Opening of Legal Year
2026/10/5
Judge AKANE Tomoko making her keynote speech (Photo taken in October 2026)
(From left) Ms Justice Donnelly, Judge AKANE, Mr Chief Justice O’Donnell, Ambassador MIYAGAWA (Photo taken in October 2026)
On 5 October, a ceremony marking the Opening of the Legal Year was held by the Supreme Court of Ireland at the Supreme Court. Over 200 people attended.
Following the welcoming remarks by Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly, Judge AKANE Tomoko, President of the International Criminal Court gave the keynote speech to members of the Irish and European legal community, in which she emphasised the importance of the international rule of law and the significance of legal cooperation between international organisations and domestic judicial bodies, amongst other topics. The Hon. Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell, Chief Justice, concluded the ceremony by addressing the audience about the roles of the judiciary in the separation of powers, emphasizing the gravity of judgment made by the court.
Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu and Mr ISHIMOTO Akihiro of the Embassy of Japan joined the occasion. The Embassy reiterates its sincere gratitude for the opportunity. We will continue to make the utmost effort to maintain and strengthen the international rule of law in close contact with the relevant authorities in Ireland.
Following the welcoming remarks by Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly, Judge AKANE Tomoko, President of the International Criminal Court gave the keynote speech to members of the Irish and European legal community, in which she emphasised the importance of the international rule of law and the significance of legal cooperation between international organisations and domestic judicial bodies, amongst other topics. The Hon. Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell, Chief Justice, concluded the ceremony by addressing the audience about the roles of the judiciary in the separation of powers, emphasizing the gravity of judgment made by the court.
Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu and Mr ISHIMOTO Akihiro of the Embassy of Japan joined the occasion. The Embassy reiterates its sincere gratitude for the opportunity. We will continue to make the utmost effort to maintain and strengthen the international rule of law in close contact with the relevant authorities in Ireland.