Taoiseach and Japanese prime minister pledge to deepen economic and trade links
Mr Ishiba met with Mr Martin in the Kantei in Tokyo on Wednesday, noting it was the Taoiseach's fifth time visiting Japan. He welcomed that Japan was the first Asian country Mr Martin had opted to visit since his re-election as Taoiseach.
Mr Ishiba said the 70th anniversary of Japanese-Irish diplomatic links was coming up in 2027, adding that he hoped the two countries could further deepen their relationship in the future.
'We would like to advance a wide-ranging concrete cooperation in such areas as security, economy, agriculture, digital, cultural and people-to-people exchanges — thereby developing our bilateral relationship even further,' Mr Ishiba said.
He also congratulated the opening of Ireland House, the new site of the Irish Embassy in Tokyo, with an official opening ceremony due to take place on Wednesday evening.
In his opening remarks, the Taoiseach thanked Mr Ishiba for the warm welcome and said it was a 'great pleasure' to return to Tokyo to discuss the Ireland-Japan relationship.
'Our country's friendship is anchored in shared values and outlook, shared and outstanding commitment to democracy, to an international rules-based order, to good trading relationships and to strong economic partnership,' Mr Martin said.
We have very strong cultural, education and people-to-people relationships, and my visit this week reflects that.
Mr Martin said he was looking forward to formally opening Ireland House, having turned the sod three years previous.
The Taoiseach said he would be visiting Expo 2025 in Osaka, before travelling to Hiroshima on Friday to reflect on the fact Ireland and Japan 'are good, peace-loving nations'.
'We believe in avoiding war and conflict at all costs. I want to remember those who suffered and I will meet survivors. I am going there in all solemnity to reflect our commitment to nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation,' he said.
Ahead of their meeting, the 302nd Military Police played both the anthems of Ireland and Japan, before Mr Ishiba and Mr Martin inspected the colour party.
Read More
Taoiseach hints at possible student fee cuts despite coalition split over third-level funding
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Times
33 minutes ago
- Irish Times
Irish rents rise by 115% since 2010, more than four times EU average
Average rents in Ireland rose by 115 per cent between 2010 and 2025, according to new figures from Eurostat. The cumulative increase was more than four times the European Union (EU) average (27.8 per cent). Eurostat said rents increased in 26 EU countries between the first quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2025, with the highest increases registered in Estonia (220 per cent), Lithuania (184 per cent), Hungary (124 per cent) and Ireland (115 per cent). Greece was the only country where rent prices decreased (-11 per cent). READ MORE Eurostat also assessed the changes in house prices over the same 15-year period. Average prices in Ireland were found to have risen by just over 80 per cent compared to an EU average of 57.9 per cent. [ Private rental sector has lost more than 43,000 properties over past five years Opens in new window ] The figures show Irish house price have been on something of a rollercoaster since the depths of the financial crisis in 2010 when they fell by 12.5 per cent. That was followed by declines of 17.8 per cent, 14.7 per cent and 0.5 per cent in 2011, 2012 and 2013. However, they rebounded in 2014, rising by 15.2 per cent and rose every year, barring 2023, since. How the wealthy are buying up land to avoid inheritance tax Listen | 22:03 When comparing the first quarter of 2025 with 2010, house prices increased more than rents in 21 of the 26 EU countries for which data are available, Eurostat said. They more than tripled in Hungary (260 per cent) and Estonia (238 per cent) and doubled or more than doubled in nine EU countries: Lithuania (194 per cent), Latvia (154 per cent), Czechia (147 per cent), Portugal (130 per cent), Bulgaria (125 per cent), Austria (113 per cent), Luxembourg and Poland (both 102 per cent) and Slovakia (100 per cent). [ Landlords rail against rent control reforms Opens in new window ] Italy was the only country where house prices decreased, falling 4 per cent. Eurostat noted that house prices and rents in the EU followed a similar pattern between 2010 and the second quarter of 2011 'but have since evolved differently'. 'While rents have increased steadily, house prices have followed a more variable pattern, showing a staggering increase between Q1 2015 and Q3 2022, followed by a small drop and stabilisation, before increasing again since 2024,' it said.
