Government of Japan honours the work of Waterford gardens founder

Chairperson and Founder of the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore, Agnes Aylward, has been conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.

The Government of Japan announced the recipients of the 2025 Autumn Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals on Monday.

The Japanese Embassy in Ireland said in a post on social media that Ms Aylward was conferred the honor in recognition of her work to promote Japanese culture in Ireland and to contribute to friendship and goodwill between Japan and Ireland.” 

“The Embassy of Japan in Ireland would like to pay tribute to Ms Agnes Aylward for her past achievements, wish her continued success in her future endeavours, and extend its sincere congratulations to her on this award,” wrote the embassy.

The award is given to individuals for their outstanding achievements in promoting Japanese culture or international relations.

The management and staff at the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens told the Waterford News and Star: "The Management and staff of the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens extend their congratulations to Agnes. 

"This award was a fitting tribute to a woman who has worked so tirelessly over the last 13 years to order to bring her vision of a Japanese Garden celebrating the life and writings of Lafcadio Hearn to fruition. 

"The creation of the gardens has contributed greatly to the growing connection between Ireland and Japan.

"Agnes's recent work in helping to secure funding for the construction of the new Kokoro Cultural Centre (due to open in the Spring of 2026), will continue to solidify Ireland's links to Japan."

The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens celebrated 10 years this year.

A ceremony was held in June and was attended by the Japanese Ambassador to Ireland Shimada Junji and his wife, Kaoru.