In late October last year, the CCCJ welcomed a new office manager to oversee daily operations, support members, coordinate major events… and much more. She has quickly become a valued member of the Chamber team. And she’s from Ireland, where you find given names in the Gaelic language that baffle outsiders. That’s why we’ll tell you that “Meabh Reidy” rhymes with “Wave Speedy,” and in katakana it’s リーディ・メーブ. While we’re at it, did you know that “Caoimhe” is pronounced “Kiva?”

You can reach her at meabh.reidy@cccj.or.jp. And here’s what she has to say about how she’s come to be among us…

From Limerick to Japan… by way of Newfoundland

Life has a funny way of connecting places that, at first glance, seem worlds apart. For me, those places are Ireland, Japan and Canada (specifically Newfoundland).

I was born and raised in Limerick, Ireland, and lived there until I moved to Dublin to study Japanese and Spanish at university. I didn’t choose Japanese for any grand reason; I simply thought it would be interesting (and maybe a bit different) to learn. Looking back, that decision changed my life.

In 2018, when I came to Japan on a study-abroad program at Rikkyo University, I was struck by the contrast between the Ireland I had grown up in and the energy and rhythm of life here. Over time, what initially felt unfamiliar began to feel exciting and inspiring. I grew to appreciate the culture, the attention to detail, the sense of respect woven into everyday interactions and, of course, the food.

After graduating in 2021, I decided to return to Japan – this time not as a student, but to build a life here. At first, life in Japan felt both daunting and exhilarating. Starting over in another country always involves uncertainty, but it also offers possibility. Since then, I have been fortunate to continue building both my personal and professional life in a place that I discovered through an almost offhand academic choice.

How Canada won my heart

Long before I ever imagined working for a Canadian organization, Canada had already carved out a special place in my heart.

The first time I set foot in Canada I was nine years old. My family traveled to Corner Brook, in western Newfoundland, to stay with family friends who had recently purchased property in the nearby Humber Valley. And that became the setting for what would be an unforgettable introduction to the country.

It was there that I saw my very first moose (far larger and slightly more intimidating than I had imagined!) and tasted my first spoonful of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey ice cream. We spent our days skiing at Marble Mountain (the island’s only ski resort) and driving stretches of the Trans-Canada Highway, taking in the vast, rugged scenery while blasting classic rock on K-Rock 97.5.

Those memories remain some of my dearest, and from that first visit onward, Canada has always held a very special place in my heart.

Finding my place at the CCCJ

Despite my lack of Canadian roots, I’ve been met with great generosity and warmth from the Chamber’s members and the wider community. From day one, I felt genuinely welcomed.

Since then, it’s been a busy start to the year. We kicked things off with our Shinnenkai on January 28 at Hylife Pork Table in Daikanyama, followed by a Global Diversity Management Committee event at the Embassy of Canada on February 4 focused on leadership and empowering teams through effective communication. Both were great opportunities to connect with members and experience the energy of the CCCJ community.

My introduction to the role was certainly memorable. In my first few weeks I was thrown into organizing the Golden Maple Leaf Gala celebrating the Chamber’s 50th anniversary. It was the largest event I had ever worked on. At times it felt overwhelming with countless moving parts and an enormous amount of responsibility. But seeing everything come together on the big night, and watching our members celebrate such a special milestone, made it all worthwhile.

What has stood out to me most in this role are the people, the members who are truly the heart of the Chamber. Getting to know the individuals and companies who make up this community, hearing their stories, their connections to Canada and Japan, and what motivates them, has been the most meaningful part of my experience so far. When I think about it now, it feels quite fitting that I’ve landed at the CCCJ; a community built on connection between countries and cultures. I’m truly grateful to be part of it, and excited to imagine what’s ahead!

Above clockwise: a seminar on doing business in Japan; events with Chamber chair Marc Bolduc and governor Kayo Ito and with business members; a VIP lunch meeting with Air Canada.