Scotland

JETAA Scotland is one of the most active UK chapters.

The chapter holds regular events open to all members and frequently to the general public. In recent years these events have included an Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnic in April (at Kyoto-Edinburgh Friendship garden at Lauriston Castle grounds), nijikai (second party) following the PDO (pre-departure orientation) for new JETs (leavers party) usually held in July, cultural festival held annually since 2023, and a JET returnees welcome party and bonenkai (End of Year Party).

In addition, the chapter organises other specific events such as online talks and presentations on Japanese literature and theatre, ikebana demonstrations, karaoke socials and Sakura Cherry Tree Party following Sakura tree planting in Fife.

Our largest annual event since 2023 is the cultural festival which has grown in strength and numbers year after year. We are proud to say that not only is this one of the largest JETAA chapter organised events in the UK, but also in the rest of the world!

The festival’s history and evolution:

2023 - ‘Koyo Festival’ held in October at the Japanese Garden in Dollar, Clackmannanshire. Cultural elements: bonsai, kamishibai story telling, haiku poetry corner, Japanese calligraphy, yukata (summer kimono) dressing, Japanese archery, Sumo wrestling and origami folding. Estimated number of attendees over 200, number of volunteers 50. Duration: 1 day.
2024 - ‘Japanese Summer Festival’ held at Shambellie House in New Abbey, Dumfries and Galloway in August 2024. The festival was officially supported by The Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh and JSOS (Japan Society of Scotland). It attracted government officials and gained much publicity. Local ITV news presented a 2 minute feature on the festival during the evening news. In addition to all the cultural elements of the Koyo festival, we were joined by Scottish Aikido Federation, local karate club, Japanese expats running sashiko workshops, shamisen and koto performances, and traditional Japanese dance. Edinburgh University’s Dr Helen Parker and Professor Ian Gow presented and gave talks on topics that included Noh and Kabuki Theatre and Japan-Scotland historic connections. Professional photography, history of whisky in Japan and kimono-influenced art were on display, as well as kimonos donated to Shambellie House. The Consulate donated Japanese snacks, tea and sake for tasting and a local restaurant provided an authentic Japanese food stall. JSOS supported Manga and Cosplay contests with prizes and gift vouchers. JSOS and JETAA Scotland members donated multiple items that were sold through Tombola. The proceeds were donated to a Japan registered charity aiding Noto peninsula earthquake victims. Total number of volunteers exceeded 80 and included Japanese students from Edinburgh University. The number of visitors estimated at 300. Duration: 2 days

2025 - ‘Japan-Scotland Community Cultural Festival’ was a celebration of Japan and Scotland cultures and communities. The visitors were invited to contribute to folding 1,000 paper cranes and pray for peace in commemorating 80 years since the bombing of Hiroshima. British Sasakawa Foundation, Japan Foundation, JLGC (Japan Local Government Centre) and The Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh were officially supporting the festival which again took place at Shambellie House and also extended to New Abbey village. New additions to the Japanese side of the festival were performers of Japanese popular music, taiko drumming, new academic presentations on kimono, manga, mindful nutrition and first Scots in Japan. On the Scottish side we were pleased to welcome a highly talented piper, Robert Burns historic society’s story-telling, art and craft exhibits including a large quilt on display. Manga contest saw contestants as young as 5 and as many as 14 competing children of school age. Cosplay contestants presented unique skills in choosing or designing their own costumes and makeup. This was a sustainable event. The number of visitors estimated up to 800. Volunteers over 80 including Glasgow University Japanese students. Duration: 3 days.
2026, July 18-19 - ‘Japan-Scotland Community Cultural Festival 2026’ is in full swing of planning. This year’s event is not only celebrating Japan and Scotland, but also our coastal and marine life. At this early stage we can gladly confirm that the GBSF (Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation) and the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh are officially supporting the event again and that we will be joined by the Dumfries Museum and Galloway Fisheries Trust. The festival will take place at Easterbrook Hall, Crichton Trust ground near Glasgow University and West of Scotland University campuses. We call all former JETs living in Scotland and wider UK to visit the festival. We are looking for volunteers, stall holders, performers, and those whose art or craft is influenced by Japan or Scotland. Should you wish to volunteer or support us in any other way, please contact scotlandchair@jetaa.org.uk We welcome your help, skills and support.

There are currently 200 JETAA Scotland members on our mailing list.

JETAA Scotland is also active on social media and has its own Facebook and Instagram pages.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jetaascotland

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetaascotland/

Scotland Committee 2026

Chair:
Zeljka Letica (5 years consecutive)
scotlandchair@jetaa.org.uk

Vice-Chair:
Pippa Lockhart
scotlandvicechair@jetaa.org.uk

Treasurer:

VACANT role. We are looking for treasurer! Great experience for your CV!

International Representative:
Polly LeGrand
scotlandrep@jetaa.org.uk

Communications:
David Robinson
scotlandcomms@jetaa.org.uk

Committee Members:
Matt Sanders, Cindy Padilla, Xiangru Wang, Sasha Key