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Letter from the President I’m delighted to welcome you back to the IJCC newsletter as we relaunch this important channel for keeping our members connected. My hope is that it will shine a brighter light on the Chamber’s work, celebrate our members, and encourage even more engagement across our community. Over the past months, we have been busy strengthening ties between Ireland and Japan through a range of events, discussions, and cultural activities that bring us closer together.
Since the AGM, the IJCC has been busy strengthening links between Ireland and Japan. We celebrated the opening of the new Ireland House with Micheál Martin, An Taoiseach, and hosted a roundtable focused on women in business with Enterprise Ireland’s new CEO Jenny Melia. Other highlights include an evening with Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland, and a breakfast briefing with James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science of Ireland. We also enjoyed a comedy night with Pat Shortt and live music with Pinch of Snuff at An Solas, a reminder of the cultural connections that make our community unique.
We’ve also seen changes in our partner organisations. A heartfelt thank you to Neil Cooney, outgoing Director of Enterprise Ireland Japan, and Robert Nestor of IDA Ireland for their dedication. We also warmly welcome the new JET Programme arrivals joining us this July, and look forward to supporting their journey in Japan.
As we look ahead, I encourage you to take part, join an event, share your expertise, or introduce someone new to the Chamber. This newsletter is your platform as much as ours, and I look forward to using it to highlight the ideas, people, and partnerships that drive us forward.
Sarah Hickey President, IJCC | | | |
Global Irish Survey - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deadline August 31)
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of Ireland has announced the beginning of a consultation process to inform the Government’s new Diaspora Strategy.
Quoting from the official DFAT website: In order to understand the issues of importance to Irish communities overseas, we want to hear from as many members of the diaspora and those who have recently returned to Ireland as possible so our new strategy meets their needs and can also adapt to evolving circumstances.
The IJCC encourage all members of the Irish diaspora in Japan as well as returnees to answer the survey, as it will have an important impact on the shaping of the new policy regarding the diaspora. You can access the survey via the button below.
Time required: 10 minutes. Target: Those involved in the Irish diaspora community (including non-citizens) Deadline: August 31 | | | | | |
Looking to Upgrade Your Business Skills? The JMEC 2025/2026 Program is Now Open for Applications!
Are you looking to enhance your business skills and learn how to develop and write a professional business plan? Then come and join the Japan Market Expansion Competition!
The next program, JMEC 2025/2026, is now open for applications and you can attend an online information session to learn more about how the program works. In the first part of the program you get lectures and workshops from experienced executives and successful start-up founders on how to develop and write a professional business plan—then gain hands-on experience working in diverse multinational teams on real business projects for real companies.
People anywhere in Japan can attend this ‘mini MBA’ style program as all lectures are streamed live online and you can also attend in person if you live in Tokyo. Interested applicants can find more information, including details of the info sessions and the online application form here
The IJCC provides a partial scholarship to members that participate in the competition. If you are an IJCC member and have applied to participate in this year's competition please contact us at secretariat@ijcc.jp. Please note that recieving the scholarship is not guaranteed subject to review from the IJCC, and we may not be able to provide a scholarship to all members that apply.
Participant Application Deadline: October 15, 2025. | | | | | | | |
Third Thursday Business Networking with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan This month's Third Thursday will take place on 21st August from 7pm at Shamrock Irish pub in Roppongi. We are delighted to also be joined at this event by our friends from the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan. Take the opportunity to beat off the summer heat and expand your network, all in the comfort of an Irish pub. As always, we will be running our popular "meishi draw" raffle, so don't forget your business cards to be in for a chance to win some fantastic prizes from our sponsors! Please note that attendees must purchase one drink, and only cash is accepted.
Event Details: Date: August 21, 2025 Time: 19:00-22:00 Venue: Shamrock, Roppongi Participation Fee: Free (one drink minimum) | | | |
European Cocktail 2025 The IJCC is delighted to announce that we will be teaming up with 14 other chambers of commerce for the much-anticipated European Cocktail 2025. Participants can look forward to the opportunity to expand their professional network with members from other European chambers of commerce, while enjoying buffet-style refreshments and free flowing drinks at an exclusive venue.
Event Details: Date: October 23, 2025 Time: 19:00-21:00 (Doors open at 18:30) Venue: Capital Hotel Tokyo Participation Fee: Members: JPY 13,000/ Non-members: JPY 16,000 Registration and Cancellation Deadline: October 10, 12:00 PM | | | | | | Event Report: Breakfast Briefing with Minister Lawless On 24th July, members of the IJCC Board of Directors were invited to attend a special breakfast briefing hosted by Ambassador of Ireland to Japan, Damien Cole at Ireland House in Yotsuya, Tokyo. Click here to learn more! | | | | Welcome to Our New Intern My name is Stella Violante, and I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Marketing Communications Intern. While I’m in Tokyo for the next two months I will also be supporting the team as the Events Intern. I’m really looking forward to getting to know all of you and contributing to the team over the next six months! Click here to learn more! | | | | Event Report: Women's Breakfast #6 We had a fantastic turnout for this edition of the WWBA series - with 11 IJCC women gathered at the historic Meiji Kinenkan. A fun morning with great food, historical venue, and diverse company. The discussions ranged from topics from the book "How Women Rise", to the challenges and benefits of growing up in Irish-Japanese families. A great morning and for some, followed by a great afternoon at IJCC pub member An SÓLÁS! Click here to learn more! | | | | | | | |
Pinergy is an energy transition company which is supplying, analysing, and transforming with sustainable energy. We’re helping our customers make data-informed choices today, to take control of their energy tomorrow. Click here to learn more! | | | |
Since our establishment in 1997, we have been in the business of importing building materials and heating systems and handling of housing materials. Since 2007, as a Japanese subsidiary of Glen Dimplex Group, we have handled a wide range of products including electric heaters, household appliances, and renewable energy systems. Click here to learn more! | | | |
In the heart of Tokyo, a transformative initiative is changing the lives of children from institutionalized homes. Founded in 2018, YouMeWe (YMW) is dedicated to empowering, educating and inspiring young individuals, ensuring they transition into adulthood as capable, self-reliant and thriving members of society. Click here to learn more! | | | |
Guided by the SoftBank Group’s corporate philosophy, “Information Revolution – Happiness for everyone,” SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) operates telecommunications and IT businesses in Japan and globally. Click here to learn more!
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Join one of the most active business networks in JapanIf you are interested in the Ireland Japan community, we would be delighted to meet you. We welcome members from all countries, nationalities and backgrounds. | | | | Special Thanks to our Platinum Sponsors | | IJCC Knowledge & Information Partner | | | | Check out our social media! | | | | Our mailing address is: Ireland House, 1-6 Yotsuya Honshiocho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0003
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