Tokyo Emerald Ball 2007 : March 17th, 2007

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The 2007 Tokyo Emerald Ball was held at the stylish Westin Hotel at Ebisu Garden Place in Tokyo on St. Patrick’s Day this year. This year’s Chairperson Ms. Sarah Murphy and her fellow committee members were delighted to see a record number of attendees on the night with a total of 401 guests attending the event.

A number of high-profile attendees came along to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Japan with us, including HRH Princess Takamado, Minister Tim O’Malley, the Irish Minister of State for the Department of Health and Children, Irish Ambassador to Japan Mr. Brendan Scannell and Ms. Chitose Hajime, a popular young Japanese recording artist.

The evening began with a champagne reception and wonderful Irish music performances from a number of Japanese musicians. This year was the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland and everyone in attendance was really looking forward to an enjoyable evening of Irish food, drink and entertainment.

Performers on the evening included flautist Mr. Makoto Hasemi as well as Ms. Keiko Kikuchi who played some beautiful pieces on the Irish harp. As the evening progressed and guests enjoyed the Irish cuisine on offer, a female Japanese duo performed an Irish dancing routine accompanied by the Japan-based traditional Irish band Shinsaibashi Trio.

The performances were thoroughly enjoyed by all and were followed by presentations to three of our main charitable causes this year. Cheques were presented to TELL (the Tokyo English Life Line), a homeless shelter in Osaka and the Irish Network Japan.

These presentations were followed by the grand raffle draw and the highly contested silent auction. The auction was expertly presided over by Mr. Ruairí Hatchell, MC for the night.

The evening continued with a rock and jazz music set from Irish band Cashell, who are based in Japan, and another highlight of the night was the appearance of Mr. Michael Maguire, a Riverdance troupe member. Along with Ms. Ruth Mulvenna, an all-Ireland and world medal winner, he gathered guests on the dance floor and taught a number of Irish dancing steps.

Japanese, Irish, Australian, Scottish, and American guests among many others enthusiastically participated in the performance of a number of Irish dances and a lively céilí ensued. After a short break, Cashell were back on stage and guests were out on the dance floor again and enjoying the fantastic atmosphere of the night.

The total funds raised at this year’s 14th Emerald Ball in Japan were the best so far and we are extremely grateful to all Ball attendees, sponsors and committee members for the huge success of the Emerald Ball Tokyo 2007.

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