Copenhagen Sakura festival program

The Copenhagen Sakura Festival is well known for featuring many Japanese cultural performances. Every year, you will experience both traditional and modern Japanese culture through the performances on stage, amidst the blossoming Sakura trees.

Here is the program for Copenhagen Sakura Festival 2026:

Program explanation

For those who are already interested or invested in Japanese culture, most of the performances might make sense, but for those who are new to Japanese culture, you might want a bit more information. Here is a short overview of the different performances and what they are all about:

  • Wadaiko – A high powered drum show featuring the Japanese Taiko drums.
    The show is performed by Seido Taiko (DK)
  • Aikido – Modern Japanese martial arts with “way of harmonizing energy”.
  • Karate – Famous Japanese martial arts – but it might be different from what you’ve seen on TV!
  • Kimono – A traditional garment that happens to be the national dress of Japan!
  • Cosplay – A modern type of performance art where the participants dress up as their favorite characters form anime, manga, video games and more.
  • Kendo – Actionpacked Japanese sword fighting in a (pretty) safe manner!
  • Taido – Taidō is a Japanese martial art.
  • Bonodori – The famous Japanese group dance that everyone can join!
  • Haiku – A Japanese poetry form composed of 17 syllables.
  • Manga & Anime Drawing Workshop- Manga is the word for graphic novels and Anime is the word for animated works – often versions of already existing manga.
    *Please bring your own pencils (HB or 2B recommended) and eraser. For children from 10 years or older.
  • Origami – The Japanese art of folding paper. Watch as a regular piece of paper turns into artworks!
  • Tea Ceremony – Yes, tea is much more than just a drink. It’s tradition, art and cultural activity.
  • Kobudo – Intense Japanese martial arts featuring traditional weapons and techniques.
  • Judo – A classic, unarmed Japanese Martial Arts form.
  • Ikebana – Beautifully crafted traditional Japanese flower arrangements with more than 1000 years of history!
  • Mochi & Mochitsuki – Learn about the traditional chewy Mochi ricecakes and watch how it’s made.
  • Ghibli Concert – The Copenhagen Strings with professional musicians with: 2 violinists 1 bratsch and 1 cello, play famous Ghibli music.
  • Soran Bushi –Folk dance which symbolizes the fisherman`s life with energetic dance. The group came from Odense.
  • Namahage –Winter traditional folk art, one can see in countryside of North Japan.
    • The performers came from Århus.
    • They look fearsome but they bless the children for their good health.
  • Tsutsumi-Zaiku- Handcraft, using old kimono silk material and create a new small flower.