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■ Exhibition commemorating 50 years' anniversary of Stirling Albion football club in Japan
On 29 June, the Provost of Stirling formally opened a commemorative exhibition on Stirling Albion football club's visit to Japan in 1966. Mrs Rumiko Ishigami, Deputy Consul General, attended the opening event. In 1966, when Japanese football was played at amateur level, "Stirling Albion" was the first ever British professional football club invited to Japan, and played friendly matches against "All Japan".
In his remarks, Provost Mike Robbins, referred to the fact the relationship between Stirling and Japan has become increasingly active recently, particularly with "Japan Week" held every year at Stirling University. Mrs Ishigami said that Japan learned so much from Scotland during Japan's modernisation, and should be grateful to Albion as the visit was one of the cornerstones towards the creation of a professional football league in 1991 and the first World Cup appearance in 1998.
Also present at the event were former players who visited Japan 50 years ago, who brought souvenirs including a football with the autographs of the Japanese players such as Kunishige Kamamoto.
The Exhibition will continue until 31 July at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum in Stirling. http://www.smithartgalleryandmuseum.co.uk/exhibition/2810/
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