Ireland Japan 2025
A historic year for Ireland-Japan relations
2025 is set to be an exciting year for Ireland in Japan, with a full programme of projects and events spanning the course of the year, at the new Ireland House in Tokyo, the Ireland Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and with other key partners throughout Japan.
The Ireland-Japan 2025 programme will cover education, research, sport, culture and art, building on our existing strong political and economic connections.
1,500
Irish citizens living in Japan
1957
Diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan were established
€21.5 billion
In annual two-way trade
The opening of Ireland House Tokyo, the new home for our Embassy and Irish State Agencies, and our presence at World Expo Osaka, Kansai in 2025, will represent the most ambitious investment in this valued relationship since the opening of Ireland’s Embassy in Tokyo in 1973.
Explore the timeline of Ireland’s relationship with Japan
-
1957
Diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan established
Shared connections
At the centre of Ireland-Japan 2025 is a cultural programme that seeks to shine a light on those aspects of our own culture that resonate with Japan. Despite a distance spanning the entire Eurasian landmass, we share connections through our common history as nations of storytellers, musicians and makers.
Ireland and Japan share a mutual curiosity and appreciation for literature, music, storytelling and the wide variety of art forms which come together to create the very foundation of our folklore and traditions. Ireland-Japan 2025 weaves together the commonalities between our cultures, highlighting themes of identity and exile, and a mutual fascination and reverence for nature’s unknowns.
From stories of St Brigid to commonalities between our cultures, Ireland-Japan 2025 hopes to further highlight those strong bonds between our two nations.
Ireland at Expo 2025
This year’s World Expo, a once-in-five year global gathering, takes place in Osaka city, in the Kansai region of Japan. Ireland joins over 150 countries and international organisations participating in the event from April to October 2025.
At the Ireland Pavilion, visitors can immerse themselves in Irish tradition and technology, creativity and culture, in a space designed to appeal to all the senses.
