2025 Autumn Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals

On 3 November 2025, the Government of Japan announced the recipients of the 2025 Autumn Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals. This year, Ms Agnes Aylward, Chairperson and Founder of the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore, County Waterford, Ireland, has been conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, in recognition of her work to introduce Japanese culture in Ireland and to contribute to friendship and goodwill between Japan and Ireland.
 
The Embassy of Japan in Ireland would like to pay tribute to Ms Agnes Aylward for her past achievements, wish her continued success in her future endeavours, and extend its sincere congratulations to her on this award.