A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our IJA Conversation Groups Summer Meetup on 22nd August in Dublin! It was such a pleasure to meet so many of you in person and enjoy all the wonderful conversations together.
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This time, we talked about our favourite foods, home cooking, recipes and restaurants, shared cooking ideas and recommendations, and exchanged stories about our favourite dining experiences.
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The IJA Japanese Conversation Group will resume its online Zoom meetings next month, with the first session taking place on Tuesday, 8th September.
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And we’re already looking forward to seeing everyone again at our next in-person meetup on Saturday, 21st November!
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A huge thanks to our Council members, Azumi Uchitani and Yuka Nagano, for organising this event, as well as to the wonderful hosts at The Commons Cafe at MoLI for their warm hospitality.
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https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/CG-Summer-meetup-Aug-2026-9.jpeg15362048ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2026-08-25 14:30:582026-08-25 14:58:52IJA Conversation Groups Summer Meetup in Dublin
On 31 July, members of the IJA Council were honoured to attend the official presentation ceremony for Japan’s Foreign Minister’s Commendation at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan to Ireland.
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The commendation, awarded to the IJA in 2025, was formally presented to IJA Chairperson Raymond Hegarty, followed by speeches from H.E. Mr Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, and Raymond Hegarty.
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Raymond Hegarty, IJA Chairperson and H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland
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It is a great honour for the IJA to receive this prestigious recognition, acknowledging the Association’s longstanding work in supporting economic cooperation and trade links between Ireland and Japan, alongside our cultural, educational and community programmes.
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The IJA Council is grateful for this recognition and looks forward to continuing our work to strengthen the connections between Ireland and Japan, particularly as we look ahead to the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027.
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Our sincere thanks to the Embassy of Japan in Ireland for this honour and for its continued support and partnership throughout the years.
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From L-R: Keiko Nakata (Embassy of Japan), Koji Hirohata (Embassy of Japan), Graham Hodgkin (SMBC Bank EU AG/IJA Council), Rie Mishima (IJA Council), Catherine Grennell-Whyte (ATTS/Finnair/IJA Council), Raymond Hegarty (IJA Chairperson), H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa (Ambassador of Japan to Ireland), Peter Vambeck (Fitzwilliam Capital/IJA Council), Eddie Hughes (IJA Council), Graham Ryan (Yamamori/IJA Council) and Mrs. Noriko Miyagawa.
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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. In 2025, the IJA joined a distinguished group of 58 organisations and 173 individuals worldwide receiving the award.
Speech by H.E. Mr. Manabu Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, at the Commendation presentation ceremony
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We have gathered here tonight to celebrate, once again and formally, the presentation of the Foreign Minister’s Commendation 2025 to the Ireland Japan Association.
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For many years, the IJA has contributed to the development of economic relations between Japan and Ireland. The Association has also deepened mutual understanding, friendship and goodwill between the Irish and Japanese peoples through its vigorous cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
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I would like to offer my apologies that this ceremony has had to wait for so many months since last summer for various reasons. However, thanks to the positive spirit of the IJA, the Embassy of Japan, and all our Irish and Japanese friends, from last summer until today there have been excellent events and exchanges almost every month, or even more frequently, as far as I know.
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To name but a few, I remember fondly that the IJA co-hosted an AI Panel Discussion with the Embassy of Japan in March. The preparations began at my first meeting with Ms Catherine Grenell-Whyte, then Chairperson, at the Embassy on our first working day in January. The panel was moderated by Mr Raymond Hegarty, then Vice-Chairperson, while Catherine and Mr Neil Cowhey, then Chairperson-designate, were also present among many distinguished guests.
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In April, the IJA cooperated in the successful Japan Film Festival, featuring 17 films across Ireland.
In May, I was delighted to attend the IJA Annual Dinner and meet so many friends of Japan.
In June, here at this Residence, the IJA and the Embassy bade farewell to this year’s JET Programme participants before their departure for Japan.
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I was also grateful for the opportunity to say a few words to this year’s Dr and Mrs Ushioda Scholarship recipient at the ceremony hosted by the IJA, and also my wife Noriko and I were honoured to talk with Mr Richard Ryan, who was IJA Chairperson 20 years ago, and Mrs Helen Ryan.
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I am sure we will carry on with such heart-to-heart exchanges in the future.
