Tag Archive for: Ireland Japan Association

MLI International Schools joins the IJA as a Corporate member

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

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IJA Celebrates Bounenkai End of Year Party 2025

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

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Welcome speech by Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The IJA Chairperson’s Lunch 2025: Celebrating Friendship and Recognition

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On Wednesday, 5th November, the Ireland Japan Association was delighted to host the annual IJA Chairperson’s Lunch at the iconic Stephen’s Green Club, Dublin.

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This year’s event was particularly special as we celebrated the Commendation by the Japanese Foreign Minister, an honour awarded to the Ireland Japan Association earlier this year in recognition of its longstanding contribution to fostering strong economic, cultural, and educational ties between Ireland and Japan.

The lunch brought together members, partners, and friends of the IJA for an afternoon of connection and celebration.

We were honoured to welcome our Guest Speaker, Ivana Bacik TD, Leader of the Labour Party, who shared thoughtful remarks on leadership, collaboration, and Ireland’s growing ties with Japan. We were also privileged to hear from Koji Hirohata, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Japan, who addressed guests and congratulated the IJA on receiving the prestigious commendation.

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Ivana Bacik TD, Leader of the Labour Party

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Koji Hirohata, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Japan

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The event was attended by IJA Council members, corporate and individual members, and a number of the Association’s former Chairs and Vice Chairs, who have each played an important role in shaping the organisation’s journey over the years.

It was a memorable afternoon celebrating the friendship between Ireland and Japan, the achievements of the IJA community, and the shared commitment to building an even stronger partnership for the future.

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IJA Chairpersons – from L-R: Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Darina Slattery, Richard Ryan, Paula Kelly, Donagh Morris and Raymond Hegarty

From L-R: Koji Hirohata, Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Japan, Teresa Weafer, Google Ireland, Ivana Bacik TD, Leader of Labour Party, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson, Raymond Hegarty, IJA Council

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Bank of Ireland Team Wins the IJA Ishikawa Golf Cup 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Foxrock Golf Club

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – Foxrock Golf Club

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025

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Ireland Hosts the 11th International Symposium on Dialogue for Global Innovation

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The Ireland Japan Association was proud to sponsor and co-organise the 11th International Symposium on Dialogue for Global Innovation (DFGI-11), which took place in Dublin on 16 – 17 September 2025 at Trinity College Dublin.

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This year’s theme, Technologies for Human Flourishing: Advancing AI & Quantum Computing with Responsibility,’ could not have been more timely. Over the course of two days, inspiring speakers and leaders from Europe and Japan came together to share insights on global technology and innovation, explore future opportunities, and discuss the responsibilities that come with advancing cutting-edge fields such as AI and quantum computing.

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We were especially honoured that IJA Chairperson, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, addressed the symposium participants on the opening day. In her remarks, Catherine introduced the work of the IJA and emphasised its mission as a bridge between Ireland and Japan, fostering collaboration in business, culture, and education. “It is a privilege for the IJA to contribute to this important dialogue,” she said, “and to see Ireland host such an influential gathering of minds, dedicated to innovation with responsibility.”

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

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Traditionally held in London, DFGI has long been a platform for leading voices from Europe and Japan to exchange expertise and strengthen cooperation across business, academia, and technology. Hosting the symposium in Ireland for the first time highlighted Ireland’s growing role in this global dialogue and provided a unique opportunity to build new connections and partnerships.

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The IJA would like to thank the organisers, partners, and supporters of this prestigious event for making it such a success. Events like DFGI-11 play an important role in today’s rapidly evolving world, reminding us of the need to combine innovation with responsibility, and dialogue with collaboration.

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson during her speech at the DFGI-11 in Dublin, Ireland

 

Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson during her speech at the DFGI-11 in Dublin, Ireland

 

From L-R: Raymond Hegarty, IJA Council, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and David Doran, IDA Ireland

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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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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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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!

