Japan In CPH - Your Guide to Japanese Culture in Copenhagen

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Discover Japanese events, art & culture in Copenhagen. Festivals, workshops, concerts, food spots & hidden gems.

Current & Upcoming Japanese Events in Copenhagen

CCreate: Kengo Kuma/KKAA – Copenhagen Contemporary

Mar 28, 2026 11:00 AM - Feb 21, 2027 6:00 PM

Japanese master architect Kengo Kuma and his studio KKAA present Earth | Tree, a site-specific architectural installation at Copenhagen Contemporary. Inspired by the Japanese concept komorebi (sunlight through leaves), the immersive work invites visitors into a poetic space exploring natural materials, light and form. The installation combines Japanese and Nordic sensibilities with wood and brick, and includes a hands-on workshop zone where visitors can experiment with architectural materials and creative processes. The project is part of CC’s educational CCreate series and encourages playful engagement with architectural ideas.

Copenhagen Contemporary – CCreate: Kengo Kuma/KKAA

Anime Under the Open Sky – Cinemateket

May 3, 2026 2:15 PM - Sep 26, 2026 2:15 PM

Cinemateket’s rooftop open-air cinema Himmelbio presents a summer series dedicated to anime and animation under the open sky. The program features classics by Hayao Miyazaki including Kiki’s Delivery Service, Ponyo, Porco Rosso, Spirited Away, and The Boy and the Heron, alongside modern anime favourites like Weathering with You by Makoto Shinkai and Mirai by Mamoru Hosoda. The lineup also includes Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window, the anime-inspired European film Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds, and family favourite Pokémon Detective Pikachu.

Himmelbio is located on the roof of Cinemateket, where audiences can enjoy films with views over Copenhagen and the evening sky above. Screenings take place outdoors, so remember to dress for the weather.

Cinemateket – Anime Under the Open Sky

Be Gentle, Be Poetic / Yuko Takada Keller – Farum Kulturhus

May 9, 2026 11:00 AM - Sep 17, 2026 11:59 PM

Japanese-born artist Yuko Takada Keller presents her solo exhibition Be Gentle, Be Poetic at Farum Kulturhus. Through delicate lines, organic forms, and a shared visual language, her works create a poetic space that bridges Danish and Japanese sensibilities.

The exhibition opens on May 9 with a special program including a concert by Duo YukAi (piano and flute) from 11:30 – 12:15 in the café, followed by an opening reception at 12:15. Former Danish Ambassador to Japan Freddy Svane will give the opening remarks. Admission is free.

Farum Kulturhus – Be Gentle, Be Poetic / Yuko Takada Keller

Japanese Cooking Courses – Zoë Escher

Jun 7, 2026 2:45 PM - Sep 20, 2026 2:45 PM

Japanese-trained sushi chef and sake sommelier Zoë Escher hosts a range of hands-on Japanese cooking courses in Copenhagen focused on authentic Japanese cuisine. Upcoming classes include beginner sushi workshops, nigiri sushi, traditional Japanese cooking, and Japanese noodle soup courses where participants learn to prepare ramen, udon, and dashi from scratch using classic Japanese techniques and ingredients.

Courses are held in small groups with a strong focus on authentic preparation methods, Japanese food culture, and personal guidance from one of Denmark’s most experienced sushi instructors. The calendar is updated continuously with new dates and workshops.

Zoë Escher – Japanese Cooking Courses

Japanese Sounds: Music & Dance – KoncertKirken

Sep 6, 2026 4:00 PM - Sep 6, 2026 5:00 PM

[UPDATED] Experience an afternoon of Japanese music and dance as acclaimed shinobue master Yasukazu Kano makes his Denmark debut alongside shakuhachi performer Kiku Day at KoncertKirken. The two traditional Japanese bamboo flutes, each with their own history and character, come together in a musical dialogue between Japan and Denmark. Special guests Keiko Tamaru on dance and Ami Shudo on Japanese bamboo flute add to this celebration of Japanese culture through music and art.
Admission: general 160 DKK, students 100 DKK. Advance tickets can be purchased online.

Billetto – Japanese Sounds: Music & Dance

Mothra – Cinemateket

Sep 6, 2026 6:15 PM - Sep 6, 2026 10:05 PM

A giant divine insect awakens in Ishirō Honda’s beloved kaiju classic Mothra (1961), screening at Cinemateket. When greedy businessmen exploit the mysterious powers of a remote island, nature strikes back through one of Japanese cinema’s most iconic monsters. Unlike Godzilla’s destructive force, Mothra emerges as a protector, blending fantasy, adventure, music, and environmental themes. More than 60 years after its premiere, the film remains a visionary and uniquely charming landmark of Japanese genre cinema.

Cinemateket – Mothra

Asian Painting Techniques / Water & Ink – FOF København & Nordsjælland

Sep 7, 2026 10:00 AM - Oct 3, 2026 10:00 AM

FOF København & Nordsjælland invites you to explore the calm and expressive art of Asian ink painting. Using water and different shades of black ink, participants will learn traditional techniques for creating expressive landscapes, focusing on brushwork, rhythm and personal expression. The workshop takes place in a relaxed atmosphere and is suitable for both beginners and experienced painters.

