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LAST UPDATE | 2 Jul
THE JAPANESE PRIME Minister Shigeru Ishiba was well briefed ahead of his meeting today, according to Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
The prime minister told Martin he was aware of his love of green tea, a staple in the Taoiseach’s diet.
Along with that, Shigeru Ishiba spoke about how Irish beef tongue is a sought after commodity in Japan.
The two leaders also spoke about world security issues during their meeting which lasted nearly an hour and how Ireland is protecting the undersea cables in the Atlantic.
Trade between the two countries, something Ireland is hoping to increase in the midst of tariffs threats from the US, was also on the agenda.
Over lunch of wagyu beef, the two men also chatted about the teddy on the table of Oona the Puffin – Ireland’s mascot at Expo 2025, where the Taoiseach will visit tomorrow.
Due to Japan’s love of all things anime, visitors to the Expo have been turning up for photos with the Irish puffin, who was created by Cartoon Saloon together with partner studio Dog Ears from Derry.
All these talking points, big and small, happened alongside the two leaders sipping glasses of Guinness, all the while Enya music played in the background.
While Martin enjoyed an early tipple at Kanti, the residence and offices of the prime minister, he later had a mishap with a pint of the black stuff, when he spilled a bit of his drink while finishing off a speech at the opening of the Ireland House, the home to new Irish embassy in Tokyo.
There was polite laughter from the guests at the faux pas before the Toyota Ceili band kicked off with some music.
The building, with a budget of over €21 million, is the most expensive building the state has built outside of Ireland.
Speaking to the room of dignitaries this evening, which included Japan’s Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, he said the Ireland-Japan relationship is built on a solid foundation of a shared and longstanding commitment to the rules-based international order.
“We share a vision for a future of peace and prosperity for all, built through international co-operation, democratic values and peaceful resolution of disputes. For example, Ireland and Japan have been steadfast in our support for Ukraine following Russia’s illegal invasion in 2022.
“On global economic issues, we are very like-minded partners. We collaborate closely at the United Nations,” he said.
These were points he also made to the prime minister today, stating that Japan and Ireland are two peace loving countries.
The links between the two countries “are far from new”, he added.
Martin spoke about the the Irish journalist Lafcadio Hearn who arrived in Japan in 1890 on a work assignment.
“Falling in love with this marvellous country, he changed his name to Koizumi Yakumo and remained here for the rest of his life. The impact he had on Japanese literature was profound. His works continue to inspire other artists today,” he said.
Apparently they do. The work of Hearn are to be used as part of ‘asadora’ known as morning dramas, which the Japanese watch first thing in the morning. A staple of Japan’s domestic entertainment industry, they are only around 15 minutes long.
According to Japan Today, an upcoming asadora called “Bakebake,” will be based around Hearn and his wife. The Taoiseach spoke with the prime minister about the new series and how it might be aired in Ireland.
As part of the Taoiseach’s visit, Martin will tomorrow attend the Ireland Pavilion at Expo 2025, which is a key part of the Ireland Japan 2025 programme.
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.
All in all, it has been a busy trip for the Taoiseach, but with the green tea flowing, Martin seems to be enjoying it so far.
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