HIS Excellency Maruyama Norio, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, visited the MTU Kerry Campus on Monday where a special discussion was hosted about the relations between Japan and Ireland.

Moderated by Professor Muiris Ó Laoire, a Senior Lecturer at the School of Health and Social Sciences at MTU, the discussion focused on the cultural, economic and educational ties between Ireland and Japan.

Guests included students and staff of MTU, the Mayor of Kerry, Chair of the MTU Governing Body, local schools, TDs and local government representatives as well as representatives from Japanese companies based in the region, including JRI American, Astellas and ALPS in addition to Dingle-based food company Dingle Sushi.

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In her welcome address, MTU President Professor Maggie Cusack commented on the impact of the Japanese companies in the region saying, “these companies provide a significant contribution to our region and local economies by providing consistent employment and career development. These and other Japanese companies based in Ireland are excellent examples of how Japanese companies can successfully operate, develop and scale operations in a regional location. The benefit of the company’s longevity in the region is significant”.

Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School student Jack Given addressed the Ambassador in Japanese and read from some of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn’s writings. Hearn was an Irish born writer, translator, and teacher who introduced the culture and literature of Japan to the West in the 1800s.