Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife welcomed the Japanese Women's cricket team to Scotland. It is hoped that the tour will go a long way to strengthening the cricketing, political and cultural ties between Scotland and Japan, hopefully leading to a long-lasting tie between the two sporting nations for many years to come. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife: “I was delighted to welcome Japanese Women's cricket team to Scotland. “Many people will be surprised to hear that cricket is growing in popularity in Japan, and even more surprised that the head of the association there is half-Scottish.“There are continuing links between Scotland and Japan, and 2013 marks the 400th anniversary of the beginning of diplomatic, trading, scientific and cultural relations between the UK and Japan. But ultimately, it is often through the medium of sport that the peoples of two countries can come together in understanding and friendship.“In this year which sees so many important anniversaries between Scotland and Japan, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Naoki Miyaji and the men and women’s cricket teams.”