An annual event to celebrate Aberdeen’s historic links with Japan was held yesterday.
Cults Academy hosted this year’s Japan Day, which has been held in the city for 12 years.
Martial arts displays, sushi food provided by Yo Sushi, and a small exhibition on Thomas Blake Glover were among the different attractions.
And veteran karate teacher Ronnie Watt’s students also showed off their martial arts skills.
It was also the first visit to the north-east of Scotland’s new consul general of Japan, Daisuke Matsunaga, who was appointed last month.
Lord Provost George Adam and North-East MSP, Ross Thomson were also in attendance.
Mr Thomson said the event was not only about celebrating the historic ties between Japan and the Granite City, but also about strengthening the relationship for the future.
He said: “It’s a big deal to have him (the consul general) in Aberdeen for the first time, and I’m sure it won’t be his last visit.
“He was very clear about the importance of recognising the links between Japan and Aberdeen.
“There was a stand on Thomas Blake Glover just helping to raise awareness of him – almost everyone in Japan knows the importance of Blake Glover, but there are still a lot of people over here who have not heard of him.
“But it was also about looking ahead to the future, we are working with a number of Japanese companies with regards to hydrogen fuel cells, which we have used in our buses.
“They have also got huge advancements in renewables, particularly solar energy, which we can learn from.”