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Last but not least, I have to announce some sad news. One of our most trusted friends will complete her second posting at the Embassy of Japan in Ireland after serving here for four years. Ms Nakata Keiko will move to her next posting in August.
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Most recently, we successfully selected three winning designs from over 250 entries for a joint logo to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland. Keiko also played an important coordinating role in this selection process.Now, dear friends, it is time for us to reflect with gratitude on the achievements of our predecessors and to renew our shared commitment as we look towards—and beyond—the 70th anniversary.
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It is now my great pleasure and honour to present the Foreign Minister’s Commendation to the Ireland Japan Association through its Chairperson, Mr Raymond Hegarty.
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https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/Foreign-Ministers-Commendation-Presentation-31-July-2026-1-scaled.jpg21352560ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2026-08-25 13:30:072026-09-30 15:24:57Ireland Japan Association Receives Japan’s Foreign Minister’s Commendation
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the IJA Conversation Groups Kick-Off Meetup on Sunday, 23rd May in Dublin! It was wonderful to see such strong support and to meet so many of you in person.
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We would also like to thank Richard Neville, JET Programme Ireland Coordinator at the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, and Raymond Hegarty, IJA Vice Chairperson, who joined us on the day.
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We were impressed by the enthusiasm and interest in practising Japanese and English, and we very much look forward to continuing these conversations online with you all at our IJA Conversation Groups.
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Special thanks go to our Council members, Azumi Uchitani and Yuka Nagano, for organising this event, as well as to the wonderful hosts at the Chester Beatty Library and The Silk Road Cafe for their warm hospitality.
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https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/Kick-Off-Meetup-May-2026-1.jpeg15362048ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2026-05-28 11:30:322026-06-17 16:44:21IJA Conversation Groups Kick-Off Meetup in Dublin
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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https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/IJA-Honoured-with-the-Foreign-Minister-of-Japans-Commendation-1.jpg13501080ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2025-09-01 08:00:132025-09-01 09:15:00Ireland Japan Association Honoured with Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation
We are very happy to announce the winners of the annual JLTI Japanese Language Contest 2023. This year, the theme for contest was “Diving into the world of Japanese”, and organisers invited entries in the form of speech or Japanese language soundtrack videos which tie in with this theme.
The entries were evaluated on a variety of criteria such as language level and expression, creativity and performance. The judging panel took into account the language background and learning experience of the entrants which was documented through their application forms.
The winners of 2023 contest:
Open Category
Japanese Language Award: Marco Perez-McKay
Language Achievement Award: Nadia Lagrutta & Xiadani Ortega Ramirez
Special Mention Award: Maria Mardiki
6th Year
Japanese Language Award: Andy Yu
Language Achievement Award: Ben Whelan
Special Mention Award: Meenakshy Bino
Language Recognition Award: Weronika Strek
5th Year
Japanese Language Award: Stefanie Reji
Language Achievement Award: Aeryn Noble
Special Mention Award: Aimee Fanning
Language Recognition Award: Cáit Whitmore
We congratulate all the winners and would like to thank everyone for the participation this year! Each winner have received comments from the judges and a voucher that will allow them to purchase Japanese-related textbooks, books, manga, accessories, origami, etc. as prizes.
https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/JLTI-Language-Contest-2023.png20001414ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2023-04-19 13:00:592023-04-28 13:35:53Winners Announced! | JLTI Japanese Language Contest 2023
This year, the theme is “Diving into the world of Japanese”, and organisers are inviting entries in the form of speech or Japanese language soundtrack videos which tie in with this theme. The Japanese Language Contest takes place online.
The entries will be evaluated on a variety of criteria such as language level and expression, creativity and performance, and the prizes will reward a range of different styles, abilities and effort. The judging panel will take into account the language background and learning experience of the entrants which will be documented through their application forms.
The entries will be evaluated on a variety of criteria such as language level and expression, creativity and performance, and the prizes will reward a range of different styles, abilities and effort. The judging panel will take into account the language background and learning experience of the entrants which will be documented through their application forms.
Applications are accepted for:
* Secondary School Category: TY/LC1 Category & LC2 Category
* Open Category
Application Deadline: Monday, 6th March 2023
Results will be announced in early April.
For application forms, competition guidelines and additional information, please visit:
https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/JLTI-Language-Contest-2023.png20001414ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2023-02-22 12:03:482023-02-22 12:05:58JLTI Japanese Language Contest 2023 | Apply Now!
