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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

IJA Annual General Meeting 2020 | Review

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The 30th Annual General Meeting for the Ireland Japan Association took place on Thursday, 19th March 2020. It was hosted via conference call due to the Covid-19 developments in the country and advice from the authorities to avoid large meetings indoors.

Darina Slattery, 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, and all IJA Corporate and Individual members.

In her report, Darina Slattery noted that 2019 was a very busy year for the IJA, especially with the Rugby World Cup taking place in Japan which created a lot of interest about Japan here in Ireland. 16 business and culture events were organized throughout the past year (14 events in 2019 and 2 events in 2020), including Japanese language courses, free Japanese conversation group meetings in cooperation with TCD, business briefings in cooperation with the IJA Corporate members, RWC Travel and Culture Day, Sushi & Sake experience, exclusive fine dining event at Michelin star restaurant Ichigo Ichie, IJA Annual Dinner, Annual Golf Outing, Japanese Noh ‘Between the Stones’ tour in Ireland and Bounenkai celebration at the end of the year.

The IJA supported four organizations with donations in 2019: Dublin School for Japanese Children (DSJC), Japanese School of Ireland, Experience Japan festival in Dublin and 17th Japanese Speech Contest.  

Ushioda Scholarship was established 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 2019, the scholarship was awarded to Sophia Herar, DCU.

Darina Slattery informed that IJA member’s network has 37 corporate members and 45 individual members. Four new corporate members have recently joined the IJA – CLP Resources plc, MUFG Investor Services, Retro Vino and Clover Aircraft Leasing. Darina Slattery thanked AIB for continuous support and decision to remain as a Patron member for 2020.

Summary of the IJA Financial Statements for 2019 was shared with the AGM participants, membership subscription fees were approved for 2020/2021 and the new IJA Council members were announced.

Darina Slattery thanked Neil Maher (Mitsubishi Electric) and Paula Kelly (Individual member) for their work at the IJA Council in the past years. Both have stepped down at the AGM after three years of service at the IJA Council. Darina Slattery also informed that after four years in the position of the IJA Chairperson, she is stepping down and thanked everyone at the IJA Council for a truly amazing work promoting Japanese culture and strengthening ties between both countries.

Four new Council members were welcomed to the IJA Council this year – Colin Murray (Retro Vino / Retro Sake), Eddie Hughes (Individual member), Hiroaki Ozaki (Individual member) and Zachary Schroeder (Individual member), and very warm welcome to the newly elected IJA Chairperson – Raymond Hegarty.

The newly elected IJA Council for 2020:

Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Ex-Officio

  1. Raymond Hegarty (Chairperson)
  2. Yasuyuki Ozeki, JETRO (Vice-Chairperson)
  3. Darina Slattery, Unique Japan Tours (Ex-Officio)

Corporate Members:

  1. Colin Murray, Retro Vino
  2. Eoghan Howe, BOI Corporate Banking
  3. Donagh Morris, MUFG Investor Services
  4. Graham Ryan, Yamamori
  5. Niall Moriarty, AIB Corporate Banking
  6. Shane Geraghty, Dillon Eustace
  7. Tsugumi Yamamoto, Grant Thornton Ireland

Individual Members:

  1. Eddie Hughes, Individual Member
  2. Hiro Ino, Individual Member
  3. Hiroaki Ozaki, Individual Member
  4. Verity Swan, Individual Member
  5. Zachary Schroeder, Individual Member

Not on Council but invited to attend meetings:

  1. Sou Watanabe (Honorary)
  2. Tom Hardiman (Honorary)

Darina Slattery informed that the IJA is carefully monitoring the situation regarding Covid-19 and, unfortunately, all IJA upcoming events in March have been cancelled. The IJA will be following public health advice guidelines from the authorities regarding events in the next months. Please follow announcements on the IJA website and social media.

Coronavirus COVID-19 | IJA Announcement

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The IJA is carefully monitoring the situation regarding Coronavirus COVID-19 and would like to inform that at the moment all IJA upcoming events in March are cancelled or will take place virtually/online/via conference call. [updated on 16.03.2020]

It is essential that any decisions regarding responses to COVID-19 are proportionate, necessary and based on specific public health advice. We will be following public health advice guidelines, will consult our event hosts/venues, and will make the decision about each upcoming event separately. Please follow announcements on our website and social media.

We would like to ask that the public continue to follow hse.ie and gov.ie for accurate information regarding COVID-19, its symptoms and the steps the public can take to protect themselves.

IJA Council

 

Events

IJA AGM 2021

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*SAVE THE DATE*

Following the official guidelines and taking into account the current situation in the country, we would like to inform our members that the 31st Annual General Meeting for the Ireland Japan Association will take place on Wednesday, 24th March 2021 at 3 p.m. The meeting will be held online via Zoom platform.

More details coming soon!

Note: You need to be a fully paid-up member to vote and attend the AGM.

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, 27th January 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 3rd February 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 10th February 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 17th February 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 24th February 9 p.m.