Scots take on Japan at charity cricket

Japan’s national cricket team is to visit Scotland, where they will play a series of matches, following a drive to support victims of the devastating 2011 tsunami and earthquake.

Cricket for Smiles was set up by Japan Cricket Association head Alex Miyaji, who is part-Scottish, to help communities affected by the disaster.

The Scottish Conservatives have teamed up with the organisation to appeal for equipment donations, and MSP Alex Johnstone said Japan would 
play matches in Scotland in early May.

Mr Johnstone said: “Mr Miyaji has done a magnificent job, not only of promoting cricket as a sport in Japan, but also charity work with those affected by the disaster.

“This is another important step in raising the profile of the charity’s work.”

The Scottish fixtures have been timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of cricket first being taken to Japan.