Joseph (14) has always loved to discover new and challenging things to learn. He learned to read when he was two years old, and by the time he was ten, he was teaching himself Chinese characters. He loves learning new languages and currently speaks Polish, English, and Irish, and is learning Japanese, French, and German. Joseph is also a pianist and has won a few competitions in Ireland. He is currently doing RIAM Grade 7 at the age of 14.
His passion has always been languages, different cultures of the world, music and programming. Joseph is also very interested in Japanese culture and language, and it is his dream to visit Japan one day.
After starting to learn Japanese at home by himself, he realised that Japanese is a very complex language, with thousands of different characters, which led Joseph to wondered how a hypothetical typewriter would work with such a writing system. After finding out about what currently exists and is available, he decided to make an electric version that fits all the characters used in Japanese onto a standard QWERTY keyboard. There are still industries where typewriters are in use, and this project is a robust and easy-to-use solution.
There were more than 1700 projects submitted for the competition of the 2023 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. The judges chose 550 for the final exhibition at RDS, Dublin, and Joseph’s project ‘エレキタイプ – A Hybrid Japanese Typewriter’ was among the finalists.
‘I very much enjoyed talking to you about your project on a Hybrid Japanese Typewriter. I had no idea how difficult it is to type Japanese and I was surprised by the complexity of the problem. You presented your project with clarity and confidence. Well done!’ – Dr. Peter Taylor, Judge at the BTYSTE 2023
Micheál Martin, Tánaiste, Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, and Ivana Bacik, Leader of the Labour Party visited exhibition at RDS, Dublin and showed interest in Joseph’s project.
Joseph also had a wonderful opportunity to meet with Ms. Keiko Nakata, Embassy of Japan in Ireland, who was delighted to learn about his invention and received a gift book about Joseph’s project.
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is much more than a competition – it is the experience of a lifetime for the students and teachers who take part. Designed to raise schools’ engagement in the critical subjects of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM), the Exhibition calls upon students aged 12-19 years from all over the island of Ireland to showcase innovative science and technology project.
Photos and videos: Agata Mudrak personal archive
https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/IMG-20230110-WA0023.jpg1600720ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2023-01-25 10:00:572023-01-25 13:04:08A Hybrid Japanese Typewriter project among finalists of the 2023 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition
Long awaited and good news from our friends at Experience Japan – it has been confirmed that Experience Japan festival will be returning to the wonderful Farmleigh house and estate this spring.
The festival takes its name from ‘Hanami’: the traditional Japanese custom of viewing flowers, especially cherry blossoms, to mark the arrival of Spring. Each year Experience Japan brings families and friends together in the beautiful setting of Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park, to enjoy music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, seminars, and a variety of traditional arts and crafts, and to discover Japanese culture, including lots of delicious Japanese food. Many festival-goers dress for the occasion: in traditional styles, following Japanese fashion subcultures, or in cosplay.
Festival organisers will look forward to welcoming you at this year’s Hanami Festival on Sunday, 10th April.
Festival team also is looking for volunteers who could help at the festival. Volunteers are invited to complete the application form to register as a volunteer for the 2022 festival. Any questions can be emailed to volunteers.experiencejapan@gmail.com
For more information and letest updates, please check Experience Japan website:
https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/EJ-Logo-colour-copy-300x298-1.png298300ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2022-03-07 12:00:462022-03-07 13:01:12Experience Japan festival returns to Phoenix Park on 10th April
IMPORTANT: Application deadline has been extended until Monday, 14th March 2022!
The Japanese Language Contest 2022 is open for entries.
This year’s theme is ‘Time for Fun’, contest will take place online, and you can send entries in the form of speech or Japanese language soundtrack videos which demonstrate a fun outlook.
The entries will be evaluated on a variety of criteria such as language level and expression, creativity and performance, and the prizes will reward a range of different styles, abilities and effort. The judging panel will take into account the language background and learning experience of the entrants which will be documented through their application forms.
Applications are accepted in 2 categories:
Secondary School Category A & B (A: TY＆ 5th year, B: 6th year) – individuals
Video clip of a self-introduction speech
One individual speaker should be clearly shown making their speech on screen.
No use of special props or items, other speaker or background noise or music etc is permitted.
