Letter from Ambassador “Trip to Tokyo and St Patrick’s Day” (March)

Dear Readers,

I hope this message finds you well. In Ireland, March heralds the arrival of spring, as daffodils and crocuses begin to bloom, soon followed by magnolias and cherry blossoms in full bloom. That said, the capricious weather—bringing hail and rain—often rewards us with rainbows. This month has also been one of mixed fortunes for Ireland: in the Six Nations Championship, the team suffered a heavy defeat to France in the opening match but recovered to finish second, while in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a narrow loss to the Czech Republic meant missing out on qualification for the finals.

In the latter half of the month, I travelled to Tokyo for about a week to attend the annual conference of Japanese ambassadors stationed across Europe. During the same period, as part of St Patrick’s Day diplomacy, Mr Seán Canney TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport visited Japan. I took the opportunity to accompany the Minister’s delegation. Together, we took part in St Patrick’s Day parades in Yokohama and Omotesandō in Tokyo, and I was also able to attend a meeting between Minister Canney and Mr SASAKI Hajime, State Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Both the parades in Yokohama and Omotesandō were driven by enthusiastic local volunteers, joined by participants from across Japan, creating vibrant and inclusive celebrations. I also had the pleasure of meeting many members of the Irish community active in Japan. These occasions, where people from diverse walks of life come together once a year, are filled with a kind of unique enthusiasm. I feel a deep sense of respect for the fact that these celebrations continue to be held around the world for more than 1,500 years after Saint Patrick passed away on 17 March 461. I hope to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Ireland next year.

The meeting between Minister Canney and State Minister SASAKI was held in a friendly atmosphere, with constructive discussion on cooperation in the field of transport between our two countries. Topics included the establishment of direct flights—long requested by the business communities of both countries—as well as developments such as autonomous driving. The Irish Department of Transport attached great importance to the discussions, and its Secretary General, Mr Ken Spratt, accompanied the delegation. The Embassy of Japan in Ireland will continue to follow up steadfastly on the matters discussed as much as possible.

On 18 and 19 March, the Conference of Japanese Ambassadors to Europe was held. It coincided with a period of significant diplomatic activity, including a meeting on 17 March between Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Donald Trump in Washington as part of St Patrick’s Day diplomacy, and a meeting on 19 March between Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae and President Trump. Against the backdrop of an increasingly severe international environment, the Conference of Japanese Ambassadors brought about meaningful discussions based on the shared recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific regions is indivisible, and that strengthening ties between Japan and Europe is more important than ever.

Ireland, while maintaining its policy of neutrality, continues as a member of the EU to support Ukraine and implement sanctions against Russia. It has also pursued a clear and principled diplomatic approach aimed at deescalating tensions in the Middle East. From 1 July, Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with the aim of advancing Ukraine’s EU accession process and strengthening the EU’s economic competitiveness amongst other priorities. Although the Presidency rotates every six months—making sweeping new achievements difficult—it nonetheless offers scope to demonstrate a distinctive national approach. Ireland’s recent diplomatic engagements, including the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last December, the Taoiseach’s visit to China in January, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Ms Helen McEntee’s visit to the Middle East, the Taoiseach’s visit to the United States in March, and the visit to Ireland by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, all reflect steady preparations for the forthcoming Presidency.

Japan, for its part, has been steadily strengthening cooperation with like-minded countries through diplomatic efforts such as Foreign Minister MOTEGI’s visit to the Middle East in January, the visit to Japan by British Prime Minister Starmer, the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held alongside the Munich Security Conference in February, bilateral meetings with the United States and Germany, discussions with the NATO Secretary General, the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States in March, a G7 leaders’ Online Meeting, the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in France, and the visit to Japan by French President Emmanuel Macron (from the 31st of this month). In this context, the period leading up to July presents an important opportunity for Japan to further strengthen its relations with the EU through Ireland. 

Last weekend, summer time began. Although the air outside still feels chilly, people’s expressions grow brighter day by day. Tomorrow marks the beginning of April. I look forward to meeting you again somewhere in Ireland—or here on this page—next month.

Yours sincerely,
MIYAGAWA Manabu
Ambassador of Japan to Ireland