HAPPENING 23–27 SEP '26 | CAMERA JAPAN brings Japanese cinema, art, music, food and workshops to Rotterdam, with film screenings and events at LantarenVenster and a weekend cultural programme at Fenix Plein.
What to expect at CAMERA JAPAN in Rotterdam?
CAMERA JAPAN returns to Rotterdam from 23 to 27 September 2026 for its 21st edition. The multidisciplinary festival puts Japanese cinema at its heart while also making room for visual art, live performance, music, workshops and Japanese food and culture.
What began with a programme of 19 films selected by three organisers has grown into one of the largest Japanese cultural festivals in the Benelux. CAMERA JAPAN now presents more than 50 films across its Rotterdam and Amsterdam editions and is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers.
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CAMERA JAPAN programme 2026
The Rotterdam edition opens at LantarenVenster on Wednesday 23 September at 19:00 with Rhapsody, Rhapsody, directed by RIJU Go. The opening screening is preceded by a taiko performance by WASHIMI Akira.
The five-day programme stretches across contemporary Japanese features, animation, documentaries, shorts and older films. Among the titles highlighted in the 2026 programme are Cocoon: One Summer of Girlhood, Kaneko Fumiko, JUNK WORLD and Kagebōshi: The Noble Thief of Edo. The latter is a rare 1925 silent jidaigeki presented in a 95-minute digitalised version with live music from the Rotterdam Kinematic Ensemble.
50 years of KADOKAWA Films
A special retrospective in 2026 marks 50 years of KADOKAWA Films. The Rotterdam programme includes Never Give Up, Let Him Rest in Peace, Lost Paradise, The Inugami Family and The Tragedy of “W”.
CAMERA JAPAN also continues its tradition of bringing filmmakers and other guests into contact with audiences. Several 2026 screenings include Q&As, while the wider programme features live performances and presentations.
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More than cinema
The festival extends well beyond the screening rooms. Workshops in the 2026 programme range from miniature embroidery and Japanese woodblock printing to Edo stencil carving, fermentation, kintsugi and mochi. Visitors can also find exhibitions, live demonstrations, DJ sets and other performances.
On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, CAMERA JAPAN expands to Fenix Plein on Katendrecht for its Japanese Market and cultural programme. Activities include workshops, exhibitions, performances, sumo-related programming and Kids' Day.
The programme at Fenix Plein runs from 10:00 to 18:00 on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the general programme is free, while several workshops require separate paid tickets and advance booking is recommended.
The complete CAMERA JAPAN Rotterdam 2026 programme is available on the festival website. Tickets for film screenings and paid activities are available through the individual programme listings, so check the relevant event before visiting.
Where is CAMERA JAPAN in Rotterdam?
LantarenVenster
LantarenVenster remains the main cinema for CAMERA JAPAN in Rotterdam. It is located at Otto Reuchlinweg 996, 3072 MD Rotterdam on the Wilhelminapier.
The venue hosts the festival's film screenings as well as exhibitions, workshops, performances and other activities during the five-day programme.
Fenix Plein
The weekend cultural programme takes place at Fenix Plein, Dolf Henkesplein 1, Rotterdam, on Katendrecht. Fenix itself has its main visitor address at Paul Nijghkade 5, 3072 AT Rotterdam.
Fenix recommends travelling by public transport, bicycle or water taxi because parking nearby is limited.
CAMERA JAPAN runs in Rotterdam from 23 to 27 September 2026. The festival continues in Amsterdam at LAB111 from 1 to 4 October.
