Ireland Japan Association Receives Japan’s Foreign Minister’s Commendation
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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.
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.
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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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