Our Latest and Greatest

Well, I don't think any of us had this on our bingo card for the week! Our Wednesday plans suddenly took an unexpected detour when friend of the shed and honorary member Masataka Abe sent us an invitation to the Consulate General of Japan's event at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We were only too thrilled to join in on this celebration of Japanese culture (and the prospect of there perhaps being some saké only further sweetened the deal).

The day began with an exquisite Ikebana (flower arranging) demonstration by Deborah Hathorn, an instructor from the Sougetsu School. Deborah, who was honoured with the Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Rays back in 2017, created six beautiful arrangements right before our eyes. As her artistry was put on display, the audience was engaged and relaxed, soaking in the beauty of the moment. Deborah invited the audience to ask any questions they had, and she spoke openly and passionately about her love for this incredible art form.

Following that, Mio Shudo took the stage to give a fascinating lecture on kimonos. She demonstrated how to wear them and explained their cultural significance, including the subtle details of patterns and tying techniques that are specific to different occasions.

The cultural journey continued with an entertaining showcase of Japanese Fringe artists, introduced by Consul General Katsutoshi Takeda. The performances ranged from stand-up comedy and dance to immersive musical theatre, all adding a unique flair to the event.

The day concluded with a sumo demonstration by Clan Sumo Scotland, showcasing how sumo is gaining popularity right here in Scotland. It was an incredible display of skill and endurance that left us all in awe. While we have all surely seen sumo bouts on television or online at some point in our lives, the impact of two large athletes connecting with force is something that can only truly be felt in person. It made us all the more glad to be outside the ring, sitting in our comfy chairs.

Overall, the event was a fantastic celebration of Japanese culture and a wonderful opportunity for the boys at Dalkeith Men’s Shed to experience something uniquely different, and truly special. So it's here we have to say, thank you Masa-san! A big thank you to you for inviting us, and a big thanks to yourself, Robyn, Shannon and the rest of the team for putting in all the hard work that made this incredible day come together. 

And as a fun aside, the event inspired a change in my plans for the weekend! I’ll be heading back to the Fringe this Saturday to catch Theatre Group Gumbos’ show, "Are You Loving It?", followed by Shunga Alert at the Underbelly Cowgate. It's been twenty long years of living in Edinburgh and this is what finally convinced me to book a ticket for a show - John