Motifs (left to right) Skyline, Shanghai; Namdaemun, South Korea; Fuji-san, Japan. © Jan Wiemann, AREA Ruhr
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Archive of past events
9 Apr 2024 – 6 Jan 2025 | Köln | China
Exhibition »Bizarre Schönheiten«
Bizarrely shaped stones have been highly valued decorative elements in gardens and scholars’ studios in China since the Tang Dynasty (618–907). In December 2023, the Museum of East Asian Art received a group of extraordinary stones from the collection of the collector couple Gudrun and Willi Benz as a gift. These are now on display for the first time, complemented by paintings, bronzes and porcelains related to the literary stone tradition.
Further info: https://museum-fuer-ostasiatische-kunst.de/Bizarre-Schoenheiten
30 Aug 2024 – 26 Oct 2024 | Köln | Japan
Exhibition by Artist Rikako Kawaguchi
With the title “Food, animals, organs, plants, bodies, etc, everything outside me is everywhere in the air. I breathe them in, I breathe them out”, artist Rikako Kawaguchi (*1990) will have her second exhibition at Van der Grinten Galerie, displaying her oil paintings for the first time, in tandem with a selection of the latest drawings on paper. In contrast to the clear, light and airy drawings, in which the forms float and breath in the often empty space of the pristine paper, Kawauchi’s oil paintings display a strong physical presence.
5 Sep 2024 – 2 Nov 2024 | Düsseldorf | Japan
Exhibition »Bokudō: Der Weg der Tusche«
They are gems of Japanese arts and crafts: inkstones delicately painted on both sides in various sizes and consistencies, which smell so pleasant when freshly removed from their packaging. They are probably the only handicraft objects whose actual purpose is fulfilled in their disappearance, in their transformation into a work of art. The exhibition, conceived for the Mori Ōgai Memorial Center in 2019, provides an insight into the traditional production of calligraphy ink in Suzuka (Mie Prefecture).
Further info: https://eko-haus.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-2_eko-programmhp.pdf
19 Sep 2024 – 17 Nov 2024 | Düsseldorf | Other
Exhibition »Geheimnisse der Mongolei«
The studio exhibition “Geheimnisse der Mongolei – Keramik aus dem Herz Zentralasiens” (Secrets of Mongolia – Ceramics from the Heart of Central Asia) is dedicated to Mongolian ceramic culture from the 13th to the 21st century. The exhibition will examine the taste preferences of Mongolian society and the influences of Islamic ceramics and the porcelain art of China based on the history of ceramics in Mongolia. The traditional Mongolian house, the yurt, artistic ceramics and furniture tell the special story of the “Heart of Central Asia”.
Further info: https://www.duesseldorf.de/hetjens/ausstellungen/vorschau
20 Sep 2024 – 19 Oct 2024 | Köln | Japan
Exhibition »Ichigo ichie«
Ichigo ichie, literally “a moment is a meeting”, comes from the Zen Buddhism-inspired tea ceremony. Every meeting is unique, just like our lives. Cologne-based artists Fabian Hochscheid and Götz Sambale embody this moment in their artworks. They question the nature of things and materials, which convey creation, change and decay without lecturing or provoking. The otherwise independent prints and sculptures reinforce each other. This relationship changes the overall impression in the room. At the opening (20 Sep 2024, 7 PM), Dan Hepperle will play the the Japanese shakuhachi.
Further info: http://www.tenri-kw.de/%e4%b8%80%e6%9c%9f%e4%b8%80%e4%bc%9a-ichigo-ichie-fabian-hochscheid-goetz-sambale/
30 Sep 2024 – 15 Nov 2024 | Bochum | Other
Photo exhibition »Motor der Moderne: Bildung in Taiwan 1900–1950«
Using photos from two archival collections, the exhibition documents snapshots of educational initiatives in elementary, middle and higher schools as well as in vocational training in Taiwan between 1900 and 1950. One half of the exhibits stems from the archive of the Japanese doctor and second director of the Taipei Medical School Takagi Tomoe (1858–1943). The remaining half consists of photographs of the first language and teacher training institute, today’s Taipei University of Education (NTUE).
Further info: https://www.ub.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/kurse-und-veranstaltungen/…
1 Oct 2024 | Düsseldorf | Japan
Public guided tour of the EKŌ-Haus
From July to December, the EKŌ-Haus offers public guided tours of the temple garden and the Buddhist temple on selected Tuesdays. Even a short tour of the grounds gives an impression of the deep roots of traditional Japanese culture in Buddhism. Both the gardens and the Japanese house demand a sense of mindfulness and quiet contemplation from the visitor. Prior registration is required.
Further info: https://eko-haus.de/eventmanager/2024-10-01_oeffentliche-fuehrung/
4 Oct 2024 | