Ireland's business visionaries join political leaders in the hope of going ‘Big in Japan'
Two-way trade between the two countries is strong, exceeding €21.5bn. Enterprise Ireland client exports to Japan have doubled over the last decade, reaching €323m in 2023.
This is why the Government is investing in Ireland House Tokyo, a new home for Ireland in Japan, encompassing Enterprise Ireland's offices.
It's also why Taoiseach Micheál Martin and various ministers recently visited the country.
More than half the world's population live in Asia, and more than half of global economic growth is expected to emerge from the region in coming years, with Japan a leading power.
With a strong focus on strengthening existing business relationships and creating new opportunities for scaling Irish exporters, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke led a five-day trade and investment mission to Japan in June, supported by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.
Two-way trade between Ireland and Japan is strong, exceeding €21.5bn
More than 300 firms supported by Enterprise Ireland are active in the Japanese market. Fifty have a full-time presence on the ground, employing 1,750 people.
Twenty-three of these companies participated in the recent trade and investment mission, deepening engagement with Japanese business leaders and trade groups. The mission sought to ensure they continue to have a strong understanding of the innovation and quality of Irish businesses.
As well as meeting Irish companies who do business in Japan, their clients and potential partners, the trade mission focused on strengthening Ireland's reputation as a key source of innovation.
Through meetings with the leadership of influential business groups, the delegation highlighted the opportunities for Irish firms to address Japanese and global challenges.
There was a strong emphasis on supporting Irish companies to explore in-market scaling opportunities. Sectors such as life sciences, digital technologies and fintech were in particular focus.
Enterprise Ireland hosted a 'Connect with Irish Innovation' event in Ireland House in Tokyo during the programme, which invited more than 100 Japanese business leaders and investors to hear pitches from Irish firms.
This is a significant year for Ireland in Japan. At the official opening of Ireland House Tokyo, the Taoiseach highlighted the commitment Ireland has to its relationship with Japan, evidenced by the largest capital investment ever undertaken by the Government overseas. Ireland is also participating at Expo 2025 in Osaka.
High level visits from Ireland, have been designed to showcase the best of Ireland, amplifying Ireland's visibility in Japan, evidenced by a visit to the signature Future of Life pavilion where EI client Druid Software partnered with Kyocera (KCCS) on the highly innovative robotics displays.
This renewed focus throughout 2025 will underpin Ireland's strong partnership with Japan, and our ambition to grow and develop this relationship further.
Neil Cooney is director for Japan at Enterprise Ireland
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