The best Asian artists at this year’s Fringe have been feted in a special ceremony at Edinburgh City Chambers.
Sponsored by the Asian Art Fund Scotland, the 2026 Asian Art Awards saw talents from around the world recognised for excellence in comedy, music, and drama.
2ShoulderPads’ Galaxy Train was awarded Outstanding Show. The “zany poetic musical” is based on classical Japanese literature.
The Palestinian Circus’ Step and a Half show was named runner-up, with judges praising the group’s “talent, upbeat attitude and message of peace”.
The Palestinian Circus was named as runner-up. (Image: Matt Sime)
A number of Scottish Asian acts were also acknowledged at the awards show, with Our Town Needs a Nando's winning Outstanding Youth Show, while the Outstanding Drama award was won by Tether, which has a Scottish and Korean cast.
Japanese Grandma Funeral by Kento Morita won Best Comedy, while the Asian Arts Special Award went to the classic Chinese opera The Lady Prince Consort.
“The Asian Art Awards at the Edinburgh Fringe have been running since 2014 with a vision of bringing Asian artists together to celebrate and promote their talents,” Asian Art Fund Scotland said.
“At a time of rising tensions between east and west, art plays a vital role in bringing nations and communities together.”
The full list of winners can be found below:
Winner: 2ShoulderPads: Galaxy Train, 2ShoulderPads. (Japan)
The Palestinian Circus: Step and a Half, The Palestinian Circus. (Palestine)
YOAH, Cirquework and Cluster Arts. (Japan)
Winner: Japanese Grandma Funeral, Kento Morita. (USA)
Olivia Xing: Baby of Colour, Olivia Xing. (China)
