Speech by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on the occasion of a Reception at Expo Pavilion

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Ambassadors, distinguished guests, a chairde,

Three years ago, in July 2022, as Taoiseach, I visited Japan and signed a Joint Statement with former Prime Minister Kishida.

The Statement promised to enhance relations between Ireland and Japan in a range of fields from education and research to arts and culture and to cultivate deeper people to people links.

How wonderful it is today to see our deepening ties realised through Ireland’s participation at World Expo here in Osaka, Kansai.

Our pavilion showcases Ireland to the world. It focuses on the connections between Ireland and Japan and on the power of creativity to bring people together.

The pavilion also provides a platform for Irish state agencies and businesses to engage with the dynamic Kansai region, and to showcase the best of Irish produce and innovation.

Although our two countries are separated by great distance, there is much that connects us.

Japan and Ireland share a deep respect for the past and an awareness of the ephemeral nature of existence.

We are both storytellers, and in this pavilion, we tell the story of Lafcadio Hearn.

Hearn came to Japan as a journalist in 1890 and wrote about life in Japan for a western audience keen to know more about this wonderful country.

Hearn married Koizumi Setsu and changed his name to Koizumi Yakumo taking her family name.

At a time of great change in this country, he worked with his wife Setsu, to write down the stories and folktales of Japan.

The Kwaidan Ghost stories remain popular today.

Theirs was a very important creative connection that resonates over a century later.

As you may know, the National Broadcaster NHK are retelling the story of Setsu and Hearn in their popular morning drama series, ‘Baké, Baké, ‘The Ghost Writer’s wife’ later this year.

(I am delighted that we are joined by their great grandson, Bon Koizumi-san and his wife Shoko today).

I want to congratulate everyone involved in shining a light on this wonderful story of creative connection for a new generation.

Expo is not just about the bilateral relationship between Ireland and Japan. It brings together some 158 countries and organisations from around the world.

We are surrounded by the magnificent ‘Grand Ring’, the biggest wooden structure in the world which represents Unity and Diversity.

Japan’s theme of – Designing Future Society for our Lives – along with the alignment of the programme with the UN Strategic Development Goals – and the architectural theme of ‘Unity and Diversity’ heralds a depth of intent that is welcome in these times of rapid technological change, political uncertainty, and human suffering.

We are in a challenging global environment, with increasing threats to international peace and stability and the toll of conflict impacting too many people, in too many parts of the world.

World Expo therefore, provides me with a great sense of optimism. This incredible site, with architecture, innovation and culture from around the globe, staffed by the people of the world is a tangible expression of what can be achieved when countries work together.

Expo celebrates the best of humanity. It reminds us that there can be ‘Unity in diversity’ as the architectural theme suggests.

Ireland is a proud member of the European Union. A Union founded on the values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and human rights.

Ireland remains committed to a rules based international order with the UN at its heart.

We remain committed to climate justice, sustainable development and international law.

We remain of the firm belief that the world must come together as a global community to rise to the challenges that face our shared humanity.

I am glad that Japan is welcoming leaders from around the world to this wonderful Yumeshima island – island of dreams - over the course of Expo.

This site should give us all pause for reflection and remind us that the solutions to the problems of today are to be found in the imaginative, creative potential of every community.

Let me conclude by congratulating our hosts Japan, and everyone involved in making Expo the success that it is.

Lafcadio Hearn himself once wrote, ‘All good work is done the way ants do things, little by little.’

As Expo proves, by working together, ‘Little by little’, great things can be achieved when there is unity of purpose.

It shows us that time differences, cultural differences, and language barriers can be overcome to create something great.

What has been achieved here is truly a beacon of light in these turbulent times.

I would like to ask you to join me in proposing a toast;

To Ireland and Japan,

To Unity in Diversity.

Sláinte, Kampai,

Go raibh mile maith agaibh go léir.

Maido, Okini