Japanese Summer Festival | August 24/25th 2024

The Japanese Summer Festival, hosted by Shambellie House and organised by JETAA Scotland (Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme Alumni Association), was a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture and community spirit. Held in the scenic surroundings of Shambellie House, the festival offered around 300 people a unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese customs, foods, games, and performances. The event was designed not only to entertain but also to educate and foster cultural exchange between Scotland and Japan, reflecting the deep ties and mutual appreciation between the two cultures. ITV News covered the event.

Event Gathering and Opening Ceremony  

The festival began by gathering of attendees in the grounds of Shambellie House, a beautiful and historic venue that provided an ideal backdrop for the day’s events. The opening ceremony was officiated by  Vice-Consul of Japan Scotland Minori Ishii and Vice-Lord Lieutenant for Dumfries Gordon Dickie, who both delivered welcome speeches. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and the strong cultural connections between Japan and Scotland. John Stewart, Chair of Shambellie House Trust  and Zeljka Letica, Scotland Chair for JetAA thanked everyone for coming and the festivities began.

One of the most visually striking aspects of the festival was the array of traditional yukata worn by attendees, as well as creative cosplay outfits. Organised by JETAA Scotland, a special segment of the festival was dedicated to showcasing these costumes, highlighting both traditional Japanese fashion and contemporary cultural expressions. This blend of old and new demonstrated the dynamic nature of Japanese culture, which respects its history while embracing modern influences. The ‘Best Cosplay’ was awarded to Ella Drysdale & Millie McQueen who delighted us with their creative costumes.

Young people could also enter a manga drawing competition with generous prizes donated by the Japan Society Scotland. A big thank you to all of the entrants, everyone did a fantastic job and had fun in our digital suite.

The judges included local artist Kate Bentley, Photographer John McKenna and Dr Helen Parker. They had a hard time making their choices and after much deliberation the winners were Secondary School: Erin Caldwell, Primary School Winner: Millie McQueen and Primary School Runner Up: Temperance Hughes.

A key highlight of the festival was the chance to try traditional Japanese foods and drinks. Food was provided by Sushi City, a local restaurant in Dumfries known for its authentic Japanese cuisine. Feedback on the food was really positive so we recommend you give them a try next time you are in Dumfries. In addition to the food, there were Sake and Tea Tasting sessions offering a flavour of Japan’s rich culinary traditions.

Music, talks and exhibitions were on throughout including The Scots in Japan, Japanese Art Impressions, Transient Moments Photographic Exhibition, Shamisen Instruments and a Koto performance. Lots of great prizes donated by friends of Shambellie House and JetAA encouraged people to support the raffle and tombola raising over £400 each for Shambellie House Trust and Japan Red Cross. First prize in the raffle was Pat Abery who will now be sporting a lovely kimono donated by Alan Bennington, one of our photographers of Shambellie House.

Traditions are important in Japan as they are here in Scotland. The festival featured Kamishibai storytelling, a traditional Japanese form of street theatre and storytelling using illustrated boards. This interactive performance was a highlight for attendees of all ages, captivating audiences with its unique blend of visual and oral storytelling. Alongside this, JETAA Scotland organized a variety of traditional Japanese games and performances Bon Odori dancing, further immersing attendees in Japanese culture.

The festival featured dynamic martial arts demonstrations from the Scottish Aikido Federation offering attendees a captivating look at the discipline, skill, and philosophy underlying these traditional Japanese arts. West of Scotland Kyudo Society also showcased the elegance and precision of Kyudo, the traditional Japanese form of archery. Additionally, Clan Sumo brought the unique sport of sumo wrestling to the festival, offering an engaging and interactive experience where participants could learn about the history and techniques of this ancient sport.

Beyond martial arts and archery, the festival also included a range of cultural experiences that catered to different interests. Attendees could explore a beautiful display of bonsai trees and learn about the art and patience required to cultivate these miniature trees. Two local enthusiasts joined in and have making connections and hoping to set up a bonsai group locally. Watch this space…..  

A wide array of traditional Japanese arts and crafts was available for attendees to explore, including activities such as calligraphy, Sashiko stitching, Raku pottery, haiku poetry. These hands-on experiences allowed participants to learn about and appreciate these traditional art forms, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for Japanese culture. There were also stalls and information help people learn about JetAA and West of Scotland Karate club were in attendance to help people make local links.

Volunteering and Community Spirit 

The success of this first Japanese Summer festival was thanks to the huge numbers of enthusiastic volunteers from both JETAA Scotland , Shambellie House and from the local community exemplifying the collaborative spirit that connects humans across cultures. This joint effort not only facilitated a smooth event but also fostered a strong sense of community, highlighting the value of volunteerism in cultural preservation and community building.

The Japanese Summer Festival at Shambellie House, organized by JETAA Scotland, was more than just a day of festivities; it was a meaningful celebration of cultural heritage, community, and international friendship. Through activities, performances, and shared experiences, the festival successfully brought people together, honouring Japanese traditions while strengthening cross-cultural bonds.

Confluence, a collaborative project initially supported by Upland and imagined by our lead Photographer Of Shambellie House Laura Hudson Mackay, captures the essence of what this very special event has achieved. We have created a new story in the history of Shambellie House which in the words of Laura is “crossing cultures and constructing influence, breaking down barriers and shining a light on shared elements of our cultural heritage.”

If you are interested in Japanese culture check out the two workshops we have on offer coming up soon.

Temari Balls: Japanese Folk Art on the 10th November

Keum-boo: Japanese Silver Clay on the 17th November