Big in Japan: Limerick minister leads high-level delegation in the Far East

MINISTER Patrick  O’Donovan is leading a high-level delegation aimed at strengthening Ireland’s cultural and sporting connections with Japan.

The Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport jetted off to Tokyo on Monday to build on the recent government decision on Ireland-Japan 2025.

The delegation will seek to advance implementation of the joint statement between Japan and Ireland, as well as deepening cultural and sports partnerships between the countries.

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Ahead of the mission, Mr O'Donovan said in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, Japan continues to emerge as a like-minded and important strategic partner for Ireland on the global stage.

“The Government’s commitments to significant investments in Japan and an increased focus through the Ireland Japan 2025 programme are a clear demonstration of our intent to strengthen this key relationship in the years ahead,” he said.

The minister continued: “I am looking forward to working with both our Japanese counterparts in the culture and sports sectors, as well as the highly impressive Irish sporting and cultural diaspora in Japan, to develop the working relationships between our two islands. 

“Our work in Tokyo and Osaka over the next week will be essential in increasing Ireland’s visibility in Japan and developing new vibrant cultural partnerships and exchanges.”

The visit coincides with the Ireland Japan 2025 programme - a yearlong series of activities designed to increase Ireland’s presence and visibility in Japan, including Ireland’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka and through the opening later this year of a new Ireland House, with the overall aim of strengthening  existing political, economic and people-to-people links.