WWBA #10 Event Report

2026-2027 Board of Directors

Third Thursday with SCCIJ

IJCC Board of Directors Confirmed for 2026-2027 at AGM

On 28 May, we were delighted to hold this year’s IJCC Annual General Meeting at Ireland House in Yotsuya, for the second time since the new building opened last year.

The membership voted to approve the FY2026 budget, in addition to an amendment to diversify our Corporate Sponsorship offering with the addition of a Corporate Silver category.

6 Directors were re-elected, and we were delighted to welcome Lily Wu as a new director to the Board.

Sarah Hickey was elected to continue her second year as President.
Pat Ryan and Yoshihiro Tsuchiya were successfully re-elected as Vice Presidents, and were joined by a new Vice Presidents Rick Grehan and Paul Nugent.
Aisling Barry stepped down from her position as Vice President and will continue to serve the IJCC in the position of Director for FY2026.

Speaking on the upcoming year, IJCC President Sarah Hickey shared the following:

"As we look to the year ahead, I’m excited about what we can continue to build together. Our focus will be on increasing meaningful business engagement, creating more opportunities for our members to connect, and continuing efforts to strengthen connectivity between Ireland and Japan — including renewed focus on securing a direct flight between our two countries.

To our members, I would also encourage you to continue getting involved, sharing ideas, and letting us know how we can better support you. The Chamber is strongest when it reflects the needs and ambitions of its members, and we want to continue creating meaningful value for all of you."

Click here for a detailed report including the the new board of directors, AGM presentation content and event gallery.

Survey on the Impact of Policy Changes regarding Foreign Nationals

The European Business Council in Japan (EBC), of which the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce is a stakeholder, has launched a survey regarding Japan’s new Foreigners’ Policy.

Several European national chambers of commerce have recently informed the EBC that some of their member companies are becoming increasingly concerned about potential difficulties arising from recent changes in Japan’s visa and immigration policies.

In order to conduct effective advocacy with the Japanese government, the EBC would like to better assess the impact of these changes on European businesses operating in Japan and identify the main issues and concerns faced by companies.

🕐Time required: 5 mins

📝 Deadline for submissions: 19 June

Answer the Survey!

Logo Design Contest for the Embassy of Japan in Ireland

The year 2027 will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland. A series of events is being planned to commemorate this milestone, as well as to deepen the existing positive relationship between the two countries.

The Embassy of Japan in Ireland are inviting submissions from the public for a design contest to create a logo to represent the commemorative events.

The creator of the winning design will receive an economy class return air ticket between Europe (Helsinki, Paris, London, or Frankfurt) and Japan (Tokyo).

The deadline for submissions is 30 June 2026.

Details:

EN https://www.mofa.go.jp/erp/we/ie/pagewe_000001_00370.html

JP https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/erp/we/ie/pagew_000001_02598.html

Third Thursday Business Networking with SCCIJ

We are excited to announce the first Third Thursday of the summer will take place on 18th June 2026, with our good friends from the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan.

"Third Thursday" is a night of networking and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere at one of Tokyo's renowned Irish pubs. 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!*

📅Date & Time: 18th June (Thursday) 19:00 ~

📍Venue: Irish Pub & Restaurant Failte

💴Charge: Free to attend. One drink minimum.

We would appreciate if those that are planning to attend could let us know at secretariat@ijcc.jp for numbers!

Click here for more information

"Queen of Ireland" Film Screening and After Party

Join us at the Irish Film Festival on Thursday, 11 June 2026 to celebrate Pride Month and over 10 years of marriage equality in Ireland with our partners at the Embassy of Ireland. Those that attend the event are invited to an exclusive after party at TEN CUPS in Shibuya, supported by event sponsors Silent Pool Gin (Whisk-e Ltd.).

🌈Programme🌈

19:00-21:00 Screening of The Queen of Ireland and Drag Performances at Yebisu Garden Cinema (4-20-2 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo).

21:00-23:00 After Screening Party at TenCups (3-26-21 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

🌈Event Details🌈

📅 Date: June 11, 2026

🕒 Time: 19:00 – 21:00 (Film screening) / 21:00 - 23:00 (After party)

📍 Venue (Film screening): Yebisu Garden Cinema (4-20-2 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

🍷 Venue (After party): TEN CUPS (3-26-21 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

💴 Price: ¥2,000 / ¥1,500 (Students) / ¥1,300 (Over 60s)

🎫 Tickets: Click here to purchase**

**JP site only. Tickets become available for purchase from 2 days prior to the event

Click here for full details on the Irish Film Festival 2026 (JP only).

Féile Japan 2026

The IJCC are proud to support Féile Japan 2026 - the largest celebration of Irish music in Japan, organized by IJCC NPO Member Comhaltas Japan.

The Japan branch of Comhaltas (CCÉ Japan) was established in 1991, are committed to promoting traditional Irish music, dance, singing, and language.

Their annual flgaship event, Féile Tokyo, is a fantastic opportunity to experience the best of Irish music in the country, and includes regional competitions that qualify participants for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, held in Ireland each year.

For more information, see the official Féile Japan event page below👇

https://zurl.co/3K4nu

Summer Cocktail Joint Chamber Networking 2026

Get ready for one of Tokyo’s most vibrant and multicultural summer networking events: Summer Cocktail 2026!

Co-hosted by 16 Chambers of Commerce, this signature evening offers a rare opportunity to connect with more than 300 business professionals from a wide range of industries and nationalities, all gathered in a dynamic and cross-cultural atmosphere.

With a limited number of spots reserved for each participating Chamber and previous editions having sold out quickly, early registration is highly recommended. Don’t miss the chance to be part of one of Tokyo’s most international summer networking evenings.

Click here for more information!

📅 Date: July 29, 2026

🕒 Time: 19:00 – 21:30 (Doors open at 18:30)

📍 Venue: Beer Garden Terrace (7F), Hilton Tokyo 6 Chome-6-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023

💴 Price: ¥10,500 (Members) / ¥14,000 (Non-members)

📌 Registration & Cancellation Deadline: July 17, 12:00 PM

☔ In case of bad weather, the event will be moved to an indoor location.

Featured Article: The Regenerative 7Cs | Conscious (imageMILL)

As businesses become more complex, the consequences of decisions travel further. Materials, energy, labour, and data move across borders, often becoming invisible along the way. In this context, being conscious is not abstract. It is about seeing the full system. Click here to learn more!

Event Report: WWBA #10

On May 2nd, we held a Women’s Weekend Brunch & Networking event at Heavenly Island Lifestyle Daikanyama. Attendees shared a relaxing brunch that provided a great space to socialize with other members and discuss upcoming chamber initiatives. Click here to learn more!

Event Report: Dublin Business Seminar

On April 23, the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC), represented by Dublin based Directors Mary Honohan and Dominic Keogh, in collaboration with Takeda Ireland, hosted an exclusive event exploring how Ireland’s energy leaders are turning the challenges of the energy transition into new opportunities. Click here to learn more!

Join one of the most active business networks in Japan

If 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

Check out our social media!

Our mailing address is:

Ireland House, 1-6 Yotsuya Honshiocho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0003

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