Event Report: IJCC-ACCJ Joint Networking 2025

On September 10th, the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC) welcomed the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) to the newly opened Ireland House for the annual joint networking event. This was the 14th rendition of the event, which welcomed over 100 participants. 

We are grateful to have hosted ACCJ Vice President Hans Klemm, former US Ambassador to Romania and East Timor, and many other friends from both Chambers. 

Festivities began at 19:00, with guests being greeted by Chamber staff collecting meishi for the raffle, and opening statements by ACCJ Vice President Hans Klemm and IJCC President Sarah Hickey, which were facilitated by IJCC Director Ronan Miyachi, our MC for the evening.

Ronan also welcomed Rory Conaty, Economic Counselor at the Embassy of Ireland, to the podium, where he spoke on the ever-important cultural and diplomatic ties between Ireland, the U.S., and Japan. 

Hans Klemm - ACCJ Vice President (L); Rory Conaty - Economic Counselor, Embassy of Ireland in Japan (C); Sarah Hickey - IJCC President (R) 

After the attendees had time to enjoy the buffet, bar, and live Irish traditional music, it was time for the eagerly anticipated raffle. The lucky winners won a range of prizes from our generous sponsors from both chambers, including Toyoko Inn, Whisk-e, The BUSKER, Woodford Reserve, Denison Cellars, and Shelbourne Liquor . We would also like to thank Whisk-e for providing the bar with The BUSKER and Mitcher’s American Whiskey. 

Musicians Dai Komatsu (L) and Koji Nagao (R)

To bring the event to a close, IJCC VP Yoshihiro Tsuchiya, alongside Bon Odori choreographer Ukon Takafuji, led the crowd in a session of Irish Bon Odori. Participants danced the Bon Odori to live Irish traditional music, courtesy of talented musicians Dai Komatsu and Koji Nagao, from Ode Inc. Participation from members of both Chambers left the venue in high spirits as the event drew to a close.
 

Attendees enjoying Irish Bon Odori

A sincere thank you to the Embassy of Ireland for hosting both chambers each year, and a special thanks to the hardworking staff of the ACCJ for their continued support. We anxiously await the next joint event. 
 

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