HAPPENING 24–28 September 2025 | Camera Japan is the largest festival for Japanese film and culture in the Benelux. See films, enjoy performances, participate in workshops, purchase Japanese products and get swept away by beautiful Japanese music.
What to expect at Camera Japan in Rotterdam?
Rotterdam is gearing up for the 20th edition of the CAMERA JAPAN Festival, a much-anticipated event for lovers of Japanese cinema and culture. The festival promises to be a treat for attendees with a rich line-up of Japanese films, including European and international premieres.
Founded in 2006, CAMERA JAPAN has grown into the largest Japanese cultural festival in the Benelux. Organised by a non-profit team, the festival relies on audience support to continue growing. Fans can join the CAMERA JAPAN Kurabu, a membership programme that helps sustain the event.
What to expect?
The CAMERA JAPAN Festival has always been a celebration of Japanese cinema, and this year is no exception. Attendees can look forward to:
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Film Screenings: A diverse range of Japanese films will be showcased, including some that are making their European and even international debut at the festival.
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Special Screenings and Q&A's: Engage with the minds behind the films with special screenings followed by Q&A sessions with directors. It's a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the world of Japanese cinema.
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Side Programme: Beyond the films, the festival offers a rich side programme. Attendees can participate in workshops, experience interventions, and explore a market brimming with Japanese foods and goods.
Camera Japan programme 2025
This year’s line-up includes several Dutch and world premieres, each accompanied by a chance to meet the filmmakers:
- Aruku – World premiere. An intimate documentary on the 四国遍路 (Shikoku Henro), the 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Director Kataoka Shiho joins Q&As on Thursday 25 and Sunday 28 September.
- Good Luck – Dutch premiere. Director Adachi Shin and producer Adachi Akiko will take questions after screenings on Friday 26 and Sunday 28 September.
- Johatsu – Into Thin Air – Dutch premiere. Directors Mori Arata and Andreas Hartmann explore Japan’s “evaporated people.” Q&As on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September.
- Yukiko a.k.a. – Dutch premiere. Director Kusaba Naoya discusses his film about a teacher overcoming insecurity through rap battles. Q&As on Friday 26 and Sunday 28 September.
- Shades of Indigo – Dutch premiere. Director Yoshida Shigeru reflects on the fading tradition of indigo dyeing. Q&As on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September.
More than cinema
The festival offers much more than films. Visitors can take part in hands-on workshops and explore Japanese culture through the weekend Market at Fenix. For those who cannot wait, a special preview screening of Gokudō meshi (Sukiyaki, 2011) takes place on Friday 19 September at Fenix in Rotterdam.
The full programme for this year's edition of Camera Japan in Rotterdam has been announced. Find it here: https://camerajapan.nl/rotterdam/
Location: LantarenVenster
LantarenVenster, the iconic building located at Otto Reuchlinweg 996, 3072 MD Rotterdam on the Wilhelminapier, will once again host the CAMERA JAPAN Festival. With several screening rooms, LantarenVenster is the perfect venue to showcase over 50 Japanese films, ensuring that attendees have a wide variety of cinematic experiences to choose from.
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