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The Journal
a day ago
- Business
- The Journal
Flogging beef tongue and Irish whiskey: Taoiseach and ministers travel to Japan in major trade push
Christina Finn TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN is due to travel to Japan tomorrow, where he will visit Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima. A total of six ministers, not including the Taoiseach, have travelled or are due to travel to Japan this year for a major charm offensive trade push amidst the threat of US tariffs. Enterprise Minister Peter Burke and Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon, Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton, Media Minister Patrick O'Donovan have already made the trip this year, with Higher Education Minister James Lawless heading there during the summer and Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien due to travel in the autumn. Japan is Ireland's second-largest trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region, with annual two-way trade totalling €21.5 billion. There is a big demand for some Irish produce, such as beef, Irish whiskey, seafood and grain products. Irish beef tongue 'very big' in Japan Irish beef tongue is 'very big' in Japan, said one official, who added that Donegal oysters and Flavins oatmeal are among highly-sought after commodities in Japan. Japan is the third biggest market for Irish whiskey and the market is growing. In 2020, 55,000 cases of Irish whiskey were sold to Japan, with 206,000 cases sold last year. Advertisement With the deadline for Europe to strike a trade deal with the US approaching, Ireland has been on the charm offensive with other nations in a bid to attempt to fill the gap of any trading holes that might emerge. Market diversification is the main show in town right now, said one official. Japan is a growing export market with over 300 Enterprise Ireland clients doing business in Japan and over 50 Irish companies having representations or presence in the country. The aim of the Ireland Japan 2025 programme is part of the government's high-level trade mission programme whereby ministers are tasked with showcasing Ireland's world-class agri-food sector. Food market, Osaka Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Japan, which has a population of 123 million people, holds lots of opportunities for Ireland, particularly when a cloud of uncertainty is on the horizon. The country gained access to Irish beef in 2013 and sheep-meat access in 2019. The Irish agri-food sector exported 34% dairy to Japan, along with 28% pig meat, 10% fish, 12% beverages and 6% animal feed. There is a big push in particular to sell Irish whiskey and gin to Japan. Expo 2025 Osaka As part of the Taoiseach's visit, Martin will attend the Ireland Pavilion at Expo 2025, which is a key part of the Ireland Japan 2025 programme. A year long series of activities at the Expo have been designed to increase Ireland's presence and visibility in Japan and this includes the opening of the new Ireland House. Related Reads 'Wait and see': Taoiseach says Trump's extension on tariff threat could stifle economic growth Trump says 50% tariffs on EU delayed until 9 July after 'very nice call' with von der Leyen Potential risk of differential tariff rates to all-island economy averted for now, Cabinet to hear Irish Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025 Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The overall approved budget for the programme is €16.8 million over the three years from 2023 to 2026. Tánaiste Simon Harris has said Ireland completed its pavilion on time and within budget. Designed by Office of Public Works architects, the Ireland Pavilion is inspired by the ancient Celtic motif of the triskele. The Ireland Pavilion serves as a hub for Irish organisations, Team Ireland and the diaspora, and involves an immersive visitor experience. It is expected that Expo will attract approximately 28 million visitors, with the government hoping its participation in the Expo will provide a platform for public diplomacy for Ireland. 'Ireland can still remain relatively unknown among the wider Japanese public. The Ireland pavilion has been operating at maximum capacity on a daily basis. We reckon that in excess of six million visitors have attended Expo already,' Tánaiste Simon Harris has said. As part of the Taoiseach's trip next week, he will also visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum at Hiroshima to mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima City and Nagasaki City by the United States in 1945. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Hamilton Spectator
30-04-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Staycations! A fun list of day trips, things to see around Hamilton and beyond
You've cancelled your trip to the United States due to Donald Trump's tariff war, but aren't quite sure what to do now. Have your best vacation ever – from our own backyard. Here's a sample of ideas to make your upcoming summer epic: Adam Christie, with the Binbrook Conservation Area, rides a zip line through the trees in the Treetop Trekking zip line adventure park at Binbrook. Hamilton has six National Historic Sites (NHS), a military museum, cultural heritage centre, and an improved and expanded children's museum which reopens in the fall of 2025. Check out Dundurn Castle , Battlefield House , Fieldcote , Griffin House (currently closed) , the Steam museum , Whitehern , Hamilton and Scourge . All these venues have exciting events and workshops you can drop in or register for. Visit . Founded in 1972, this Canadian museum sits right here in our own backyard. Hamiltonians love to watch the Lancaster fly and often visit the museum for an afternoon or for an event. The museum mandate is to acquire, document, preserve and maintain a complete collection of aircraft that were flown by Canadians and the Canadian military from the beginning of World War II to the present. