CAMERA JAPAN at Plein
Discover the Japanese culture
Take part in workshops, browse the stalls and food vendors, see the work of tattoo artist Yushi Takei, and join us on Sunday for Kids Day.
Japanese culture in Rotterdam
CAMERA JAPAN is an annual cultural festival with a large programme of Japanese films at LantarenVenster. Film is at the heart of the festival, but there’s also a programme of art, music, crafts and food.
You can discover these cultural traditions during the festival at Plein. Alongside the market and food stalls, workshops offer an introduction to centuries-old techniques and contemporary culture, from lacquerware and tattoo art to music, food and sumo.
Japanese market
The market brings together makers, artists and flavours from Japan. Browse illustrations, calligraphy, woodblock prints, manga, ceramics, stationery and handmade accessories, or try dishes and snacks such as ramen, curry, onigiri, takoyaki, mochi and matcha. From traditional techniques to contemporary design and street food, there’s plenty to discover.
Japanese Craft Workshops
Under the guidance of experienced makers, you’ll learn traditional Japanese techniques and try them out for yourself.
Maki-e: Japanese lacquer decoration
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ticket: € 66
Discover Maki-e, a traditional Japanese decorative technique. Together with Yuki Tessler, you’ll work with lacquer and metal powder to create patterns and images.
Kintsugi: Japanese ceramic restoration
Saturday, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Ticket: € 66
Learn the art of Kintsugi with Yuki Tessler. You’ll repair broken ceramics using lacquer, making the cracks visible rather than hiding them. The damage becomes part of the story of the object.
Edo Stencilling Carving: Japanese stencil cutting
Saturday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Ticket: € 18. Leeftijd: 10+
Discover the traditional Katagami technique and hand-cut patterns from special Japanese stencil paper. These stencils were used for centuries to apply patterns to kimono and other textiles.
A separate ticket is required for each workshop. Book your ticket online in advance.
Programme
On Saturday, alongside the paid workshops, there is an extensive free programme with performances and activities. On Sunday, Kids Day takes centre stage, with Japanese games, creative activities and a special film programme for children every hour.
Registration for Kids Day is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults do not need to register.
About the partner
CAMERA JAPAN is an annual cultural festival that has been taking place in Rotterdam since 2006. Japanese cinema is at the heart of the festival, but CAMERA JAPAN looks beyond film, bringing together visual art, music, dance, fashion, architecture, food and other forms of Japanese culture.
