Opening of KOKORO Heritage Centre, Lafcadio-Hearn Japanese Gardens

On 8 June, an opening ceremony was held at the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore, County Waterford, to mark the opening of their new KOKORO Heritage Centre and Café. The event was attended by a large number of guests and stakeholders.

Following welcoming remarks by Cllr Adam Wyse, Mayor of the Metropolitan District of Waterford in the new Kokoro Heritage Centre, congratulatory addresses were delivered by the Mr Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Minister for Social Protection, and Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu, on behalf of the distinguished guests. This was followed by remarks from Ms Agnes Aylward, Founder and Chairperson of the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens.

After a performance of the Japanese sacred Kagura dance ”Toyosaka” by Ms ONOZAKI, Research Specialist at the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, participants moved to the Japanese Gardens, where Minister Calleary unveiled a commemorative plaque.

The KOKORO Heritage Centre takes its name from "Kokoro” (“The Heart”), one of the works in which Lafcadio Hearn vividly portrayed the inner spirit of the Japanese people and Japanese culture. The Embassy of Japan in Ireland expresses its sincere gratitude to the people of Tramore, Waterford, and Ireland for preserving such beautiful gardens. The Embassy will continue to cooperate with the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens whenever possible, so that it will continue to thrive as a venue for heart-to-heart exchanges toward the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland in 2027 and beyond.

【Ambassador MIYAGAWA's congratulatory remarks】

Minister Dara Calleary,
Excellencies,
Ms Agnes Aylward, Chairperson and Founder of the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens,
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great honour and pleasure to join you today for the official opening of the KOKORO Heritage Centre and Café here in Tramore. 

KOKORO means “heart” in English. To me, it symbolises the spirit that has connected Ireland and Japan across time and distance. It also represents trust, love, and mutual respect that united Lafcadio Hearn and his Japanese wife, KOIZUMI Setsu.

KOKORO is also the title of one of Koizumi Yakumo’s most celebrated books on the people and culture of Japan, which was written 130 years ago. Through his writings, Lafcadio Hearn introduced Japan to generations of readers around the world and helped lay the foundations for the deep friendship that exists between Ireland and Japan today. For this, we owe him a great debt of gratitude.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the people of Tramore, Waterford, and Ireland for their dedication to preserving this beautiful garden in honour of Lafcadio Hearn’s legacy.

In this regard, I echo the words of Ms Agnes Aylward upon receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays from His Majesty the Emperor in 2025. Ms Alward modestly remarked that the honour belonged not only to her, but also to all the colleagues and friends who had shared in her efforts. 

Ireland and Japan are, geographically speaking, far apart from each other. That said, our ancestors’ compassionate minds, KOKORO have brought us closer together. I am confident that the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens, together with this new KOKORO Heritage Centre and Café, will inspire us and future generations to preserve this shared treasure for many, many years to come.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh.