The Emerald Ball will be held on March 12th, 2004, at the Palace Hotel in Tokyo.

The Ireland Fund of Japan (IFJ) will hold its 12th annual Emerald Ball on March 12th, 2004, at the Palace Hotel in Tokyo. The 2004 Ball is being chaired by Dublin born Tara French, supported by a dedicated committee of Irish and Japanese volunteers. Tickets are Yen 25,000 each, please contact tickets@irlfundjp.org or call Liz Lally on 090-3208 6141

(PRWEB) January 31, 2004 --The Ireland Fund of Japan (IFJ) will hold its 12th annual Emerald Ball on March 12th, 2004, at the Palace Hotel in Tokyo. The 2004 Ball is being chaired by Dublin born Tara French, supported by a dedicated committee of Irish and Japanese volunteers. Tickets are Yen 25,000 each, please contact tickets@irlfundjp.org or call Liz Lally on 090-3208 6141.

The Ireland Funds global community of 70 million people is the largest worldwide network of Irish people and friends of Ireland dedicated to cultural, educational and community projects in Ireland and in their home countries. Internationally they have raised and donated more than US $150 million.

The organization was founded in 1976 in the United States by Sir Anthony OReilly, chairman of Waterford Wedgwood and Dan Rooney, owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s The Ireland Funds expanded internationally and today there are branches in Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, France, Germany, Monaco, and Mexico in addition to Japan, which was founded in 1993.

Japans inaugural Emerald Ball, held on March 12th, 1993 was graced with the presence of Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino. Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Takamado have also been guests at the Emerald Ball. The Irish Ambassador is patron of the Ball, which attracts guests from the international business community in addition to diplomats, and Japanese social and business leaders.
The Irish reputation for mixing serious undertakings with enjoyable events extends to The Ireland Funds. The Emerald Ball gala event showcases the best of Irish hospitality, culture and entertainment and is a wonderful venue to entertain friends and special guests. The renowned Irish group De Dannan was the entertainment highlight of the 2002 Emerald Ball. Past performers include Phil Coulter and Paul Brady as well as members of the Riverdance troupe.

The goals of the Ireland Fund of Japan are to encourage greater cultural and communication links between Ireland and Japan. In addition to the Emerald Ball, The Ireland Fund of Japan is developing an annual calendar of events involving aspects of Ireland of interest to Japanese and international members including golf, horse racing, fishing, sailing and arts and culture.

Funds raised through our events, and through sponsorship and donations, support a range of charitable, environmental and cultural projects both in Japan and in Ireland. Grants have gone to such projects as the construction of a green" community centre at Takatori in Kobe, following the Great Hanshin Earthquake.

A grant covered publishing of an anthology of Irish writing on Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo), the Irish-born writer who spent most of his life in Japan. His books and stories - beloved by Japanese and foreigners alike -- open a window on Japan of 150 years ago. The Asian Gaelic Games, which attract a sizeable team from Japan, regularly receives support from the IFJ.

We are expanding our programs to involve Japanese and Irish companies and individuals in cultural, ecological, archeological, educational and community projects in Ireland and Japan-together and separately.
The work of The Ireland Fund of Japan is made possible through the generosity of our sponsors and supporters who include Irish, international and Japanese companies and individuals. For information on sponsorship contact sponsorship@irlfundjp.org

CONTACTS:    PR Contact: pr@irlfundjp.org
General Information on the Ireland Fund of Japan and the Emerald Ball: info@irlfundjp.org or visit our web site at http://www.irlfunds.org/japan