An annual event celebrating the north-east’s historic links with Japan is gearing up to be the biggest and best yet.
Organisers hope the 13th Japan Day, being held at Cults Academy on June 11, will inspire north-east communities to embrace Japanese culture and heritage.
Last year’s event broke records when it attracted more than 1,000 visitors and raised more than £900 for local charities.
This year, the Consul General for Japan will attend alongside north-east MSP Ross Thomson.
There will be opportunities for visitors to enjoy a host of Japanese activities, including taiko drumming, calligraphy, origami, kids’ sumo and martial arts demonstrations.
Japanese and Scottish food will also be served at the free event.
Another key part of the event will be a presentation about Scottish Samurai, Thomas Blake Glover, who was born in Fraserburgh and went on to become a key figure in the industrialisation of Japan, establishing a shipbuilding company that became the Mitsubishi corporation.
Preston Gan, of the voluntary Japan Day Aberdeen Organisation, said he wanted to “win the hearts and minds of visitors”.
He added: “Our vision is simple; we want to inspire communities across the north-east of Scotland and further afield to develop an appreciation and understanding of Japanese culture, heritage and the historical relationship between Scotland and Japan.”
The programme of events, which takes place from 10am to 5.30pm, will also include stage performances, speeches, talks and prizegivings for competitions.
Volunteers are also being sought to help at Japan Day. Anyone interested can contact organisers at jdayaberdeen@gmail.com for more details.