MARCH, 2008 THE IRELAND FUND OF JAPAN held its annual Emerald Ball at The Westin Hotel with supporters and sponsors in strong attendance. The Ireland Fund of Japan is dedicated to raising funds in support of The Arts, Culture, education and community development in Japan and Ireland and developing the links in these areas between the countries.

EDUCATION CONTINUES TO BE A PRINCIPAL FOCUS for the Fund, and in 2008 they repeated the secondary school exchange programme between Newbridge College in Ireland and Sendai College in Japan. Over 20 students from each country enjoyed the hospitality of each other's homeland, with positive feedback from all involved.

In addition, the organization is supporting a Jesuit homeless project in Osaka that feeds hundreds in need each week. The Ireland Fund of Japan also continues to support the Irish Network Society, and currently sponsors nine parades throughout Japan over St. Patrick's Weekend in 2009, not to mention the main parade in Tokyo's "Champs Élysées", Omote Sando. 2009 will be no different with the Emerald Ball taking place on March 14, with parades to follow on March 15.