The Fringe Japan 2025
2025/8/20
On 20th August, The Fringe Japan 2025 was held. This event was hosted by the Consulate in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh’s Japanese Studies. The day was composed of four parts; separate demonstrations of ikebana, kimono and sumo, as well as a showcase of Japanese artists performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The event began with the ikebana demonstration, with six ikebana arrangements made by Deborah Hathorn, an instructor of the Sougetsu school who received the Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Rays in 2017. The kimono demonstration was held afterwards, with Mio Shudo giving a lecture about the world of kimono as well as a demonstration on how to wear one. Subsequently, the showcase of Japanese Fringe artists kicked off with greetings from Consul General Katsutoshi Takeda and a warm welcome from Fringe Society Deputy Chief Executive, Lyndsey Jackson. The below artists then performed, to the delight of a full house of attendees.
Atsushi Ogata (Yukata Cowboy) - Stand-up Comedy
Kaso Jogi (The Anonymous Monsters) – Musical
Theatre Group GUMBO (Are You Lovin’ It?) – Drama
The Shoulder Pads from Japan (1Shoulder Pad: Galaxy Train, Japanese Musical Theatre) – Musical Drama
Hirai-Kikaku and Media Kobo (The Fahrenheit Alliance V) – Immersive Video Drama
Takashi Wakasugi (Comedy Samurai) – Stand-up Comedy
Mochinosha/Book of Shadowz (Space Hippo and SHUNGA ALERT collaboration with GUMBO) – Shadow Play
SOIL (Stage for Originality, Innovation and Leadership) by JPASN – Presentation
The event began with the ikebana demonstration, with six ikebana arrangements made by Deborah Hathorn, an instructor of the Sougetsu school who received the Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Rays in 2017. The kimono demonstration was held afterwards, with Mio Shudo giving a lecture about the world of kimono as well as a demonstration on how to wear one. Subsequently, the showcase of Japanese Fringe artists kicked off with greetings from Consul General Katsutoshi Takeda and a warm welcome from Fringe Society Deputy Chief Executive, Lyndsey Jackson. The below artists then performed, to the delight of a full house of attendees.
Atsushi Ogata (Yukata Cowboy) - Stand-up Comedy
Kaso Jogi (The Anonymous Monsters) – Musical
Theatre Group GUMBO (Are You Lovin’ It?) – Drama
The Shoulder Pads from Japan (1Shoulder Pad: Galaxy Train, Japanese Musical Theatre) – Musical Drama
Hirai-Kikaku and Media Kobo (The Fahrenheit Alliance V) – Immersive Video Drama
Takashi Wakasugi (Comedy Samurai) – Stand-up Comedy
Mochinosha/Book of Shadowz (Space Hippo and SHUNGA ALERT collaboration with GUMBO) – Shadow Play
SOIL (Stage for Originality, Innovation and Leadership) by JPASN – Presentation
Finally, there was a sumo demonstration from Clan Sumo Scotland, a group which promotes and practices sumo in Scotland.
We look forward to welcoming many more acts and guests next year!
We look forward to welcoming many more acts and guests next year!