OSS Samurai Awards at the Glover Festival 8th June 2025

A Day to Remember: Honoring Thomas Blake Glover in Fraserburgh

On the 8th of June 2025, the coastal town of Fraserburgh came alive with pride, heritage, and celebration during the vibrant Glover Festival. This year’s event was nothing short of extraordinary—a heartfelt tribute to one of Scotland’s most remarkable sons, Thomas Blake Glover, born in Fraserburgh on the 6th of June 1838.

The festival, led by Karen Adam MSP and the Samurai awards were presented by Ronnie Watt OBE ORS OSS, Founding President of the Scottish Samurai Awards, and Graham Guyan DL OSS, Hatamoto Taisho, brought together people from across the globe to honor Glover’s lasting impact on the world stage. From humble beginnings in Fraserburgh to becoming a legendary figure in Japan’s modernization, Glover’s life is a powerful reminder of how one individual can build bridges across cultures and continents.

This year’s celebration carried particular significance as it marked a symbolic reunion of Scottish and Japanese communities. At Glover’s very birthplace, a special ceremony was held to commemorate his birthday and to reflect on his enduring legacy—a legacy that continues to inspire cooperation and friendship between Scotland and Japan.

Distinguished guests added great honor to the day. Mr. Katsutoshi Takeda, Consul General of Japan, and Mr. Tsunehiro Makabe, Deputy CRO EMEA of the Mitsubishi Corporation, were both awarded the Order of the Scottish Samurai (OSS) Taisho, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to fostering international relations.

Additionally, Karen Adam MSP was awarded the OSS Shogun Commander for her unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting the life and legacy of Thomas Blake Glover. Her efforts have helped keep Glover’s story alive for new generations, ensuring his spirit of cross-cultural partnership continues to thrive.

The Glover Festival is not only a celebration of a historic figure—it is a living testament to the power of legacy, unity, and shared purpose. As visitors gathered in Fraserburgh, under the blue skies of summer, they were reminded that history is not just about the past. It’s about what we carry forward—the ideals we champion, the connections we nurture, and the bridges we build.

Thomas Blake Glover’s life is proof that even from the smallest towns, greatness can arise. His story continues to inspire not only Scotland and Japan but the entire world.

Here’s to the memory of a Scottish visionary—and to the communities that keep his spirit alive.