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 presents a film series dedicated to acclaimed Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi, one of the most important voices in contemporary Japanese cinema. Known for his deeply human storytelling and long, intimate conversations between characters, Hamaguchi gained international recognition with films such as Drive My Car and Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy.

The program explores both early works and later highlights, including films like Passion, Happy Hour, and The Depths, offering a rare chance to experience Hamaguchi’s evolving style on the big screen. Selected screenings include contextual introductions by Mette Holm or a Japanese dinner at restaurant SULT.

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.

Explore the traditional Japanese kurinuki pottery technique in this hands-on workshop at Underværk in Valby. Using black stoneware clay, participants carve and hollow cups from solid clay blocks – a slow and meditative process where rough textures and organic forms naturally emerge through intuitive shaping.

During the three-hour workshop, guests create both a kurinuki cup and a second cup using pinch techniques from the leftover clay. The finished pieces are later glazed in a chosen color by the instructor. Open to beginners and anyone interested in Japanese-inspired ceramic craft and mindful creativity.

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.

Japanese-American duo KUMO 99 brings their explosive electronic sound to RUST on Nørrebro. Their music blends jungle and drum’n’bass breakbeats with a punk spirit and moshpit energy, creating a raw and high-speed live experience. Vocalist Ami Komai, often singing in Japanese, drives the chaotic energy forward while Nate Donmoyer’s pounding percussion keeps the tempo relentlessly intense.

Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary design take center stage during 3daysofdesign 2026 with a wide range of exhibitions across Copenhagen.

A major highlight is Japanmade Vol. 1, a new curated showcase exploring the meeting point between Japanese heritage and Scandinavian aesthetics through furniture, lighting, paper, lacquerware, and artisan objects. Curated by OEO Studio, the exhibition brings together five respected Japanese makers including New Light Pottery, Karimoku MAS, Nao Tesuki Washi, Sekisaka, and Sheep/Candle at Dampfærgevej 2.

Other Japanese-related exhibitions during the festival include showcases by Japan Creative Association, Japan Form, Asahiyaki, Time & Style, Yamagiwa, Yobiiro, Nosou, MOTARASU, ARIAKE, SOTANAKA, and BEFORE VINTAGE.

Visitors can experience refined materials, traditional techniques, and contemporary Japanese design thinking rooted in craftsmanship and simplicity.

Beyond the exhibitions, 3daysofdesign 2026 also offers a range of Japan-focused events and sensory experiences across Copenhagen.

Visitors can join hands-on workshops exploring traditional Japanese joinery techniques without nails or screws, attend talks on the relationship between Japanese and Nordic design traditions, and experience Japanese aesthetics through materiality, craftsmanship, and collaboration between designers and artisans.

Several events focus on Japanese food and drink culture, including matcha gatherings, iced matcha lounges, and sake tastings hosted by Japanese exhibitors and design studios.

Highlights include Japanmade Vol. 1 special Japan/Nordic design talk with Wataru Kumano of Karimoku MAS alongside OEO Studio’s Thomas Lykke and designer Daniel Rybakken, as well as Nosou’s sake experiences created together with fermentation collective LINNÉ.

The events blend contemporary Scandinavian design culture with Japanese traditions of hospitality, simplicity, and craftsmanship throughout the festival.

Makoto Hosoda’s beloved anime The Girl Who Leapt Through Time returns to the big screen in a stunning 4K restoration at Gloria. The coming-of-age sci-fi classic follows high school student Makoto, who suddenly gains the ability to leap backwards through time – using it at first for small everyday fixes, but soon discovering that changing the past comes with unexpected consequences. A heartfelt mix of romance, comedy, and time-travel drama from the director of Summer Wars and Wolf Children. Shown in original Japanese with English subtitles.

Pokémon GO celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026, and for the first time ever, Copenhagen is chosen as an official host city for Pokémon GO Fest. Fælledparken becomes the heart of the action from June 12–14, where Trainers can enjoy special habitats, rare encounters, exclusive research, bonuses, and the full festival atmosphere. Citywide gameplay starts a day earlier on June 11, letting you explore and catch event Pokémon throughout Copenhagen.

Pokémon GO has revealed the first gameplay details for Pokémon GO Fest 2026 in Copenhagen. Trainers can explore themed habitats across the city and Fælledparken while encountering special Pokémon, event-exclusive bonuses, raids, and global challenges throughout the weekend.

Highlights include the debut of the Mythical Pokémon Zeraora through Special Research, Mewtwo appearing in legendary raids, increased shiny encounter chances, and exclusive costume Pokémon including team-themed Pikachu variants. Players can also enjoy rotating habitats inspired by different environments, each featuring unique Pokémon spawns and surprises.

The festival combines park gameplay with a citywide experience, turning Copenhagen into a giant Pokémon adventure for one of the biggest gaming events ever hosted in Denmark.

Pokémon GO Fest 2026 transforms Copenhagen into a giant live Pokémon celebration with special in-person experiences across the city and at Fælledparken. Trainers can explore themed photo spots, interactive installations, official merchandise areas, team lounges, meetups, and dedicated trading spaces while connecting with thousands of players from around the world.

The festival park features immersive Pokémon-themed environments and live activities throughout the weekend, while Copenhagen itself becomes part of the adventure through citywide gameplay and community events. Visitors can also expect exclusive souvenirs, live entertainment, and opportunities to meet fellow trainers during one of the largest gaming events ever hosted in Denmark.

Pokémon GO Fest 2026 marks the first official GO Fest held in Copenhagen as part of Pokémon’s global 30th anniversary celebrations.