Taoiseach Micheál Martin is to begin a four-day tour across three cities in Japan, which will focus on bilateral relationships, trade and cultural links.
It is the latest in a series of visits by members of the Cabinet to the country following a recent visit by Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke.
In Tokyo, the first city on his visit, the Taoiseach will meet with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Japan is Ireland’s second largest trading partner in the region, with total trade between the two countries amounting to more than €21 billion.
Speaking ahead of his visit, the Taoiseach said: “In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, Japan is an important strategic partner for Ireland on the global stage.
“Ireland and Japan are very like-minded on the major issues facing the world and I look forward to exchanging views with Prime Minister Ishiba and discussing how to strengthen the ties between our two countries.”
He will also officially open Ireland House Tokyo – the new home of the Irish Embassy, and trade and investment agencies.
Mr Martin will then travel to Osaka, where he will attend Expo 2025.
The Government hopes the event, with its projected 28 milllion visitors, will raise Ireland’s profile in Japan.
On the final day of his visit, Mr Martin will travel to Hiroshima, where he will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph to mark 80 years since the atomic bombing.
Mr Martin said he was honoured to visit Hiroshima “to remember all those who died as a result of the atomic bombing 80 years ago”.
“The memorial at Hiroshima is a stark reminder to us all of the devastation wrought by nuclear war and the importance of peace and stability across the world,” he said.
AloJapan.com