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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Tag Archive for: Ireland Japan Association

IJA Japanese Language Course 2026 | Beginners Level

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Are you ready to begin your journey into the Japanese language? Join the IJA Japanese Language Course for Beginners starting in January 2026 and take your first step towards building a solid foundation in Japanese for both personal and professional use.
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共に学ぶ (Tomo ni manabu) | Learn together
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This Basic/Foundation Japanese Language Course is designed to introduce essential language structures, useful everyday expressions, and practical communication skills – all in an engaging and supportive environment, and taught by our experienced Japanese tutor, a native speaker.
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Course schedule (4 Weeks)
Start Date: Tuesday, 20th January 2026
Class Dates:
* Tuesday, 20th January
* Tuesday, 27th January
* Tuesday, 3rd February
* Tuesday, 10th February
Time: 6.30 – 8 p.m. (90-min classes)
Venue: Dillon Eustace, 33 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2
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Who is this course designed for?
* Anyone with no or very little experience in the Japanese language.
* Those planning to visit Japan for tourism or business.
* Anyone who has visited Japan and wants to deepen their understanding.
* Students considering Japanese studies in college who want a “taste” of the language beforehand.
* Advised age group: 18+
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Course fees
€100 – IJA Members
€160 – Non-Members
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Additional information
* Spaces are limited and early booking is highly recommended.
* All materials and handouts are included in the price.
* The course will proceed only with a minimum of 5 participants.
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Ready to participate?
Don’t miss this opportunity and secure your place today!
Email: info@ija.ie
Call: 01 473 7981
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Please RSVP and book your place by Friday, 9th January 2026.
Cancellations must be made by Friday, 9th January 2026. Refunds cannot be issued after this date.
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This event is organised in partnership with IJA Corporate Member – Dillon Eustace.
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IJA Japanese Book Club

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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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Meetings take place once every quarter and the date, time and Zoom link is shared with registered club members via email. The meetings are conducted in English, and all selected books can be read in either Japanese or English.
FEBRUARY 2026
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We are delighted to announce that the next meeting of the IJA Japanese Book Club will take place on Thursday, 12th February, and warmly invite you to join us online.
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February 2026 Japanese Book Club Meeting
Date: Thursday, 12th February 2026
Time: 8 – 9 PM
Format: Online Talk & Discussion – Zoom link will be shared with all registered participants closer to the date)
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Book of the Month | ‘Hikikomori – Journey from Darkness’ by Luke Darracott
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About the Book
This Japan-based novel tells the story of a young man called Natsuo. He is an hikikomori, a social recluse, who has spent over a decade in self-imposed isolation on the southern island of Shikoku. During an intense summer of near-constant typhoons he will finally find a reason to leave his house, undertaking an adventure that will see him journey to hell and back through the depths of Japanese folklore and legend. The world teeters in the balance as the reality that Natsuo knows starts to crumble.
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Have a peek – Introduction & a part of Chapter 1 from the book
https://issuu.com/ybernia/docs/hikikomori_journey_from_darkness_by_luke_darraco
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About Luke Darracott

Luke Darracott is a writer, translator, presenter, and wine expert based in Madrid. A passionate traveler, photographer, and lover of both Japanese and Spanish culture, he is rarely without a notebook or camera, whether climbing a mountain or enjoying a quiet corner of a Spanish bar. Originally from Berkshire, UK, Luke was raised in a family shaped by science, travel, and international roots.

After studying Spanish and Russian at the University of Bath, he lived in Madrid and Moscow, immersing himself in local culture and developing his craft as a storyteller. He published his first book, The Sun Struck Upwards, in 2010, followed by El Camino in 2015. His latest novel, Hikikomori: Journey From Darkness, continues his exploration of cultural connection and narrative adventure.

In addition to his writing, Luke co-owns Madrid & Darracott, a wine shop and tasting space in Madrid. A WSET Level 3 wine expert and certified Kikisake-shi sake specialist, he is dedicated to sharing the joy of wine, sake, and spirits through engaging and accessible education.

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