From the aroma of fresh onigiri to the captivating imagery of restored cinema classics: this fall, the CAMERA JAPAN Festival is once again traveling from its home base in Rotterdam to Amsterdam. From October 1 through 4, the LAB111 film theater will transform into a vibrant gathering place filled with Japanese cinema, crafts, and gastronomy.
More than fifty Japanese films
What began in 2006 with nineteen screenings has grown into the largest Japanese cultural festival in the Benelux. During the 21st edition at LAB111, you’ll see a diverse selection of more than fifty films. The lineup ranges seamlessly from award-winning contemporary dramas such as *All the Lovers in the Night* to compelling stories like *5 Centimeters Per Second* and rare classics.
The program deliberately aims for depth with a retrospective celebrating 50 years of KADOKAWA Films, featuring titles such as *Lost Paradise* and *The Inugami Family*. In addition, there is plenty of room for striking animation, including the melancholic yakuza tale *The Last Blossom* (*Hōsenka*) and the stop-motion world of *JUNK WORLD*.
Japanese gold lacquer, photography, and street food
In addition to film, the festival offers a deep dive into Japanese crafts. The highlight is the Maki-e workshop, an 8th-century decorative technique that combines natural lacquer (urushi) with fine gold powder. You’ll also see Priscilla Natasha’s Ichi-go Ichi-e photo exhibition and a lively Japanese mini-market.
At LAB111’s mini-market, you can sample authentic Japanese food daily, such as freshly made onigiri, mochi, and high-quality tea. A complete experience where film, art, and gastronomy come together.
Here’s how to attend the festival at LAB111
Would you like to visit the festival, catch a movie, or participate in a workshop? Here you’ll find all the practical details at a glance:
- Date & Location: October 1–4, 2026, at LAB111, Amsterdam (Arie Biemondstraat 111).
- Prices & Admission: Admission to the venue, the market, and the photo exhibition is free. Movie tickets can be purchased separately for each screening. Cineville pass holders have free admission to regular screenings.
- Workshops: The Maki-e gold-lacquer workshop costs €66 per person (duration: 2.5 hours).
- Memberships (CAMERA JAPAN Kurabu):
