IJBA 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year: William Ryan
On 15th November, the 2024 Ireland Japan Business Awards was held in the prestigious Conrad Tokyo.
Each year the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC) is privileged to commemorate significant milestones and achievements of the Ireland-Japan business community amongst our Team Ireland colleagues, esteemed guests and members of the IJCC.
This year our Entrepreneur of the Year award was presented to William Ryan.
Will Ryan is well known in our community for his fantastic Irish pub in Yoyogi, An Sólás, and for helping others to enter the Japanese market through his company, Japan Hospitality Consultants. An Sólás has been a home away from home for many Irish in Japan and is the only Irish-owned Irish Pub in Tokyo. This year An Sólás celebrated its 10th anniversary since its establishment in 2014.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award - William Ryan
Mr. William Ryan, Co-founder of Irish Pub An Sólás, received the award onstage and shared his comments at the podium.
“I am truly delighted and honoured to accept the Entrepreneur of the Year award for 2024. This wouldn’t have been possible without my two fantastic Japanese business partners, our amazing team, and, most importantly, our loyal customers.
From the unforgettable highs of the Rugby World Cup, when we were serving at 3am, to the challenges of COVID-19, when we had to close early and adapt, you’ve been with us every step of the way. A pub is only as good as its regulars, and thanks to you, we’ve made it this far.
Looking ahead, with tourism on the rise and the Irish Embassy opening just a short drive away, I’m confident that An Sólás will remain a cornerstone of the Irish community in Japan for many years to come.
There’s an old pub saying that goes, “There are no strangers here, only friends that have yet to meet.” I look forward to making many new friends in the future.
On a personal note, I started Japan Hospitality Consultants in 2021 to help other expats navigate the tricky waters of opening their own establishments here in Japan. This has been a truly rewarding experience for me, and every time I meet a new client, it serves as a daily reminder of how far we’ve come since we first opened our doors.
Thank you, once again, for this recognition. Here’s to many more years of success, growth, and friendship.”
Mr. William Ryan (centre), pictured from left to right with IJCC President Yoshihiro Tsuchiya and the Ambassador of Ireland to Japan, H.E. Damien Cole with the Entrepreneur of the Year award.
The Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce extends a sincere Comhghairdeas again to all the award recipients.
We were delighted to honour the incredible achievements of the Ireland-Japan business community on our stage. The bonds between Ireland and Japan continue to grow from strength to strength, thanks to the unwavering commitment of the leaders in business, community and culture across both countries.
Go raibh míle maith agat to everyone who attended this year's Ireland Japan Business Awards. We were honoured to bring the community together for this annual tradition and we sincerely look forward to welcoming you all again next year.
