Letter from the President

Dear members and friends of the IJCC,

It has been an engaging period for the Chamber. Our recent Third Thursday with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed over 50 participants, and we were honoured to attend a Breakfast Briefing hosted by the Embassy of Ireland and Ambassador Damien Cole, with Darragh O’Brien, the Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment and Minister for Transport.

Looking ahead, the Ireland Japan Business Awards (IJBAs) are approaching, celebrating excellence in the Ireland–Japan business community with four awards: Exporter of the Year (Enterprise Ireland-selected), Company of the Year, Entrepreneur / SME of the Year, and Special Recognition Award. We also look forward to a joint event with the ACCJ at Ireland House on 10 September and to supporting the Irish Run the World 5K on 27 September, organized by The Ireland Funds.

These activities highlight our ongoing commitment to advocacy, representing the interests of our members, fostering dialogue, and supporting initiatives that connect business with the wider community.

While the IJCC is not a humanitarian organization, we are proud to include NGOs and non-profit organizations among our members, whose work supports urgent humanitarian efforts. Ireland’s history with famine reminds us that silence is not an option when human lives are at risk.

Ensuring the well-being of those affected is a responsibility we all share, and respect for human dignity remains a fundamental principle. It is in this spirit that we introduce the following statement on Gaza, reflecting the Chamber’s commitment to humanitarian values and respect for human dignity.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support.

Warm regards,

Sarah Hickey

President, IJCC

IJCC Statement on the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

As a Chamber focused on strengthening Ireland–Japan business and community ties, the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC) typically operates in a commercial space. However, the formal declaration of famine in Gaza represents an urgent humanitarian crisis that cannot be ignored.

Families, especially children are suffering from severe shortages of food, clean water, medicine, and shelter. Aid is nearby, yet many remain beyond its reach. This is not only a famine; it is a broader humanitarian emergency.

While the IJCC is not a humanitarian organisation, we are proud to include NGOs and non-profits among our members. Their missions are humanitarian, not commercial and at moments like this, we stand in solidarity with them.

Ireland’s historical experience with famine and Japan’s longstanding tradition of international relief give this issue special meaning for us. Silence in the face of suffering would be a denial of those values.

We join the international community in calling for immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to affected areas. For those seeking to stay informed or contribute, we encourage engagement with organisations such as the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and Concern Worldwide.

Business connects people - and people must come first.

Click here to read the full statement on our website.

Call for Nominations - Ireland Japan Business Awards 2025 🏆

Each year, the IJCC honours outstanding contributions to Ireland-Japan business relations through the Ireland Japan Business Awards (IJBA).

We are now inviting nominations for this year’s awardees! Whether it’s a major business milestone, a standout entrepreneurial effort, or a long-standing contribution to bilateral relations, we want to hear from you ✨

Award Categories:

✴ Entrepreneur/SME of the Year

✴ Company of the Year

✴ Special Recognition Award

We particularly encourage nominations that highlight efforts to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Sustainability in business.

🗓️ Deadline for nominations: Tuesday, 24 September 2025, 17:00 (Japan time).

👇Click the button below to submit your nomination👇

All nominations will be kept confidential and carefully reviewed by the IJCC Board of Directors.

Click here to view our directory of past award winners.

European Cocktail 2025

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

The Irish Run the World 2025

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

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Our mailing address is:

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