Speech by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on the occasion of the reception at Ireland House Tokyo

Your Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, Ambassador Cole, distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen, a chairde go léir.

I am delighted to be here with you this evening as we celebrate the official opening of Ireland House Tokyo.

I last visited Japan as Taoiseach in July 2022 when work had just started on construction. Three years later, it gives me great pleasure to be back and to see how much progress has been made with Ireland House and of course in our special bilateral relationship. 

Earlier today, I met with Prime Minister Ishiba, and we reaffirmed both our governments’ commitment to continue that work.

On my last visit, the Prime Minister of Japan and I signed a Joint Statement, setting out our shared ambition for deepening and furthering our economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties.

We also agreed to work together on the international stage to advance our shared interests and values.

I am glad to say that when I met Prime Minister Ishiba today, we were able to reflect on a lot of progress made.

The Ireland-Japan relationship is built on a solid foundation of shared and longstanding commitment to the rules-based international order.

We share a vision for a future of peace and prosperity for all, built through international co-operation, democratic values and peaceful resolution of disputes.

For example, Ireland and Japan have been steadfast in our support for Ukraine following Russia’s illegal invasion in 2022.

On global economic issues, we are very likeminded partners. We collaborate closely at the United Nations.

These shared values were already evident in 1974, the year that Ireland established its first embassy here in Tokyo.

In that year, Ireland’s former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Seán MacBride, and the former Prime Minister of Japan, Eisaku Satō, shared that year’s Nobel Peace Prize for their work on disarmament. 

Ireland knows that we have a dependable partner, and close friend, in Japan. And the links between our countries are far from new.

In 1890, the Irish journalist Lafcadio Hearn arrived in Japan on a work assignment. Falling in love with this marvellous country, he changed his name to Koizumi Yakumo and remained here for the rest of his life. The impact he had on Japanese literature was profound. His works continue to inspire other artists today.

Collaborations between Japanese and Irish artists, some inspired by Hearn, can be seen around this building.

Other examples of Irish-Japanese artistic collaborations are showcased at Ireland’s pavilion at the World Expo in Kansai.

Ireland is very proud to support the Expo in Japan, having had a pavilion at the last Expo held in Osaka, in 1970.

Ireland’s theme – Creativity Connects People – shows the importance we place on the cultural and people-to-people connections between countries, as we collectively strive to build a bright future for our planet. I look forward to visiting Expo myself tomorrow.

Over the years, many Irish people have followed in Lafcadio Hearn’s footsteps in moving to Japan.

Over twelve hundred Irish people now call Japan home, and many hundreds of Japanese citizens study and work in Ireland. Our diasporas enrich each other’s communities and lives.

This evening, I am delighted that we will be entertained by fantastic traditional Irish music performed by Japanese musicians, including the wonderful Toyota Céilí Band.

I understand that among them is Ms. Ria Adachi. I have just learned that Ria won first prize in the Harp Slow Airs under-15 category at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 in Wexford.

It is an incredible achievement to win gold at the All Ireland, and to be the first Japanese musician to do so.

It is great to see these people-to-people links between our cultures and communities bring such joy to so many people.

Ireland’s relationship with Japan is flourishing in other important areas too. Our economic relationship with Japan, continues to grow.

Two-way trade between Ireland and Japan now amounts to €21.5 billion, and thousands of people are employed by Irish companies in Japan, and similarly by Japanese companies in Ireland.

Ireland’s trade and investment agencies, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Bord Bia, are continuing to work to further develop these opportunities.

The Irish Government’s decision to build Ireland House Tokyo, which I have the pleasure to officially open this evening, is a very tangible sign of our commitment to our relationship with Japan and will serve as a platform for Team Ireland to continue their very valuable work here in Tokyo for decades to come.

I want to thank you all for being here this evening.

I want to thank you for everything you do to contribute to the relationship between our two countries.

And I want to thank you for your continued support for the Government of Ireland’s work in Japan.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.

Arigato Gozaimasu.

And now, I ask you to join me in raising a glass to all of our friends here this evening, to the continued strong and warm relationship between Japan and Ireland, and to the continued success of all the work that will be undertaken here at Ireland House Tokyo over the years to come.

Sláinte!

Kanpai!

ENDS