Press Release - "Experience Japan Taiko (Japanese Drum) Team Honoured by Japanese Foreign Minister"

On 24 July 2018, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan held the awarding ceremony of the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for 2018, followed by a reception at the Iikura Guesthouse. The leader of the Experience Japan Taiko Team, Ms Nobuko Ijichi, attended the ceremony and received the award.

This year's Commendations were awarded to 205 individuals and 49 groups worldwide, including the Experience Japan Taiko Team for its outstanding contribution to the promotion of cultural exchange through art between Japan and Ireland. Those who attended the ceremony were presented with an award certificate.

The Experience Japan Taiko Team is made up of university students and teachers in Ireland and Japanese-Irish primary and secondary school children. Performing together as a group and participating actively in a wide variety of cultural events, they have introduced the appeal of taiko drumming to Irish people through their dynamic performances, while also having an influence on the performing arts in Ireland. In addition, they have performed at many sporting events to support the participants from both countries, as well as at events held to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan in Ireland in 2017, and contributed greatly to the friendship between the two countries. Through these activities, they have gained an excellent reputation as a role model for communities of practice.

The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.

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(Contact)

Information & Culture Section, Embassy of Japan in Ireland
Tel: 01 - 202 8305, E-mail: cultural@ir.mofa.go.jp
Website: https://www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html