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. It's located at 9280 Airport Rd., Mount Hope. Admission is $14.95 for adults. The RBG has four cultivated garden areas, 27 kilometres of nature trails, 2,007 acres of nature sanctuaries, 130 acres of cultivated gardens, 50-plus species at risk, 6,600-plus taxa (unique types), 242,000-plus individual plants, activities, restaurants and more. The RBG Centre is located at 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington. Museums of Burlington, including Joseph Brant Museum and Ireland House at Oakridge Farm seek to share history and heritage, push boundaries through diverse perspectives, and connect and serve the interests of the community. Joseph Brant is located 1240 North Shore Blvd. E. and Ireland House is at 2168 Guelph Line, in Burlington. For a wealth of exhibits, events and workshops, visit . Grab your crew for an unforgettable day overlooking Lake Niapenco in Binbrook. Tree Top Trekking, located at 5050 Harrison Rd. within Binbrook Conservation Area, is the perfect spot for a family-friendly adventure. Rates are about $67 adults and $49 for children (12-15 years) for a day of zip line and aerial game trek fun. Hours can be seasonal, so take a look before you go at . Spend a day or two exploring at the African Lion Safari in Rockton. The park is open daily from May 3 to Sept. 14 and then on select dates until Thanksgiving weekend. Gate admission is $42.95 for adults and $29.95 for children. Online and season rates are available. Waterpark, driving safari tours and more. Seasonal of course, this destination embodies the perfect summer day. Hamilton's Wild Waterworks features a heated wave pool, waterslides, tubing on the Eazy River, and a wading pool with slides, mists and sprays, and fountains for the littles. It's located at 680 Van Wagners Beach Rd., parking is free. A daily admission rate for an adult is listed at $33.63 on the website. Find out about season passes and more at . Explore Norfolk County this summer. Enjoy beaches, birding, hiking, camping, wine and beer tours, Whistling Gardens, and so much more. Dinner and lunch tours run Tuesday to Sunday, from May 21 to Oct. 10. Grand River Dinner Cruises is family-owned and has operated since 1978. Cruise along a 20-kilometre section of the Grand River between Caledonia and the village of Onondaga. The boat cruise features 49 tables inside and a promenade. Prices range from $75 to $85 per person. Address: 36 Brant County Rd. 22, Caledonia. Visit . What's not to see at this prime tourist attraction? It's world-renowned and just a skip away from Hamilton for a day trip. Visit the Horseshoe Falls where the Niagara River flows fast and drops hard. You can park, picnic and promenade. You can spend a lot or pinch your pennies. Take a hike up and down Clifton Hill, visit the Skylon Tower's observation deck, cycle in the area – there's so much to do in addition to looking at the falls. Visit . You'll need a map to make sure you can squeeze in the many destinations. Winery Tours of Niagara is a luxury Niagara Wine Country tour service provider operating in Niagara Falls, offering professional, fun, educational and interactive food and wine tour experiences in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Twenty Valley and the Beamsville Bench Wine regions. The parking lot is free and the stores are abundant. Check out the Outlet Collection at Niagara, 300 Taylor Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake. The centre features 110 stores and restaurants, more than enough to shop right here at home. . Shops, theatre, food and wine. What more could you be looking for in an adventure? Niagara-on-the-Lake is a cute little 19th-century village in the heart of Ontario's wine country. Beyond the quaint old town, explore the area's several wineries, breweries and distilleries, world class theatre at the Shaw Festival, important historical landmarks and stunning waterfront views. . Port Colborne is preparing to welcome a wave of cruise ship visitors. More than 70 stops are scheduled before Oct. 27, marking a significant increase in traffic through the small Niagara port city. More information about the city's cruise ship schedule and walking tours is available at . Pirate Life Theatre at Bay Front Park, near the gazebo located along the WaterFront Trail. Home to more than 100 waterfalls. We're willing to bet you haven't seen them all. Challenge yourself to make a master list and visit them all. Keep in mind waterfall flow is seasonal and affected by rainfall. Our lake is massive and a gateway to the world. We are willing to bet you haven't explored it to it's full potential. There are day trips here in Hamilton, full on cruises, the tall ships, adventures and more. The Hamiltonian Tour Boat , a 50-minute, 12-passenger leisure exploration of the city from the water. Tours depart from Pier 7. No reservations are required, purchase tickets at the ticket office next to the outdoor rink, 47 Discovery Dr. Cost is about $21 each. Hamilton Pirate Life Adventure cruises for kids, families or adults. Join the crew for an immersive pirate adventure. Climb aboard a pirate ship and sail in search of treasure. Departures from Hamilton harbour May to October. Cost is about $35 per person, children three and under are free. Thinking full on cruise? Cruises set sail from Port of Toronto offering 47 cruise ships between April and October. Check them out at . For high school students, think Tall Ship Adventure . Set sail for a 14-day voyage from Toronto to Sarnia. It's