Events

Designmuseum Danmark presents a collection of 40 woodblock prints by Katsushika Hokusai, created during Japan’s Edo period. The exhibition traces the evolution of woodblock printing from hand-coloured impressions to richly layered multi-colour works. Hokusai is best known for The Great Wave off Kanagawa, part of Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji from the 1830s – widely regarded as the golden age of Japanese woodblock printing.

Japan Modern Poster is the largest exhibition in the history of Designmuseum Danmark dedicated to Japanese graphic design. On display are more than 100 posters from the 1950s to today, highlighting how Japanese designers have shaped visual culture through typography, photography, illustration, and bold conceptual ideas. The exhibition traces Japan’s post-war optimism, rapid modernization, and contemporary design language—revealing a unique balance between tradition, experimentation, and visual precision.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Designmuseum Danmark invites visitors to explore the traditional Japanese dyeing technique shibori through a series of free summer workshops in the museum garden as part of CopenPay. Using folding, binding, elastics, clips, and indigo dye, participants transform old textiles into organic blue patterns inspired by the Japanese craft tradition of embracing imperfection and reuse.

Guests can use materials provided by the museum or bring their own worn t-shirts, socks, or textiles to give them new life. The workshops combine Japanese textile culture with sustainability and slow craft in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Workshop dates: July 7, July 28, August 11, and August 25. Participation is free through the CopenPay sustainability initiative.

Gloria’s annual summer Animé festival returns with a month of beloved Japanese animated films on the big screen. Experience classics and modern masterpieces by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, Makoto Shinkai, Mamoru Oshii, Hiromasa Yonebayashi, and Yoshifumu Kondô. All screenings are presented in Japanese with Danish subtitles, except The Boy and the Heron and Pom Poko, which are shown with English subtitles. A perfect chance to revisit timeless favourites or discover them for the first time.

As part of Farum Kulturhus’ exhibition theme on japonisme, Billedskolen invites children to create their own Japanese daruma figure in this creative workshop. The daruma is a traditional Japanese lucky charm symbolising perseverance, resilience, and achieving goals.

Participants can learn about the history and meaning of daruma dolls, which are often found in Japanese Buddhist temples with one eye left blank until a wish comes true. The workshop is free to attend with registration required and is suitable for children interested in Japanese culture and crafts.

Japanese doom/death metal veterans Coffins return to Copenhagen for a crushing night of extreme metal at Loppen in Christiania, joined by Danish/UK trio Dead Void. Formed in Tokyo in 1996, Coffins have spent nearly three decades refining their heavy mix of doom, death metal, and crust, earning cult status on the global underground scene and appearances at festivals like Roadburn, Hellfest, and Maryland Deathfest.

Expect a relentlessly heavy evening as Coffins bring their slow, filthy riffs and old-school death metal atmosphere to one of Copenhagen’s most iconic underground venues. Dead Void opens the night with their chaotic and psychologically twisted brand of death metal.

Japanese experimental collective Violent Magic Orchestra brings their explosive Nostarzia Never Comeback Tour to Stengade with a chaotic fusion of apocalyptic rave, techno, gabber, noise, and black metal. Known for overwhelming live shows filled with strobes, smoke, crushing sound, and intense visuals, VMO creates an immersive audiovisual experience somewhere between underground club culture, contemporary art, and extreme music performance.

The Tokyo-based group has performed at clubs, galleries, and festivals around the world, building a reputation for high-energy concerts that blur the line between rave, concert, and sensory overload.

Next week, Tivoli unveils its largest expansion ever with the opening of Hikari, a new 2,000 m² area inspired by Japan, celebrating the park’s 183rd birthday. Discover the new rides Hotel Hikari and Tyfonens Øje, alongside the reimagined Dæmonen coaster. The area also features five Japanese-inspired eateries: Yaki-Tak!, Katsu Kitchen, Comé Rice Kitchen, Oishii Bubbles, and Kawaii Bites, plus two new shops: Konbini by UME, offering Japanese snacks and drinks, and Sakura Copenhagen, with Japanese ceramics, gifts, and Japandi-inspired design.

Japanese-Australian singer, songwriter and producer Joji brings his new Solaris Tour to Copenhagen for a massive arena show at Royal Arena. Known for blending lo-fi, R&B and emotional pop, Joji has built a global following with hits like “Glimpse of Us” and “Slow Dancing in the Dark.” The tour follows the release of his fourth album Piss In The Wind and continues his evolution as one of the most distinctive voices in alternative pop. Expect a visually immersive live experience with support from Tommy Richman.

Japanese trumpeter, composer and producer Takuya Nakamura performs at RUST in Copenhagen. Known for blending jazz with electronic music, Nakamura has been active on the New York scene since the 1990s and is celebrated for his genre-crossing sound.

He has collaborated with artists such as Quincy Jones, David Byrne and Arto Lindsay, and has also been a member of groups including Jojo Mayer’s Nerve and CocoRosie. Expect an evening where improvisation, electronics and jazz experimentation meet.

Join acclaimed vocalist Junko Ueda at Bådehuset for a workshop, introducing the ancient tradition of Japanese Buddhist Shomyo chanting. Dating back more than 1,200 years, Shomyo combines slow, meditative melodies with mindful breathing and body awareness. Through group singing, breathing exercises, and an introduction to Hara, participants explore Japanese musical heritage while developing relaxation, concentration, and vocal expression. No musical experience is required, and the workshop is held in English.