Event Report: IJCC-ACCJ Joint Networking 2026

On September 28th, the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC) welcomed the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) to Ireland House for our annual joint networking event. This was the 15th rendition of the event, which welcomed over 110 participants.

Festivities began at 19:00, with opening statements by ACCJ President Emeritus Victor Osumi and IJCC Vice President Pat Ryan, which were facilitated by IJCC Director Sam Keane, our MC for the evening.

Sam also welcomed H.E. Mr. Noel White, Ambassador-Designate of Ireland to Japan, to the podium, where he spoke on the ever-important cultural and diplomatic ties between Ireland, the U.S., and Japan. 

(L) Ambassador-Designate Noel White (C) ACCJ President-Emeritus, Special Advisor, Victor Osumi (R) IJCC Vice President Pat Ryan

Given Ambassador-Designate White's recent nomination and arrival in Japan as the new appointed head of mission in Tokyo, we are especially thankful for his time to greet our attendees despite his busy schedule.

As attendees networked with other participants following the conclusion of remarks, they were able to enjoy top-class Irish traditional music with thanks to our musicians for the evening: Dai Komatsu, Eriko Mizukami and Koji Nagao from Ode Inc.

Musicians Eriko Mizukami (L), Dai Komatsu (C), Koji Nagao (R) 

Halfway through the night, some attendees were lucky to win a range of raffle prizes from our generous sponsors from both chambers, including Whisk-e, Woodford Reserve, Shelbourne Liquor, Tokyo Comedy Bar, Jack Daniels, and Onoda Inc.

A sincere thank you to the Embassy of Ireland for hosting both chambers each year and to IJCC Platinum Sponsors Toyoko Inn and The BUSKER Irish Whiskey for making the continued activity of the Chamber possible. 

A final thanks is also due to hardworking staff of the ACCJ for their continued support and our photography volunteer Kenta Bell for documenting the evening. 

We look forward to next year and to our continued collaboraiton with the ACCJ!

Photo credits: Kenta Bell (Instagram: @ken.tagraphy)