Dr Tom Hardiman (1929-2020)

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The Ireland Japan Association is sad to hear of the passing of Dr Tom Hardiman.

Dr. Hardiman was an honorary member of the IJA and contributed regularly at IJA Council meetings as a knowledgeable and passionate advocate of EU-Japan relations. He was kind and insightful on matters of business, culture and education. He spoke with beautiful, measured language and always had a twinkle in his eye.

He left a deep impression on everybody he met. We were blessed in the Ireland Japan Association to share the time with such a great man.

Our thoughts are with his wife, Rosaleen, his family and many friends at this time.

Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson

On behalf of the Council of the Ireland Japan Association

Photo: www.ria.ie

Events

Circuits of Care: Ageing in Japan’s Robot Revolution | Film Screening + Q&A

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Together with UCD Japan and UCD Centre for Japanese Studies we are delighted to invite you to an online webinar ‘Circuits of Care: Ageing in Japan’s Robot Revolution’ – Film Screening + Q&A.

Date: Thursday, 20 May 2021
Time: 12 PM (Irish Standard Time)
Registration is required:  https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/circuits-of-care-ageing-in-japans-robot-revolution-film-screening-qa-tickets-142400950075

By 2036, one in three people in Japan will be over the age of 65. While the nation wrestles with a shrinking labour force, the Robot Revolution Initiative was launched to expand robotics into every corner of the Japanese economy and society.

Circuits of Care follows anthropologist David Prendergast as he meets researchers developing and testing assistive technologies for older adults. From cybernetic walking supports to companion robots and automated sensor networks in nursing homes, older adults and care professionals share their experiences of the practical benefits these technologies bring, the problems they create and the unexpected relationships that can blossom.

Speakers:

  • David Prendergast is a social anthropologist and Professor of Science, Technology and Society at Maynooth University in Ireland where he was also previously Head of the Department of Design Innovation. David also worked at Intel for eleven years where he was a Principal Investigator at the ‘Technology Research for Independent Living Centre’ and co-founder of the ‘Intel Institute for Sustainable Connected Cities’. He has served as Visiting Professor of Healthcare Innovation at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Trinity College Dublin. His latest book ‘Aging and the Digital Life Course’ was named a CHOICE ‘Outstanding Academic Title’ by the American Library Association and was described as one of ‘the two most fascinating books on ageing in the 21st Century’ by the Huffington Post.
  • Naonori Kodate is Associate Professor in Social Policy, University College Dublin and the founding Director of UCD Centre for Japanese Studies. He was previously Research Associate at NIHR King’s Patient Safety and Service Quality Research Centre, UK, and is currently affiliated with la Fondation France-Japon de l’Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales. He is the Principal Investigator of an international research project “Harmonisation towards the establishment of Person-centred, Robotics-aided Care System (HARP)”, working with teams in Ireland, Japan, Hong Kong and France. His recent publications include: ‘Can connected technologies improve sleep quality and safety of older adults and care-givers? (Technology in Society)’ and ‘Home-care robots – attitudes and perceptions among older people, carers and care professionals in Ireland (Health and Social Care in the Community)’.

For more information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/circuits-of-care-ageing-in-japans-robot-revolution-film-screening-qa-tickets-142400950075

 

This event is supported by:

IJA Japanese Conversation Group

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

Meetings will take place every Wednesday from 9-10 p.m. via Zoom. To join the group, please sign up by sending email to: info@ija.ie.

Basic Japanese language skills are required. Each week participants will discuss a topic named in advance, and, from time to time, native Japanese speakers will be joining the group to help with the advice.

Please note that this conversation group is a fun activity for people who enjoy speaking Japanese, and not a language course/class.

This group is open to the IJA members only.

Please see the upcoming group meeting dates: 

  • Wednesday, 21st April 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 28th April 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 5th May 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 12th May 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 19th May 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 26th May 9 p.m.