a journey and learning opportunity to earn high school credit through leadership. The adventure is July 3 to 15. Visit Tall Ships return to Toronto's waterfront as part of the Waterfront Festival June 28 and 29, and Brockville Tall Ships Festival June 20 to 22. The fleet of historic tall ships will sail into Toronto to dock at Sugar Beach in addition to nautical and maritime entertainment and activities on-land. Toronto's festival is free to attend but to get onboard the decks of the ships you will need a wristband. For the first time, excursions are available on Empire Sandy, Canada's largest tall ship. Don't miss the boat, she is only sailing four times per day and they will sell out fast, so book yours now. or A EdgeWalk participant leans over Toronto's downtown standing on the CN Tower. Grab your glove and head down the QEW. Nothing screams summer more than a baseball game. Take the GO Train or take a chance on the QEW to The Rogers Centre. Loonie dogs are something to keep in mind if you go on a Tuesday. But, there's more food items featured in 2025 for you to consider . Visit Flowerpot Island, view shipwrecks, watch sunsets and explore the Bruce Peninsula National Park. One of the largest museums in North America, the gallery features a collection of more than 120,000 artworks. There's always something new to see and do. Admission is $30. The gallery is closed Mondays and open 10:30 a.m. to 5 or 5:30 Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, and until 9 p.m. Wednesday and Friday. Visit . You could spend days at the ROM. It's just down the road in Toronto so a good day trip or overnight adventure. The museum's featured exhibition ' Auschwitz - Not long ago. Not far away ' continues until September. Daily admission is about $30, buy ticket online or at the door. Coat check is extra. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. most days, closed Mondays, and admission is free on the third Tuesday night of each month, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Visit You can see it from Hamilton but have you been? The CN Tower scratches the horizon as you look to Toronto. It's on the waterfront and pretty easy to get to by car or train. It's for sightseers, thrill-seekers, foodies or anything in-between. They even have low sensory mornings on scheduled days throughout the year. Check out the viewing hours and admission rates at . Nestled at the base of the CN Tower, tourists can dive into the deep blue sea. Visitors to the aquarium view thousands of awe-inspiring aquatic animals and get closer than ever before with interactive, hands-on experiences, unique animal encounters, and exciting events. Admission runs about $46 for adults, $30 for youth and $13.50 for children. Visit . You will need reservations, but don't dismiss the oodles of fun and Canadiana of camping. Ontario Parks offer car campsites, backcountry campsites, roofed accommodation, group campsites or day-use facility (picnic shelters). Pick your dates and reserve your adventure now . And, here are 10 places to go camping within an hour of Hamilton — no need to drive hours for summer adventure. They include Hamilton Conservation Authority locations. DYK? Camping is available at Fifty Point Conservation Area from April 1 to Thanksgiving! Pack your gear and get ready to explore scenic trails, soak in stunning views of Lake Ontario, and unwind in this peaceful natural escape Here's a few events to look forward to this summer. Annual fireworks launch around 9:30 p.m. in Dundas Driving Park, 71 Cross St., Dundas. Admission is free but cash donations are collected at the gate to support the Rotary Club. Events start at 4 p.m. and include Music Fest & Kids Fest with artisan market, food trucks, glow sticks. Restrictions: personal fireworks, sparklers, drones, and pets are not permitted in the park. On the second Friday of every month, Hamilton's arts and culture hub, James Street North, is transformed by a decade-old phenomenon called Art Crawl. The street is closed to car traffic during Art Crawls from May to August. Our black and yellow will soon hit the field at Hamilton Stadium – which until recently was Tim Hortons Field, for another great season of the CFL. The cats are in the East Division, coached by Scott Milanovich. The season runs June to October, with pre-season games starting in May. Get out there with TC, Stripes and Pigskin Pete. Oskee Wee Wee! . Soccer is hot in Hamilton and Forge FC have a lot to do with it. The Canadian Premier League runs April to October. Home games are at Hamilton Stadium, formerly Tim Hortons Field, 64 Melrose Ave. N. The Why Not Wine festival will debut at LaSalle Park in Burlington on Saturday, May 10. At least 13 wine and spirits vendors, including five wineries, are scheduled to take part. Expect an immersive event filled with a 19th century encampment, one-of-a-kind shopping, historical demonstrations, indigenous programming, music, old-fashioned games and food and refreshments on June 7-8. Plan on battle re-enactments Saturday, June 7 at 3:30 and 8:30 p.m., Sunday, June 8 at 2 p.m. Admission is free. Fireworks are scheduled (weather permitting) after the Saturday evening battle. Location: Battlefield Park, 77 King St. W., Stoney Creek. Canada's Largest Ribfest, organized by Rotary Burlington Lakeshore, is celebrating 29 years in 2025. It's held in Spencer Smith Park on Labour Day weekend, Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday to Sunday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday. There will be live entertainment, a kids' zone, ribs of course and more. There's so much to do and see at Hamilton's Super Crawl event Sept. 12 to 14 on James Street North. Roads are closed and vendors, entertainment and food abound. Keep this one on your calendar.
