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The Journal
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
'We are two peace loving nations': Taoiseach meets Japanese PM ahead of new embassy opening
IT'S BEEN THREE years since Taoiseach Micheál Martin visited Japan and this time around his message in Tokyo is that both Ireland and Japan are two 'peace loving' nations. In a time when Europe has kicked to touch taking any action against Israel over its breach of its EU trade agreement, simply stating that it will look at the matter again in a number of weeks, the Taoiseach used his meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to state that the two countries' friendship is anchored in its 'shared values and commitment to democracy' . More importantly Martin noted that both Ireland and Japan are also committed 'to an international rules based order'. The Taoiseach has been at pains to highlight in recent times how international law and organisations such as the UN that seek to uphold them are being eroded. On the final day of his visit this week, the Taoiseach will travel to Hiroshima, where he will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph to mark 80 years since the atomic bombing. The current geopolitical threats in the world are not lost on the Taoiseach during his visit to Japan. Martin told the prime minister today that both countries agree with 'avoiding war and conflict at all costs'. Advertisement Speaking ahead of his visit to Hiroshima this week, Martin said he will remember those who suffered and he will meet survivors. 'I am going there in all solemnity to reflect our commitment to nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation,' he said. Martin also said he is looking forward to officially opening Ireland House, which will house the new Irish embassy in Tokyo. 'Three years ago I dug the sod, and now I'll see the finished building, it is beautiful,' he said. Taoiseach meets Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba DFA DFA It is the biggest capital spend by the state outside of Ireland, with a budget of €21 million. The grand opening will be marked with a reception later today. The Japanese prime minister congratulated the Taoiseach on the newly built building which he said will serve as a hub for Japan-Ireland exchanges. 'Toward the year 2027, which marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relationship, 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,' said the prime minister. 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


RTÉ News
02-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Taoiseach discusses deepening trade links with Japan PM
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have held talks in Tokyo to discuss deepening trade links and bilateral relations. In his opening remarks, Mr Ishiba welcomed Mr Martin by saying he was "delighted" that the Taoiseach had chosen Japan to be the first Asian country he visited following his election. He noted that this was Mr Martin's fifth visit to his country, most recently three years ago. The Prime Minister said 2017 will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic links between Japan and Ireland. He said he hoped the two countries could advance a wide ranging "concrete cooperation" in areas such as security, the economy, agriculture, digital, and cultural exchanges. In his opening remarks, the Taoiseach said it was a "great pleasure" to be back in Tokyo and he looked forward to discussing the ongoing partnership between Ireland and Japan. He said that the friendship between the two countries was "anchored in shared values" - such as an "outstanding commitment to democracy" and the an "international rules-based order". The Taoiseach said there were "very strong culture, educational and people to people relationships" and that was reflected in his visit. Mr Martin said he was looking forward to opening 'Ireland House' which will house the new Irish Embassy. The 302 Military Police band played both national anthems at the Prime Minister's residence, the Kanti, before Mr Martin and Mr Ishiba inspected the colour party. Tomorrow, Mr Martin will travel to the southern city of Osaka and visit Expo 25 where Ireland has a major presence aimed at heightening its trade and cultural presence in Japan. On his final day, he visits Hiroshima.


RTÉ News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Taoiseach in Japan to open new embassy
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has met the Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, in Tokyo to discuss deepening trade links and bilateral relations. In his opening remarks, Mr Ishiba welcomed Mr Martin by saying he was "delighted" that the Taoiseach had chosen Japan to be the first Asian country he visited following his election. He noted that this was Mr Martin's fifth visit to his country, most recently three years ago. The Prime Minister said 2017 will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic links between Japan and Ireland. He said he hoped the two countries could advance a wide ranging "concrete cooperation" in areas such as security, the economy, agriculture, digital, and cultural exchanges. In his opening remarks, the Taoiseach said it was a "great pleasure" to be back in Tokyo and he looked forward to discussing the ongoing partnership between Ireland and Japan. He said that the friendship between the two countries was "anchored in shared values" - such as an "outstanding commitment to democracy" and the an "international rules-based order". The Taoiseach said there were "very strong culture, educational and people to people relationships" and that was reflected in his visit. Mr Martin said he was looking forward to opening 'Ireland House' which will house the new embassy. The 302 Military Police band played both national anthems at the Prime Minister's residence, the Kanti, before Mr Martin and Mr Ishiba inspected the colour party. Tomorrow, Mr Martin will travel to the southern city of Osaka and visit Expo 25 where Ireland has a major presence aimed at heightening its trade and cultural presence in Japan. On his final day, he visits Hiroshima.


