On 22 May, we were delighted to hold this year’s IJCC Annual General Meeting at the new Ireland House building in Yotsuya – a beautiful venue and the new home of the Irish Embassy in Japan.

The evening began with remarks from our host and Chamber Patron, H.E Mr. Damien Cole that highlighted the recent achievements of the Chamber. The IJCC has greatly benefited from and is extremely grateful for the staunch support of Ambassador Cole and the Embassy over the past year.

Following an opening statement by IJCC President Yoshihiro Tsuchiya, IJCC Advisor Eamonn Murphy, our MC for the evening, facilitated the reporting of the AGM. This was delivered by Vice Presidents Pat Ryan and Aisling Barry, Directors Dominic Keogh and Brietta O'Leary, and Treasurer Paul Nugent.

The membership approved the budget for next year, in addition to an amendment to Article 6 of the Chamber's Articles of Association. 5 Directors were re-elected, and we were delighted to welcome 3 new Directors to the Board; Masaaki Hashimoto, Ronan Miyachi, and Mary Honohan.

A special mention must also be made for this year’s outgoing directors, Eri Toyoda, Akira Shimura and Colm Sharkey, for their contributions to the IJCC during their time on the Board.

The IJCC Board of Directors for FY2025 comprises a total of 14 members.

The AGM reporting was immediately followed by the first board meeting of FY2025, in which the incoming members of the Chamber Executive were decided.

Yoshihiro Tsuchiya, who has continuously provided strong, consistent leadership to the Chamber for the last 5 years, stepped down as President and accepted a nomination as Vice President.

Aisling Barry and Pat Ryan were successfully re-elected as Vice Presidents, and were joined by a new Vice President, Brietta O’Leary, who has done amazing work in the area of DEI during her time as Director.

Lastly, Sarah Hickey accepted a nomination for President, becoming the first female President in the history of the IJCC.

A special thank you is needed for our Platinum Sponsors, Toyoko Inn, the Busker, and our Knowledge and Information Partner, Nikkei ScoutAsia for their generous support throughout the past fiscal year. We are especially grateful for our members both past and present, and we look forward to another year of exciting activity in the Ireland-Japan business community.

Finally we would like to thank IJCC member Dermot Killoran of Calderwood Images who kindly provided the photography for the evening.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir!

2025 - 2026 IJCC Board of Directors

President – Sarah Hickey

Vice President - Aisling Barry

Vice President – Brietta O’Leary

Vice President - Pat Ryan

Vice President – Yoshihiro Tsuchiya

Director - Dominic Keogh

Director - Harumi Kanaya

Director – Mary Honohan

Director – Masaaki Hashimoto

Director - Philip Greenan

Director - Rick Grehan

Director – Ronan Miyachi

Director - Sam Keane

Director & Treasurer - Paul Nugent

Auditor - Conor Canavan

IDA Ex-Officio - Robert Nestor

EI Ex-Officio - Neil Cooney

Embassy Ex-Officio - Rory Conaty

President Emeritus - Matthew Connolly

Advisor - Andy O'Doherty

Advisor - Eamonn Murphy