Ambassador's Commendation Awarded to Mr Joseph Walsh

On 12 February, Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu presented the Ambassador’s Commendation at his official residence to the Cork-based designer Mr Joseph Walsh. The internationally renowned designer holds Japanese woodworking techniques in high regard. Since 2004, he has employed Japanese woodworkers in his studio and creates his works using Japanese woodworking tools. Furthermore, alongside hosting exhibitions such as the 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Commemorative Exhibition and serving as a judge in bilateral architectural fields, Japanese artists regularly participate in the annual ‘Making In’ workshop, organised by Mr Walsh to bring together designers from across the globe. This provides a valuable platform for cultural exchange between artists from Japan and Ireland.

In collaboration with Japanese landscape architect Hiroyuki Tsujii, Ano-shu stone walls and an Arare Koboshi path have been created on the studio grounds as part of a larger pavilion project facilitated by Joseph Walsh between Irish architects O’Donnell + Tuomey and local craftspeople. Furthermore, his work Magnus RINN was exhibited at the Ireland Pavilion at Expo 2025. Magnus RINN is now being exhibited at Chion-in Temple, continuing this cultural exchange between Japan and Ireland.