Tag Archive for: Ireland Japan relations

IJA Chairperson meets with Ambassador Miyagawa at the Embassy of Japan

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We would like to sincerely thank the new Japanese Ambassador to Ireland, Manabu Miyagawa, and his team for their warm hospitality in welcoming the IJA Chairperson, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, to the Embassy for a meeting on 5th January.

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The Ireland Japan Association greatly values the close and longstanding relationship between Ireland and Japan, and we look forward to working closely together to further strengthen the ties of friendship, understanding, and cooperation between our two countries.

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Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland

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The Embassy published the following announcement about the visit:

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On 5 January, Ambassador-designate MIYAGAWA Manabu met Ms. Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Chairperson of the Ireland Japan Association. Both sides looked back at economic and cultural exchanges between Ireland and Japan generated through the IJA’s activities down through the years. They also exchanged views on future opportunities for further cooperation.
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Ambassador-designate reiterated his congratulations on IJA’s receipt of the Foreign Minister’s Commendation in 2025 for their outstanding contribution to exchanges between Ireland and Japan. The Embassy of Japan in Ireland will continue to collaborate with the IJA for even deeper and diversified relations between our two countries for many years to come.’
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アイルランド日本協会との交流
　１月５日、宮川学駐アイルランド大使は、キャサリン・グレネル＝ホワイト・アイルランド日本協会会長と会談しました。両者は長年にわたるアイルランド日本協会を通じた両国間の経済・文化交流を振り返り、また、今後の協力の機会についても意見を交わしました。大使は、同協会の日アイルランド交流への貢献に対する令和７年の外務大臣表彰につき改めて祝意を表しました。日本大使館は、これからも末永く同協会と連携して、日アイルランド関係を一層豊かなものにしていく考えです。
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L-R: Keiko Nakata, Embassy of Japan, Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson and H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland

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Photos: Embassy of Japan in Ireland

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Christmas Greetings from Catherine Grennell-Whyte, IJA Chairperson

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As we approach the festive season and reflect on the year that has passed, we are pleased to share a Christmas message from Catherine Grennell-Whyte, Chairperson of the Ireland Japan Association.

Her words capture the spirit of gratitude, community, and shared values that continue to strengthen the friendship between Ireland and Japan.

On behalf of the IJA Council, we warmly extend these greetings to our members, partners, and supporters.

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As the year draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to thank everyone in the Ireland Japan Association – our Individual members, Corporate members, Partners, and Supporters, not forgetting, of course, our Council Members and Secretariat – for being part of our community throughout the past year.
It has been a busy and meaningful year for the IJA, and much of what we achieved was made possible by the commitment, goodwill, and generosity of our members. Whether your support came through participation at events, sponsorship, collaboration, or quiet encouragement, each contribution helped strengthen the friendship and understanding between Ireland and Japan.
I am particularly grateful for the sense of openness and respect that defines our amazing Association and community. The Ireland – Japan relationship is built not only on shared interests but on shared values, and it is always encouraging to see those values reflected in the way our members engage with one another.
At Christmas, we are reminded of the importance of connection, gratitude, respect and community. I personally and sincerely hope this season brings you time to rest, reflect, and enjoy the company of family, friends, and colleagues.
On behalf of the Council and the Ireland Japan Association, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy, peaceful Christmas, and every good wish for health, success, and friendship in the year ahead.
With warmest regards,
Catherine Grennell-Whyte
IJA Chairperson
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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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Interview with Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson | 2022 Ireland Report for The Japan Times

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We are delighted and very proud that the 2022 Ireland Report for The Japan Times features an interview with Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson. You can read the full interview with Raymond Hegarty here: https://sms-bridges.com/encouraging-connections/
Founded in 1897, The Japan Times is Japan’s largest and oldest English-language daily newspaper with headquarters in Tokyo.
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This interview was prepared in cooperation with media specialists SMS Bridges. Bridges is a digital business and lifestyle magazine for high-level Japanese executives, global business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs.

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