August 25th, 2026 english

Yesterday, DCU International Academy hosted His Excellency, Mr. Miyagawa Manabu, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, alongside Dr. Dáithí Ó hAodha, Public Relations and Culture Assistant from the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, for a special presentation titled “Japan and Ireland”. Ambassador Miyagawa was welcomed and introduced by DCU Deputy President, Professor Anne Sinnott.

Speaking warmly about the transformative power of study abroad experiences, Professor Sinnott noted that while DCU must bid a heartfelt “slán go fóill” (goodbye for now) to students finishing their journey at the university, it also welcomes the privilege of extending a “céad míle fáilte” (a hundred thousand welcomes) to incoming students.

Held in DCU’s award-winning multi-purpose venue, The Helix, the Ambassador’s address focused on the mission of the Embassy of Japan and relations between Japan and Ireland. The event drew over 200 attendees, including Japanese exchange students from 20 partner universities, International Summer School students and staff from DCU International Academy, DCU Events Team and DCU SALIS.

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Presentation Highlights

• Embassy Operations: Details were shared on the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, which operates with 27 total staff members (10 diplomatic staff from Japan and 17 local staff) across Protocol, Political, Economic, Culture, Consular, Security and Administration sections.
• Historical Milestones: The presentation traced bilateral relations from early cultural figures like Lafcadio Hearn (1890) to the formal opening of diplomatic relations in 1957. Looking ahead, 2027 will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland.
• Okinawa Insights: Ambassador Miyagawa shared key reflections from his career, including his tenure as Representative of the Government of Japan for Okinawan Affairs.
• Cultural Exchanges: Over 1,200 Irish participants have joined the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme to date. Currently, approximately 3,000 Japanese nationals live in Ireland and 1,400 Irish nationals reside in Japan.

Engaging Interactive Q&A

Following the presentation, the floor opened for a Q&A session with Ambassador Miyagawa and Dr. Dáithí Ó hAodha. Students and staff took advantage of the unique opportunity, asking thought-provoking questions about diplomatic operations, international career paths and the future of Japan-Ireland cultural exchanges.

To conclude the memorable afternoon, attendees gathered for a group photo – capturing the vibrant, shared spirit of global learning and friendship between DCU and Japan.

We extend a warm thank you to all of our student and staff attendees for attending this special event.