Irish Post
01-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Ireland House Tokyo set to be formally opened by Taoiseach during four-day visit to Japan
TAOISEACH Micheál Martin has begun a four-day visit to Japan. While there he will formally open Ireland House Tokyo, the new home of the Embassy of Ireland to Japan, and of Ireland's trade and investment agencies based there. He said he was 'looking forward' to the opening, which he described as a 'significant milestone in Ireland's relationship with Japan'. While in Tokyo, the Taoiseach will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, as he seeks to further cement relations between the two nations. 'In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, Japan is an important strategic partner for Ireland on the global stage,' Mr Martin said ahead of his visit. 'Ireland and Japan are very like-minded on the major issues facing the world and I look forward to exchanging views with Prime Minister Ishiba and discussing how to strengthen the ties between our two countries,' he added. During the visit, the Taoiseach will also take part in engagements focusing on trade and cultural links between Ireland and Japan and efforts to advance work on the 2022 Joint Leaders' Statement which was signed during his last visit to the country in 2022. In Osaka, the Taoiseach will attend Expo 2025 and, on the final day of his visit, he will travel to Hiroshima and lay a wreath at the Cenotaph to mark 80 years since the atomic bombing. 'I am honoured to visit Hiroshima to remember all those who died as a result of the atomic bombing 80 years ago,' Mr Martin said. The memorial at Hiroshima is a stark reminder to us all of the devastation wrought by nuclear war and the importance of peace and stability across the world.' See More: Ireland House, Japan, Taoiseach, Tokyo

The Journal
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Taoiseach to begin four day visit to Japan today aimed at strengthening trade relationship
TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has arrived in Japan where he will begin a four day visit . He's set to travel to a number of major cities and meet with the nation's prime minister. The Taoiseach will travel to Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima over the four days. Japan is Ireland's second-largest trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region, with annual two-way trade totalling €21.5 billion. There is a big demand for some Irish produce, such as beef, Irish whiskey, seafood and grain products. In Tokyo, Martin will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba, as well as taking part in engagements focused on Ireland's relationship with Japan, trade and culture links, and advancing work on a Join Leaders' Statement signed during Martin's last visit in 2022. Advertisement He will officially open the new home of the Irish Embassy in Japan and of Ireland's trade and investment agencies based in the country: Ireland House Tokyo. In Osaka, the Taoiseach will attend Expo 2025. A year long series of activities at the Expo have been designed to increase Ireland's presence and visibility in Japan, including the opening of the new Ireland House. Speaking prior to the trip, Martin said, 'I am looking forward to opening the new Ireland House Tokyo, a significant milestone in Ireland's relationship with Japan, and to visiting the Irish pavilion at Expo which is showcasing Ireland's creativity and culture.' On the final day of his visit, Martin will visit Hiroshima and will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph to mark 80 years since the atomic bombing. 'In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, Japan is an important strategic partner for Ireland on the global stage,' Martin said. 'Ireland and Japan are very like-minded on the major issues facing the world and I look forward to exchanging views with Prime Minister Ishiba and discussing how to strengthen the ties between our two countries.' He said that he is honoured to be visiting Hiroshima, and said that the memorial there 'is a stark reminder to us all of the devastation wrought by nuclear war and the importance of peace and stability across the world.' Our Political Editor Christina Finn is in Japan to cover the Taoiseach's visit – you can follow her here on X . 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