Hironori Katagiri and Kate Thomson

24th July 2015 – Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam is presented with the samurai award on behalf of Aberdeen City Council for their help in promoting the friendship of Scotland and Japan. The Award was presented by Mr. Hajime Kitaoka the Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh during a civic reception in the Aberdeen Town House held  to welcome 19 Japanese students from Kagoshima. The students visited Aberdeen in a pilgrimage to honour the 150 years celebrations of the life of Thomas Glover, the first Scottish Samurai.  Glover had sent 19 students back to Scotland to learn about modern industry and practices, which helped shape Japan to become probably one of the most advanced economies of the world today.  Ronnie Watt, his colleagues  and Aberdeen City Council did a great job in welcoming the students. Showing them around the city and providing home stays so they could experience life in a Scottish family.

Two well known famous sculptors  husband and wife, Hironori Katagiri and Kate Thomson lift the prestigious Scottish Samurai Award for their outstanding contribution to fine art. (Japan and Scotland)

The award was presented at a civic reception hosted in Aberdeen Town House for the 2015 Samurai Awards. The award was presented by Lord Charles Bruce and Ronnie Watt, the founder of the Samurai Awards.

Congratulations !
Kata and Kate