FOF København & Nordsjælland – Asian Painting Techniques / Water & Ink

OKI – ALICE

Sep 8, 2026 8:00 PM - Sep 8, 2026 10:00 PM

A rare chance to experience Ainu music from northern Japan when OKI and his band perform at ALICE. One of the most important contemporary representatives of Ainu culture, OKI is known for reviving the traditional five-string tonkori harp and bringing its distinctive sound to international audiences through a unique blend of indigenous folk music, dub, world music, and psychedelic influences.

Born on Hokkaido, OKI rediscovered his Ainu heritage as a young adult and dedicated himself to preserving and reinventing a musical tradition that was close to disappearing. Together with his acclaimed Dub Ainu Band, he has spent decades sharing Ainu culture worldwide through powerful, rhythmic, and deeply atmospheric live performances.

ALICE – OKI

Danes in the Land of the Rising Sun – Danish-Japanese Society

Sep 9, 2026 7:00 PM - Sep 9, 2026 9:00 PM

Explore how Japan was portrayed in Danish literature during the first half of the 20th century in this talk by Lauritz Korfix Schultz, hosted by the Danish-Japanese Society. Drawing on works by authors including Henrik Cavling and Johannes V. Jensen, the presentation examines how fascination with Japanese culture intertwined with growing awareness of Japan’s political and military influence. A fascinating look at the literary ties between Denmark and Japan. The lecture is in Danish. Registration required.

Danish-Japanese Society – Danes in the Land of the Rising Sun

Furoshiki Gift Wrapping / YUZU studio – Butikken

Sep 10, 2026 5:30 PM - Sep 10, 2026 7:30 PM

Discover the Japanese art of Furoshiki with YUZU studio at Butikken on Frederiksberg. Led by textile communicator, artist, and designer Nicole Grünfeld, this hands-on workshop introduces participants to the history and techniques of using cloth for wrapping, carrying, and storing everyday items.

Learn how to create beautiful and sustainable gift wrapping without scissors, tape, or ribbon, while exploring a variety of folding and tying methods that can easily be incorporated into daily life. The workshop also offers inspiration for reusing textiles you already own, transforming fabric into practical and elegant packaging.

Suitable for beginners aged 12 and up, with all materials provided.

Butikken – Furoshiki workshop / YUZU studio

SIGH – BETA

Sep 10, 2026 8:00 PM - Sep 10, 2026 11:00 PM

Legendary Japanese avant-garde black metal band SIGH visits Copenhagen for a rare concert at BETA. Formed in Tokyo in 1990 by Mirai Kawashima, the band became one of the earliest Japanese names to gain international recognition in the black metal scene with albums like Scorn Defeat, Hail Horror Hail, and Imaginary Sonicscape.

Known for blending black metal with progressive rock, symphonic elements, psychedelia, jazz, and traditional Japanese influences, SIGH has spent more than three decades pushing the boundaries of extreme music. Their theatrical live performances and experimental sound have earned them cult status worldwide. American black metal and punk group Devil Master joins as special guest.

BETA – Sigh

Asian Ink Painting / Linh Nguyen – Rentemestervej Library

Sep 12, 2026 10:00 AM - Sep 12, 2026 4:00 PM

Explore the meditative art of Asian ink painting in this hands-on workshop at Rentemestervej Library. Guided by Linh Nguyen, participants will learn or build on the fundamental techniques of traditional ink painting, a practice shared across Japan, China, Korea, and Vietnam. Using black ink, Chinese brushes, and delicate rice paper, you’ll create expressive landscape paintings while enjoying a day of creativity, focus, and quiet immersion. Suitable for both beginners and experienced participants.

Rentemestervej Library – Asian Ink Painting

Junior Festival / Konnichiwa Japan! – Jyllinge Bibliotek

Sep 12, 2026 11:00 AM - Sep 12, 2026 2:00 PM

Jyllinge Bibliotek invites children aged 7–12 to a Japanese-themed junior festival exploring anime, ninja, samurai, food and traditional crafts. Activities include making koi fish with artist Maria Lau-Krogh, drawing manga with illustrator Kimmie Kawauchi, origami, sumo wrestling, a samurai and sword demonstration, a game arena and Japanese myths and quizzes. The festival is free and no registration is required.

Jyllinge Bibliotek – Junior Festival / Konnichiwa Japan!

Kurinuki Workshop – Underværk

Sep 12, 2026 12:00 PM - Sep 12, 2026 3:00 PM

Try the ancient Japanese kurinuki technique in this hands-on pottery workshop at Underværk in Valby. Working with black stoneware clay, participants slowly carve and hollow their own unique cup from a solid block of clay – an intuitive and meditative process where raw textures and organic forms emerge. You will also create a second cup using the leftover clay and the pinch technique. Your finished cups will later be glazed in a colour of your choice.

Underværk – Kurinuki Workshop

Japanese Koto & Shakuhachi – Farum Kulturhus

Sep 12, 2026 2:00 PM - Sep 12, 2026 3:00 PM

Experience the timeless sounds of traditional Japanese music as Wanoma, the official ensemble of the Denmark-Japan Music Society, performs a free concert at Farum Kulturhus. Featuring Ayumi Shimonoto, Yuka Sakura, and Kiku Day on traditional Japanese instruments, the programme combines classical Japanese repertoire with new compositions inspired by the artworks of Yuko Takada Keller, creating a beautiful dialogue between music and visual art.

Farum Kulturhus – Japanese Koto & Shakuhachi