Toru Tazura O'Connell, the Public Relations Director of the Irish Network Japan was kind enough to send in the following thoughts about St. Patrick's Day celebrations in…

The Embassy of Ireland in Tokyo promotes the achievement of Lafcadio Hearn as one of the most important historical connections between Ireland and Japan. A special library devoted to books by and about Hearn was opened at the Embassy in 1987.  The Embassy is also closely involved with many Hearn –related e events in Japan including links with Matsue  in…

We’re marking the 75th anniversary of the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima. And yes, an Irish national --- Julia Canny a.k.a. Sister Mary of Saint Isaac Jogues --- was present and survived. My story together with the accompanying photographs (reproduced below) appeared in the 11 August 1999 editions of two Irish newspapers:…

"Don't Give Up 'til it's Over" is a really uplifting song by Johnny Duhan.

I’m a fan of The Dubliners, and particularly the group’s past lead vocalist, the late Roddy Drew.  You can view and hear (what a voice!) Ronnie Drew and the Dubliners here:

There’s also another version recorded in Japan, shortly after the earthquake-tsunami disaster of 11 March…

I had to go down to the hospital very early today. On the way back, I was exhausted and stopped in a coffee shop. And what do you know? My whole day was transformed. Somebody had left a copy of The New York Times behind, and there staring up at me from the front page was the man himself, wee Joyce. with his head and hat cocked…