Japan Festival 2025 - All of Amstelveen in Japanese Vibes
The Japan Festival in the city center is one of the largest Japanese events in the Netherlands. In recent years, the celebration of Japanese culture has expanded far beyond the Stadsplein. Around the time of the Japan Festival, you’ll find films, exhibitions, and workshops with a Japanese touch all over town.
The Japan Festival at Stadsplein - 29 June
On the open-air stage, enjoy free spectacular performances while you wander through the festival grounds, lined with stalls full of Japanese products, fun workshops, and Japanese street food.
This year’s program includes musical acts by Japanese punk band Mika Bomb, anime and Okinawa music, and traditional Japanese folk songs. Expect karate demonstrations, cosplay acts, and more.
The festival is divided into themed zones:
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Cool Japan – Discover Japanese specialties and cutting-edge technology
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Experience Japan – Participate in workshops, learn new techniques, and create your own Japanese artwork
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Taste Japan – Sample a wide range of authentic Japanese dishes and products from Japanese restaurants and businesses
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Japan Festival 2025
Japan Festival 2025
Sunday 29 June
Japan Festival weekend in Museum Cobra - 28 & 29 June
Coinciding with the festival, the Cobra Museum opens Kishio Suga – Where Both Sides Meet, the first solo exhibition in the Netherlands by this key figure in Japan’s Mono-ha movement.
Special festival weekend workshops include:
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Ainu Embroidery Workshop
Ainu Embroidery Workshop
Join the Ainu embroidery workshop at Museum Cobra! Learn traditional techniques and contribute to a Japanese art project. More info about Ainu Embroidery Workshop
Saturday 28 June
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Discover the Magic of Ainu Craft
Discover the Magic of Ainu Craft
Discover Ainu woodcarving at Museum Cobra! Learn ancient patterns with Japanese artisans during a free workshop on June 28. More info about Discover the Magic of Ainu Craft
Saturday 28 June
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Bring your manga to life at Museum Cobra!
Bring your manga to life at Museum Cobra!
Discover manga drawing at Museum Cobra! Unleash your creativity during a free workshop on June 29. For beginners and advanced artists. More info about Bring your manga to life at Museum Cobra!
Sunday 29 June
Workshop Origami in de Bibliotheek - 29 June
The Amstelveen Library is joining in the festivities. The Origami Society of the Netherlands will host a workshop where you’ll create a colorful card using kimono folding art. In honor of 425 years of friendship between Japan and the Netherlands, the Japanese ambassador will also donate a collection of books about Japan to the library.
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Origami workshop
Origami workshop
Sunday 29 June
Japan Festival X Cinema Amstelveen - 6 July
Looking to enjoy the magic a little longer? Catch the heartwarming animated film Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window at Cinema Amstelveen. This touching story follows spirited young Totto-chan as she finds her place at a progressive school in Tokyo during the 1940s. Despite the looming war, her sense of wonder and innocence remains powerful. The film is shown with Dutch subtitles.
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Totto-Chan (The Little Girl in the Window)
Totto-Chan (The Little Girl in the Window)
Sunday 6 July
Japanese Restaurants and Delicacies - Enjoy Japanese flavors all year round at restaurants and specialty shops across Amstelveen.
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SushiPoint Amstelveen
SushiPoint Amstelveen
1181 TR Amstelveen
