Making Our Japanese Debut
Following our recent partnership with the Scotland Office, we were delighted to join Brand Scotland in Japan to showcase Scottish culture at this year’s World Expo in Osaka.
Last month, we signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Scotland Office to promote Scotland worldwide and support the UK Government’s Brand Scotland ambitions of bringing Scotland’s culture, goods and services to the global marketplace. We launched the partnership in Washington DC, supporting the Scotland Office at a variety of activities for Tartan Week in both the US capital and New York.
Following the success of our transatlantic trip, we were thrilled to once again join them overseas. This time, in Osaka for World Expo 2025. This visit marked a historic first as our Tattoo Performers made their debut in Japan.
Collaborating with international acts is a huge part of our Edinburgh Show, and we were delighted to bring an element of this to our performance in Osaka. Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipers, Drummers and Dancers performed alongside Japanese Taiko Drummers in a shared display of national culture and music for a rendition of Highland Cathedral.
Our Performers participated in the opening March, Flag raising ceremony, various pop-up displays and a concert performance preceding the BBC Orchestra’s screening of Planet Earth 3.
Sharing our culture on the world stage is a passion of ours, and we have ambitious plans to take our Tattoo overseas. In addition to our international activity in the United States and Japan, we have recently announced our plans to tour in Australia and New Zealand in 2026.
Our partnership with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – one of Scotland's most iconic cultural institutions – will help us champion Brand Scotland across the world and this outstanding performance at Osaka makes for a really memorable addition to World Expo 2025.
“Selling Scotland to the world will kickstart growth, a key to delivering the UK Government’s Plan For Change. We couldn’t be more proud of the Tattoo performers for bringing a colourful flavour of Scotland to such an important global event.
Secretary of State for Scotland
It’s real honour to be part of the UK National Day at Expo2025 and bring a taste of Scotland to Osaka.
"Throughout the 75-year history of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, we have proudly crossed oceans to connect with international audiences – new and old – through our distinctive displays of Scottish traditions and by showcasing military heritage. Our performance from our very own Tattoo Performers with Japanese Taiko Drummers will be a fantastic fusion of cultures and celebration of shared traditions.
Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Discover more about The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers.
Photos courtesy of the Department of Business and Trade.
24 May 2025