The Journal
35 minutes ago
- The Journal
Taoiseach hints childcare focus in Budget will be on increasing places rather than cutting costs
TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has stressed the need to create more childcare places across the country quickly. Asked by reporters in Japan, where the Taoiseach is this week for a trade mission, if there will be reductions to the cost of childcare in this year's Budget, the Taoiseach was coy in his response. Cutting the cost of childcare to €200 per month per child was a core election promise by both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. It is now a pledge in the Programme for Government to deliver the reduction over the lifetime of this government. 'I think we want to continue to make progress on childcare, but we have a whole range of issues now that we have to make progress on,' the Taoiseach said, adding that there will be negotiations leading into this year's Budget in October. 'We can't do everything at once, so we will endeavor to prioritise and continue the progress we've made in recent years. We've made very good progress in childcare, but we need more places, so the access issue and the number of places is also important, as well as affordability.' Advertisement Martin made the point that recent research has pointed to the need to improve the number of available childcare places. 'That speaks to the growth of population and the pressures on childcare and health services, and education,' he said. He added that the government will be prioritising the transformation of Ireland's infrastructure in the Budget. Asked if the government will be prioritising increasing childcare places over reducing costs this year, the Taoiseach said this will be a decision for Minister for Children Norma Foley, who will approach government with her priorities ahead of October's Budget. 'All Programme for Government commitments will be followed through. So that's the basic point,' he said. With reporting from Christina Finn in Japan Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
US businessman makes passionate plea to fans upon completion of League of Ireland club takeover
NEW Athlone Town owner Nick Giannotti has vowed not to be an absentee landlord. The American Plymouth Argyle director has taken over the Midlands club through his club Redball Energy. Advertisement There has been significant upheaval and uncertainty at Athlone since another USA-based venture, Valeo, cut off its funding at the end of last season. But, in an open letter on the club's website, Giannotti - who oversaw Giannott said: 'As I have yet to spend a significant amount of time on the ground with the Club and in the community, getting to know all of you, please afford me the opportunity to introduce myself briefly. 'Many of you may be skeptical, as I am not local to Athlone, but I can assure you that I am not just another disconnected, non-Irish owner. Advertisement Read More On Irish Football 'I was born and raised in San Diego, California, where I grew up playing football for a club called the Nomads and won three national championships. 'As a teenager, I was fortunate enough to spend two summers in the Northwest of England playing with the team, witnessing firsthand the significance of football to local communities. 'My father immigrated to the United States from Italy through Ellis Island. His story echoes that of so many Irish families who made a new life abroad. 'My wife, whose roots trace back to Cork, also studied at university in Dublin. Together, we have two young children, and our family is proud to now become part of the Athlone community. Advertisement Most read in Football 'Professionally, I co-founded Redball Energy, a solar company I've had the privilege to lead for over 15 years. 'More recently, I've had the chance to merge my professional skills and personal passion by serving as a Director and minority shareholder of Plymouth Argyle FC. Watch Roy Keane break character in hilarious blooper reel for League of Ireland ad "Football is a lifelong passion of mine, and it is with that same energy, respect, and drive that I come to Athlone. 'While I am not from Ireland, I know how much this club means to its supporters and its town. I understand the responsibility of this role. Advertisement "Please know that I am not here to change Athlone's identity. I aim to honour it, to protect it, and to grow it alongside all of you.' Athlone's men's team are rooted to the foot of the First Division whilst their women's team are preparing for a Champions League qualifier against 1 Giannotti promised widespread investment will be made across all aspects of the club And he vowed there are better times ahead for the club as a whole. Advertisement He said: 'There are many things that my team and I intend to do, but our vision is rooted in two principles: driving excellence and financial sustainability. 'We will invest in the club's infrastructure, our players, and our staff. "We will work tirelessly to build financial stability, sustainability, and increase revenue streams, enabling our teams to succeed on the pitch. 'We will become a club that nurtures and showcases young talent, both from Ireland and beyond, guided by data, smart recruitment, and a relentless commitment to improvement, both on and off the pitch.' Advertisement