Duration is 1 – 5 minutes
Open Category – individuals or groups
It can be individual or group production
Open format; (i.e.) speech, conversation, skit, drama, song, poetry, show & tell, presentation or animation
There must be a soundtrack in Japanese voiced by the entrant(s)
If entrants are not shown speaking on screen, then a separate short video must be provided with the application form which clearly shows the entrant(s) giving their names and speaking the lines. This video will not be evaluated for judging purposes.
Duration is 2 – 7 minutes
CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION
Participants must not be Japanese native speakers
Participants must be residents of Ireland.
Secondary School Category: This category is open to individual entrants of Secondary School age only.
Open Category: Participants cannot have lived in Japan for longer than 5 years in total. This category is open to entrants of all ages.
Neither participants themselves nor their immediate family members may be members of the JLTI.
Only one entry per category per person, regardless of whether individual or part of a group.
Participants should submit the application form including their YouTube video link and consent form(s) by the deadline.
A signed consent form must be provided for each member of any team entries for the Open Category.
For individual entries, the file names for the YouTube Videos and Consent Form should include the name of the entrant. The group name should be included in the file names for group entry videos and group member consent forms.
Applications will be accepted until March 7th.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, 7 MARCH 2022.
Results will be announced by the end of March.
The winners will be added to our website and winning entries will be showcased on social media.
Contest is hosted by Japanese Language Teachers of Ireland (JLTI) and The Embassy of Japan in Ireland. Supported by the Japan Foundation. Sponsor: PPLI.
https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/JLTI-Speech-Contest-2022.jpg1186843ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2022-02-25 11:00:532022-03-07 13:14:51JLTI Language Contest 2022 | Applications Open
In order to encourage and promote Japanese language education in Ireland, JLTI and the Embassy of Japan in Ireland jointly have hosted an annual Japanese speech contest. This year, the Japanese Speech Contest is back as the Japanese Language Contest.
The theme is ‘optimism’ and JLTI is inviting entries in the form of speech or Japanese language soundtrack videos which demonstrate an optimistic outlook.
The Japanese Language Contest takes place online.
The entries will be evaluated on a variety of criteria such as language level and expression, creativity and performance, and the prizes will reward a range of different styles, abilities and effort. The judging panel will take into account the language background and learning experience of the entrants which will be documented through their application forms.
Guidelines for Video Production and Uploading Video to YouTube
Video production must be original work. In the open category, if you use music and/or pictures, they also must be original or copy-right free materials.
The entry should be your own work (or the work of the members of your group). Only limited help or input from a teacher or native speaker or other is permitted.
Participants should submit a YouTube video link. See the following instructions on how to upload your video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VtF2AgFSLAw
The setting of your video privacy should be “unlisted”
Please title the video with your name (or your group name for a group entry)
Secondary School Category
Video clip of a self-introduction speech
One individual speaker should be clearly shown making their speech on screen.
No use of special props or items, other speaker or background noise or music etc is permitted.
Duration is 1 – 5 minutes
Open Category
It can be individual or group production
Open format; (i.e.) speech, conversation, skit, drama, song, poetry, show & tell, presentation or animation
There must be a soundtrack in Japanese voiced by the entrant(s)
If entrants are not shown speaking on screen, then a separate short video must be provided with the application form which clearly shows the entrant(s) giving their names and speaking the lines. This video will not be evaluated for judging purposes.
Duration is 2 – 7 minutes
Criteria for Participation:
Participants must not be Japanese native speakers
Participants must be residents of Ireland.
Secondary School Category: This category is open to individual entrants of Secondary School age only.
Open Category: Participants cannot have lived in Japan for longer than 5 years in total. This category is open to entrants of all ages.
Neither participants themselves nor their immediate family members may be members of the JLTI.
Only one entry per category per person, regardless of whether individual or part of a group.
Participants should submit the application form including their YouTube video link and consent form(s) by the deadline.
A signed consent form must be provided for each member of any team entries for the Open Category.
For individual entries, the file names for the YouTube Videos and Consent Form should include the name of the entrant. The group name should be included in the file names for group entry videos and group member consent forms.
Applications will be accepted until February 28th.
Results will be announced by the end of March. The winners will be added to our website and winning entries will be showcased on social media.
Hosted by Japanese Language Teachers of Ireland (JLTI) and The Embassy of Japan. Supported by the Japan Foundation.
https://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/jlti-logo.png10801920ijahttps://ija.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IJA_logo_RGB_low_res_WEB.gifija2021-02-04 10:00:042021-03-01 12:22:11The JLTI Japanese Language Contest is open for entries!
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