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, 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, ikebana demonstrations, karaoke socials and similar.

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. The Great Britain 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 Gregor Grierson, 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 - ‘Japan-Scotland Community Cultural Festival 2026’ was organised in partnership with The Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh. This year’s event was not only celebrating connections between Japan and Scotland, but also connections with our coastal and marine environment. The GBSF (Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation) and Clearspring (organic food) were officially supporting the event which was joined by the Dumfries Museum, Galloway Fisheries Trust & Blue Marine Foundation. The festival took place at Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries after official opening by the Consul General of Edinburgh Mr Katsutoshi Takeda, Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries Dr Fiona Armstrong and Lord Lyon King of Arms Dr Joseph Morrow. A number of former JETs took part in the festival, amongst them were two well known authors: Professor Christopher Hood and Susan Briscoe. Volunteers, stall holders, artists, presenters and crafts people were amongst 40 participants that delivered the festival to over 300 visitors. The Cosplay contest was popular this year again. Digital exhibition on Seaweed - a project made by two Orkney based artists was displayed at the festival and the Museum in Dumfries displayed their Japanese collection with free entry to the visitors. The stall holders donated funds to equally support a local environmental organisation and the victims of the recent earthquake in Kumamoto.

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/