Events

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.

Love manga and anime and are you between 11 and 18 years old? Join cartoonist Line Nordskjold for a free hands-on manga workshop at Copenhagen Main Library. Whether you’re a beginner or already drawing your own comics, you’ll learn character design, manga techniques, and storytelling tips from an artist who lived in Japan for two years. Meet fellow manga fans, get creative, and design your own original manga character. Materials are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your favourite drawing tools.

Join Saito for a series of hands-on Japanese cooking workshops exploring classic dishes and techniques from Japanese home cooking. Across four dates, you’ll learn to prepare Washoku, Temakizushi, and Onigiri, while gaining insight into ingredients, seasonality, and practical kitchen skills. Instruction is given step by step as you cook together, making the techniques easy to recreate at home. Each workshop concludes with a relaxed shared meal—dishwashing is taken care of, so you can simply enjoy the food.

Give worn clothes a new lease of life with Japanese sashiko embroidery at this cosy creative workshop at Nordhus, with several workshop dates to choose from. Originally developed as a practical way to repair textiles, sashiko uses small, evenly spaced stitches to create decorative patterns that are both beautiful and functional. Bring a piece of clothing, tote bag or other textile and learn how to transfer your own design onto fabric with guidance throughout the process. Suitable for beginners and experienced creatives alike. The workshop can also be combined with Nordhus’ communal dinner beforehand.

Designmuseum Danmark hosts a hands-on workshop introducing the traditional Japanese embroidery technique sashiko. Originally developed in rural Japan as a practical method for reinforcing and repairing textiles, sashiko has evolved into a celebrated craft known for its geometric stitching patterns and meditative rhythm. Bring your own fabric or work with surplus textiles donated by Danish designer Henrik Vibskov, giving old materials a meaningful new life through Japanese craftsmanship.

Workshop dates: September 24, October 1, October 8, and October 15, 2026. Participation is free through the CopenPay sustainability initiative.

Akira Kurosawa’s Ran (1985), his epic adaptation of Shakespeare’s King Lear, comes to Cinemateket as part of Filmuniversitetet. Set in medieval Japan, the film follows an ageing warlord whose decision to divide his kingdom between his three sons unleashes betrayal, ambition and devastating conflict. A landmark of Japanese cinema, Ran is renowned for its spectacular compositions, large-scale battle scenes and powerful use of colour.

Enjoy an autumn evening inspired by Japanese sauna and onsen culture at Rört Yoga. Your host, Ida from Yume.Ito, combines three sauna sessions with Japanese aromas, cold-water dips, onigiri, vegetarian miso udon ramen and a mandarin & sake ice pop. The experience takes place on two dates, October 10 and November 21, with sessions at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM, including snacks, aromatherapy and time around the outdoor fire.

Avedøre Bibliotek & Kulturhus hosts a workshop introducing kumihimo, the traditional Japanese art of braiding cords. Meaning “gathering threads”, kumihimo uses colourful cords to create beautiful, patterned designs. In the workshop, participants will learn the basic technique and make their own decorative key lanyard. Suitable for children from 8 years and free with a ticket.

Try out Suminagashi, the traditional Japanese technique of marbling paper with floating ink at Otaki Studio. Using brushes, ink and water, you will create delicate, organic patterns by gently moving ink across the water’s surface before transferring the designs onto paper. The workshop offers an introduction to the basic techniques and a chance to explore the meditative process of creating unique handmade papers.

Join Cosplay Youth for an open meet-up at Valby Kulturhus, bringing together young fans aged 11–18 with an interest in cosplay and Japanese pop culture. The programme includes an Anime Dating Game, karaoke and a Bring & Buy where you can trade or discover cosplay items, manga and merchandise. Get creative with beads and badges, meet fellow fans, or simply hang out and make new friends. New and curious visitors are especially welcome, and you don’t need to be a member or wear cosplay to join. Bring a friend and enjoy a fun day together!

Japanese pianist Kyohei Sorita performs in the acclaimed Pianists in the Diamond series at the Royal Library’s Queen’s Hall. One of Japan’s most celebrated young classical musicians, Sorita gained international recognition after winning second prize at the 18th International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw and has since performed with major orchestras across Europe and Japan.

Besides his concert career, Sorita is founder of the Japan National Orchestra and his own record label, and was named one of Forbes Asia’s most influential people under 30 in 2024. The Copenhagen recital includes Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 3 alongside works by Schumann and Chopin.

Over three Tuesday evenings, explore the Japanese textile traditions of sashiko embroidery and boro mending with Ida from YUME.ITO at Re:wair Studio. Learn traditional stitching techniques, explore the philosophy and aesthetics behind these crafts, and transform worn or damaged textiles into something personal and beautiful. Each evening also includes Japanese tea and mochi from Mochi Time, with materials provided and no previous experience required.

Learn the basics of sashiko, the traditional Japanese embroidery technique, with Maja Takatomi at AOF Region Hovedstaden’s Sashiko for Beginners course. Explore the history and cultural background of sashiko while learning traditional stitches, patterns, patching and quilting techniques. Each session includes plenty of time to practise and develop your own sashiko projects.

Explore the deep religious roots behind Japanese and South Korean culture in this four-part lecture series at People’s University of Copenhagen. PhD researcher Maria Hasfeldt Long looks at Japan’s indigenous religion, Zen Buddhism, Neo-Confucianism and shamanism, as well as the relationship between religion, politics and diplomacy in contemporary Japan and South Korea.
Photo by Tim D on Unsplash.

Spend a cozy Sunday with the dreamy sounds of Japanese City Pop as Pekuworld takes over the decks at Neo Market, spinning a carefully selected mix of nostalgic Japanese pop classics throughout the day. Come for the music, stay for the retro-futuristic atmosphere, and explore handmade art, design and fashion from local creatives.