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In recent times Highland Gatherings are held every week from May to October in the towns and villages throughout Scotland. Scots the world over have retained and maintained these traditions by holding Highland Games annually in countries as far afield as Canada, New Zealand, Indonesia, Australia, America and Japan.
For 28 years a Highland Games has been held in Tokyo where for one day of the year you can experience a small comer of Scotland with the taste of Haggis and Whisky, watch men toss the caber, hammers, stones and other heavy weights; or be beguiled by the dancers, pipers and drummers with their wonderful sights and sounds.
Children are not left out as they can take part in a variety of races throughout the day, from egg and spoon to flat races. We have the ever popular tug o’ war competition for adults, and of course, for the footballers amongst you, there is the seven-a-side competitions for younger players and veterans.
There is a full programme of competitive events throughout the day, including:
Heavy Events– tossing the caber, putting the stane and other feats of physical prowess, including a champion competitor and judge flown in from Scotland for the Games.
Piping and Drumming– bagpipes and drumming competition open to all, again judges brought to Japan from Scotland
Scottish Highland and Country Dancing– watch performances of the Reel, the Scottish Lilt, country dancing and much more, judges from Scotland
Football tournaments– an adult’s and a children’s football tournament will be organised by the Tokyo Metropolis League
Other events on the day include:
Children’s races
Medieval swordplay re-enactment
Country dancing for everyone to join in
A lesson from the heavy eventers
Tug o’ War
Plenty of food and drink will be on sale on the day and there will be a multitude of stalls offering gifts and information about Scotland.
So, for a completely different day out right here in Tokyo, come along and join in the fun at the Highland Games and experience a real Scottish welcome.
