New Year's Message from the Japanese Ambassador-designate to Ireland
2026/1/5
At the beginning of 2026, I wish you a Happy New Year. The year 2025 saw a great leap in relations between Ireland and Japan. The Taoiseach visited Japan in July. From spring to autumn, eight Ministers also went to Japan, exchanging views for the further enhancement of our bilateral relations. The opening of “Ireland House Tokyo” and the Irish participation in EXPO 2025, Osaka, Kansai and Japan gave further impetus to deepening Japanese interest in Ireland, and promoting various exchanges between Japan and Ireland.
Ireland is an indispensable and important partner for Japan as the international situation keeps changing. Ireland has played a crucial role in the EU. I have heard that Ireland will host the European Council, 22 Ministerial meetings and more than 200 EU related meetings during the Irish EU presidency in the latter half of 2026. It will provide another opportunity for Japan to strategically develop relations with Ireland as well as those with the EU.
Back in 1957, our countries established diplomatic relations. The present relations have resulted from the accumulation of efforts by our predecessors and close exchanges since then. The bond between Ireland and Japan will be commemorated during the 70th anniversary in 2027. It is planned that an open submission to decide a logo for the 70th anniversary will be held. We look forward to further strengthening our relations together with many people from both countries between this and next year, reflecting the past and envisaging the future.
At the outset of the year, we, the staff members of the Embassy of Japan, are determined to do our utmost so that we can further develop relations between Ireland and Japan and ensure the safe and secure daily life of Japanese nationals residing in Ireland. I would be grateful if you could continue to extend your cooperation and friendship to us.
MIYAGAWA Manabu
Ambassador-designate of Japan to Ireland
Ireland is an indispensable and important partner for Japan as the international situation keeps changing. Ireland has played a crucial role in the EU. I have heard that Ireland will host the European Council, 22 Ministerial meetings and more than 200 EU related meetings during the Irish EU presidency in the latter half of 2026. It will provide another opportunity for Japan to strategically develop relations with Ireland as well as those with the EU.
Back in 1957, our countries established diplomatic relations. The present relations have resulted from the accumulation of efforts by our predecessors and close exchanges since then. The bond between Ireland and Japan will be commemorated during the 70th anniversary in 2027. It is planned that an open submission to decide a logo for the 70th anniversary will be held. We look forward to further strengthening our relations together with many people from both countries between this and next year, reflecting the past and envisaging the future.
At the outset of the year, we, the staff members of the Embassy of Japan, are determined to do our utmost so that we can further develop relations between Ireland and Japan and ensure the safe and secure daily life of Japanese nationals residing in Ireland. I would be grateful if you could continue to extend your cooperation and friendship to us.
MIYAGAWA Manabu
Ambassador-designate of Japan to Ireland