From 22–24 August, the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association (JETAA) Scotland delivered its flagship annual event, the Japan–Scotland Community Cultural Festival, in Dumfries and Galloway. Held at Shambellie House and in the nearby village of New Abbey, the festival celebrated Scotland’s relationship with Japan through art, music, history, and community exchange.
The festival was more than a cultural showcase; it highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration and the value of alumni of the JET Programme in sustaining grassroots international connections. Central to making this possible was the support of the Japan Local Government Centre (JLGC) in London, part of the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), which works to strengthen links between Japanese local governments and partners in the UK.
Alumni as a Bridge Between Communities
JET Programme alumni return to the UK with first-hand experience of Japanese local government, culture, and society. Many, like those in JETAA Scotland, continue to serve as bridges between communities long after their time in Japan. JLGC plays a role in supporting these alumni networks, recognising that they are uniquely placed to promote mutual understanding, encourage exchange, and provide continuity in international partnerships at the local level.
The Community Cultural Festival embodied these aims. Co-organised by JETAA Scotland Chair Zeljka Letica and former Shambellie House Manager Melanie McEwen, the event brought together over 80 volunteers, including local residents, alumni, and cultural practitioners.
A Celebration of Shared Heritage
Across three days, attendees experienced a diverse programme: academic talks, exhibitions, taiko drumming, traditional storytelling, Japanese tea ceremonies, kimono dressing, calligraphy, quilting, and hands-on workshops ranging from origami to sashiko stitching. The festival also included manga and cosplay contests, which proved especially popular with children and young people, ensuring intergenerational participation.
Such events strengthen community bonds while offering residents of rural areas—who may have less access to large-scale international programming than those in Edinburgh or Glasgow—the chance to engage directly with another culture.
Local and International Partnerships
The festival was officially opened by the Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh, Mr Katsutoshi Takeda, alongside Deputy Lieutenant Charles Milroy. Both highlighted the role of cultural activity in deepening mutual understanding at a time when international dialogue is more important than ever.
Support for the Japanese side of the festival came from JLGC/CLAIR, The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, The Japan Foundation, and the Consulate General of Japan. Local businesses Mylar and James Kingan and Sons underpinned the Scottish side, demonstrating the value of collaboration between local government, business, and international partners.
Community Impact and Sustainability
With around 550–800 attendees, including families admitted free of charge, the festival had clear local impact. Ticket proceeds supported Shambellie House, a registered charity providing creative learning opportunities.
Sustainability was a central theme. Car-sharing and public transport were encouraged, events used recycled or repurposed materials, and volunteers shared accommodation. Cultural programming also incorporated this ethos, with quilting and sashiko stitching promoting textile recycling.
The event’s commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima—through the folding of 1,000 origami cranes—underscored its wider cultural and historical significance, turning cultural exchange into an opportunity for reflection and peace-building.
Looking Forward
This was the second year that JETAA Scotland has hosted the festival in Dumfries and Galloway, with strong indications it will continue to grow. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and local residents, alumni, and businesses are already committing to next year’s event.
In an era where volunteer organisations are increasingly tasked with fostering inclusive communities and building international opportunities, the work of JET alumni provides a powerful example of how global partnerships can be rooted in local action.
Picture: Credit David Milner – Volunteers Gather for Official Opening
