Tag Archive for: Ireland Japan Association

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

 

 

Tazaki Foods joins the IJA as a Corporate member

Ireland Japan Association is delighted to welcome Tazaki Foods, the leading importer, developer and distributor of speciality Japanese food and beverage products in Europe, on board the IJA as a Corporate member, and is looking forward to a long lasting and successful cooperation.

 

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Tazaki Foods was founded in 1978 for the purpose of importing Japanese food and beverage products into the UK. The company has since grown to become the leading importer and wholesaler of speciality Japanese food and beverage products in Europe – supplying not only the Japanese restaurant and food service sectors, but also major supermarket chains throughout Europe.
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Working in close partnership with a global network of suppliers, Tazaki Foods sources high quality, Japanese products that meet the evolving needs of the food service and retail industries. Harnessing its extensive knowledge and experience in the sector, the company also launched its own “Yutaka” range of Japanese food products in 1995. This ever-expanding range today includes ingredients for sushi, sauces, soups, rice, noodles, as well as easy-to-use meal kits. Yutaka continues to be the leading Japanese ingredient brand in many countries across Europe.
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Tazaki Foods has been supplying Japanese food products to the Irish market for close to two decades, fostering close relationships with both restaurant and wholesale customers over this time. Since 2021, the company has operated from a partner warehouse located close to Dublin, which has enabled it to provide a more convenient and efficient service to customers throughout the country.
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Tazaki Foods sees great potential in the Irish market, particularly in the aftermath of Brexit, and will be focusing greater resources here going forward to drive further expansion, both domestically and across the EU.
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We are delighted to support the Ireland Japan Association and the important work it does in cultivating ties between the two countries. We very much look forward to meeting other members over the coming weeks and months.
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If you wish to learn more about Tazaki Foods and services they provide, please visit their websites: https://www.tazakifoods.com/ and https://yutaka.london/ or visit their social media –  LinkedIn or Twitter!
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Tag Archive for: Ireland Japan Association

IJA Japanese Conversation Group

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

Meetings 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 contact us for more information: info@ija.ie

 

Spring Ikebana Workshops with Tomoko Sempo Yanagi

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[Update: 13.03.2024 – Please note that both workshops are fully booked right now. All new applicants will be placed on the waiting list.
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We are delighted to invite you to join our spring ‘Ikebana Workshops’ organised in cooperation with Tomoko Sempo Yanagi, Professor of Ikenobo Ikebana Society and Chairperson of Ikenobo UK and Ireland Group, and hosted by Warrenmount Education Centre.
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Discover the art and history of Ikebana, learn specific Ikebana techniques and have a hands-on experience creating beautiful Ikebana flower arrangements for your home!
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Date: Saturday, 23rd March 2024
Time: Two workshops will be offered on the day: 10.30 AM – 12 PM and 1 PM – 2.30 PM
Venue: Warrenmount Education Centre, 15/17 Mill Street, Dublin 8, D08 V58X
Please note there is no parking available at the venue, and we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and parking options in advance.
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Tickets:
* €35 for one workshop | €65 for two workshops (includes: workshop, flowers, materials)Please note that you have to bring your own Kenzan, minimum size 2.75 inch / 7cm diameter when choosing this workshop/s.
* €55 for one workshop | €85 for two workshops (includes: workshop, flowers, materials + 1 Kenzan)
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Gift: Workshop attendees can join one complimentary online class (30 mins) from April to June to follow up with Ikebana leaning.
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* Vases will be on loan.

* Extra Kenzan can be purchased at the workshop (€20) if stock lasts.

* Ikebana scissors can be purchased at the workshop (€40) if you pre-book in advance.

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Bookings: To book your ticket, please contact us by Monday, 18th March by email: info@ija.ie or call us: 01-6787008.
Cancellations: Cancellations have to be made by Monday, 18th March. After this date refunds will not be available.
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Event plan:

* History, philosophy and traditions of Ikebana flower arranging art.

* Demonstration of Ikebana flower arranging by Tomoko Sempo Yanagi.

* Opportunity for participants to create their own Ikebana arrangements with the guidance from Tomoko Sempo Yanagi and her assistants.

* Photo option of the finished arrangements.

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About Ikebana
Ikebana is an ancient and meditative Japanese art of flower arranging, initiated by Ikenobo in Kyoto, and cherished by emperors, high-ranked warriors, and lords for a long period of time. It dates back over 550 years and is still practiced as a highly respected cultural art form all over the world, maintaining traditional methods and incorporating several new styles that have developed over history.
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Flowers are not only beautiful, but they could reflect the passing of time, and how we respond to an ever-changing future. There is beauty not only in an open flower, but also a flower’s bud which holds the energy of life as it opens towards the future. Together with flowers, humans are vital parts of nature and arranging Ikebana expresses this awareness. – Tomoko Sempo Yanagi
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About Tomoko Sempo Yanagi
Tomoko Sempo Yanagi is a president of Ikenobo UK and Ireland Group and holds professor status with the Ikenobo School of Ikebana. Experienced in Ikebana since childhood. Her first public Ikebana demonstration was in California in 1989. After she moved to the UK in 1998, she exhibited her Ikebana works and conducted workshops at various places and occasions including The Embassy of Japan, Hammersmith and Fulham Flower Show, Google European HQ (Dublin), Cisco Poland, Flower Council of Holland, and a range of secondary schools in London. She was awarded a bronze medal at the Royal Horticultural Society, London Flower Show in 2001. Educated and lived in Japan, the US and the UK, she is also a mother of Irish/Japanese boys.
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IJA Annual Dinner 2024

IJA Council is delighted to announce the Ireland Japan Association’s Annual Dinner 2024 – one of the largest and most enjoyable events of the year for the Irish-Japanese community. This event carries forward the tradition of celebrating our community of valued members, the achievements and successful work throughout the year to highlight the business and culture ties between Ireland and Japan.

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We invite you to join us for celebrations, fine dining and prize giving on Friday, 17th May 2024 at one of Dublin’s most luxurious and beautiful city centre venues – Conrad Dublin.
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We are looking forward to welcome H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan in Ireland and the IJA Patron as our Guest of Honour at the event.
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Date: Friday, 17th May 2024
Time: From 6.30 p.m.
Venue: Conrad Dublin, Earlsfort Terracе, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 V562 – Google Maps
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We are looking forward to welcoming you at the IJA Annual Dinner, and would greatly appreciate your attendance this year.

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