Bridging business and culture: The growing Japanese-Irish connection

How business and educational ties go hand-in-hand to bring the two nations together

Limerick has become an important hub for fostering international connections, and its role in strengthening ties between Ireland and Japan is no exception. With the University of Limerick at the forefront of academic and business collaboration.

Ireland and Japan may be separated by over 9,000 kilometres, but their economic and cultural ties have never been closer. The Japanese-Irish business connection has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with trade between the two nations reaching €23 billion, a 40% increase since 2020. This relationship is supported by the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC).

“Our relationship with Japan is growing significantly,” says Dominic Keogh, a key figure in the IJCC. He highlights the substantial Japanese investment in Ireland, particularly in pharmaceuticals and aircraft leasing. Astellas, a major Japanese pharmaceutical company, operates a large facility in Kilorglin, Co. Kerry and Damastown, Co. Dublin and is investing €300 million in a new plant in Tralee. In Dublin, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and ORIX play a significant role in the aircraft leasing sector, financing planes for global airlines.

However, the business relationship is not one-sided. Irish exports to Japan are thriving, particularly in agri-food. “Japan imports over €200 million worth of Irish agri-food products, with dairy, pork, and beef making up the bulk of this trade,” Keogh explains. Ireland is also increasing its presence in Japan, with the opening of a new embassy in Tokyo—the country’s largest investment in a foreign diplomatic mission to date.

Education as a key to stronger ties

Beyond business, education plays a vital role in strengthening the Japan-Ireland connection. “Language and cultural understanding are crucial for successful business relationships,” says Keogh. Ireland leads the EU in Japanese language learners per capita, with 35 secondary schools and five universities offering Japanese programmes. The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme has also seen over 1,500 Irish graduates travel to Japan to teach English and immerse themselves in Japanese society.

At the University of Limerick (UL), efforts to deepen these connections are well underway. Keogh himself visited UL late last year to talk about his experiences in Japan and the mentoring programme that connects Irish students with professionals in Japan. “The chamber has been facilitating connections between students and industry leaders, giving them direct access to valuable insights and career opportunities,” he says.

“I believe it is extremely valuable to offer opportunities for undergraduate students to engage with key stakeholders, such as the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce. It gives them a chance to realise what goes on beyond the classroom, deepening their understanding of Japan and Ireland relations, the current job market and the importance of intercultural skills. It also serves as a reminder that what they learn has real-world applications,” stated Erika Marcet, Assistant Professor of Japanese in the School of Modern Languages and Applied Linguistics at UL.

UL has also been proactive in attracting Japanese students to Ireland, which Keogh sees as another essential aspect of the relationship. “When Japanese students study here, they develop a fondness for Ireland and its people. Later, when they return to work for Japanese companies, they become natural advocates for doing business with Ireland,” he notes.

A future built on collaboration

With the Osaka Expo 2025 on the horizon and Ireland set to have a dedicated pavilion, the future of the Japanese-Irish business relationship looks promising. “We are creating a powerful forum for collaboration, ensuring that businesses, students, and professionals can support each other in deepening these ties,” Keogh concludes.