IJBA 2025 Special Recognition Award: Aisling Braiden
The Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC) was honoured to host the 2025 Ireland Japan Business Awards (IJBA) in the Conrad Tokyo on Friday, 21st November.
Each year the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC) has the privilege to recognize significant milestones and achievements of the Ireland-Japan business community.
This year we were pleased to celebrate Aisling Braiden and present her with the Special Recognition Award.
The Special Recognition Award is presented to an individual, organisation, or initiative that has made an outstanding contribution to advancing Ireland-Japan relations — whether through leadership, collaboration, or long-standing service to the community.
Aisling Braiden has facilitated and spread the growth of Irish culture in Japan for over 20 years, as the Press and Cultural Attaché at the Embassy of Ireland, Japan.
Mrs. Braiden has also been an advocate for inclusivity within the community, and sparked a new impetus to achieve greater representation of female leadership within the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce. In recognition of the dedicated service that Ms. Braiden has provided the Ireland-Japan community over the years, through her unwavering support of cultural initiatives and events across the country, we are honored to award her the Special Recognition Award for 2025.
Special Recognition Award: Aisling Braiden, Press and Cultural Attaché at the Embassy of Ireland Japan
Mrs. Aisling Braiden, was welcomed on stage to accept the award and share her comments.
“Thank you very much for this Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce Special Recognition Award. Is mór agam é.
As a member of the Irish community in Japan, I greatly admire the IJCC: its energy, openness, and the dedication of its members who give their time to strengthen Irish–Japanese business links. I’m honoured to receive this recognition.
In promoting Irish arts and culture as part of Ireland’s Global Ireland strategy, my goal is always to increase understanding of Ireland, our people, and our values. Culture is central to who we are, and Japan’s strong appreciation for cultural exchange creates many meaningful opportunities for deeper connections across culture, business and community.
It has been a privilege to share my love of Ireland and our vibrant culture with people in Japan for the past 25 years, supported by wonderful colleagues. This year has been especially busy as we opened our new Embassy, Ireland House Tokyo, with its beautiful new event space. I am grateful to my family and friends for their support.
I always welcome ideas and feedback, and I know the IJCC community will continue to support and collaborate with us as partners in our cultural activities.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh. I am truly delighted by this honour.
皆様、この IJBA 賞をいただき誠にありがとうございます!”
Ms. Aisling Braiden (centre), pictured with Ambassador of Ireland to Japan, H.E. Damien Cole (left) and IJCC President Sarah Hickey (right).
The Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce extends a sincere congratulations again to all the award recipients.
We were delighted to honour the incredible achievements of the Ireland-Japan business community on our stage. The bonds between Ireland and Japan continue to grow from strength to strength, thanks to the unwavering commitment of the leaders in business, community and culture across both countries.
Míle buíochas (many thanks) to everyone who attended this year's Ireland Japan Business Awards. We were honoured to bring the community together for this annual tradition and we sincerely look forward to welcoming you all again next year.
