5 Surprising Things Japan and Ireland Have in Common

At first glance, Japan and Ireland might seem like they have little in common. Japan, with its bustling cities and cutting-edge technology, sits on the other side of the world from Ireland, known for its rolling green hills and vibrant pubs. But if you look a little closer, you will find that these two island nations share some pretty cool similarities. Let’s have a look at five things that Japan and Ireland have in common.

1. Rich Mythology and Folklore

Both Japan and Ireland are overflowing with myths and legends. In Japan, the Shinto religion introduces us to a world filled with kami (spirits), mythical creatures, and epic tales of gods and heroes. Think about stories like those of the sun goddess Amaterasu and the storm god Susanoo. Over in Ireland, Celtic mythology brings us enchanting tales of fairies, leprechauns, and legendary warriors like Cú Chulainn. These mythologies have a big influence on the art, literature, and festivals in both countries, keeping their ancient stories alive and well.

2. Strong National Pride

People in both Japan and Ireland have a deep sense of national pride. In Japan, this pride shows in the way they hold onto traditions like tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and ancient theatre forms like Noh. The Japanese are proud of their cultural heritage and historical achievements. Similarly, the Irish celebrate their heritage by working to keep the Irish language (Gaeilge) alive and cherish their traditional music and dance. Both nations have a strong connection to their roots, which shapes their modern identities.

3. Beautiful Island Landscapes

Japan and Ireland are both island nations, which has shaped their histories and cultures in unique ways. Japan is made up of four main islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku—plus many smaller ones. The country boasts stunning scenery from cherry blossoms in the spring to fiery autumn leaves. Ireland, though smaller, is famous for its green hills, rugged coastlines, and scenic countryside. The natural beauty of both places draws tourists from around the world, and their island status has led to rich seafaring traditions and well-preserved cultures. Both countries take care of their natural areas, and work hard to protect them from harm.

4. Literary Greatness

Both Japan and Ireland have made big contributions to world literature. Japan gave us classics like “The Tale of Genji” by Murasaki Shikibu, which is often called the world’s first novel, and the beautiful haikus of Matsuo Basho. Modern Japanese writers like Haruki Murakami continue to captivate readers globally. Ireland, known as the “land of saints and scholars,” boasts literary legends like James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and Samuel Beckett. Dublin, in fact, is a UNESCO City of Literature. Both countries celebrate their literary traditions with festivals, museums, and lots of reading.

5. Delicious and Unique Food

When it comes to food, both Japan and Ireland know how to impress. Japanese cuisine is famous for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and beautiful presentation. Dishes like sushi, sashimi, and ramen are enjoyed worldwide, and the Japanese diet is often praised for its health benefits. Irish food might be heartier, but it also focuses on fresh, local ingredients. Think of comforting dishes like Irish stew, soda bread, and colcannon. Both countries have a renewed interest in their traditional foods, with chefs putting modern twists on classic recipes, allowing people to reconnect to their roots and enjoy the food of their nation.

So, there you have it—five things that Japan and Ireland have in common. From their rich mythologies and strong sense of pride to their beautiful, these two countries share some surprising similarities. It’s a great reminder that no matter how different cultures might seem at first, there are always connections that bring us together. Whether it’s through stories, food, or a love of tradition, Japan and Ireland show us that the world is a pretty connected place after all.

Some more fun connections!

– The music for the first version of the Japanese National anthem was written by an Irishman – John William Fenton.

– The most well-known Irish person in Japan is Lafcadio Patrick Hearn, also known as Koizumi Yakumo, was raised in Ireland, he travelled to Japan and wrote 12 books about Japan, its culture, history and heritage, and is still well respected to this day.

– Ginza, a famous shopping district in Tokyo, was designed by a man from Offaly, Thomas James Walters.  He was tasked with redesigning the street plan after Ginza was destroyed by a fire, and is remember as a man that contributed to the modernization of Tokyo. Some say his designed were inspired by the architecture in Dublin.

Feel free to share a fun connection between Ireland and Japan, or between Ireland and your home country!