Hosting of “The Fringe Japan 2026” Opening Event
2026/8/6
On Thursday 6th August, the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh hosted the opening event for “The Fringe Japan 2026”, an initiative organised in partnership with the University of Edinburgh to promote Japanese culture throughout the Fringe Festival period.
The event began with opening remarks from the organiser: Consul General Katsutoshi Takeda, from the guests; Tony Lankester, Chief Executive of the Fringe Society; and Jenny Niven, Chief Executive and Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
We were then treated to a wadaiko (Japanese drum) performance by Masaru Tsuji, and a taster of kabuki music from Tanaka Denjiro VII and his ensemble.
This year’s Fringe Japan is co-hosted with the Japan Foundation, the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation and various venues—taking place across not only Edinburgh but also in Glasgow. The program features Kabuki music performances by Tanaka Denjiro 7th and his ensemble; introductions to traditional Japanese performing arts such as rakugo (comic storytelling) and kenshibu (sword dance with poetry recitation), as well as a workshop exploring Japanese onomatopoeia—a distinctive and frequently used element of the language. The series will conclude with the annual showcase featuring Japanese artists and performers.
The event began with opening remarks from the organiser: Consul General Katsutoshi Takeda, from the guests; Tony Lankester, Chief Executive of the Fringe Society; and Jenny Niven, Chief Executive and Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
We were then treated to a wadaiko (Japanese drum) performance by Masaru Tsuji, and a taster of kabuki music from Tanaka Denjiro VII and his ensemble.
This year’s Fringe Japan is co-hosted with the Japan Foundation, the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation and various venues—taking place across not only Edinburgh but also in Glasgow. The program features Kabuki music performances by Tanaka Denjiro 7th and his ensemble; introductions to traditional Japanese performing arts such as rakugo (comic storytelling) and kenshibu (sword dance with poetry recitation), as well as a workshop exploring Japanese onomatopoeia—a distinctive and frequently used element of the language. The series will conclude with the annual showcase featuring Japanese artists and performers.
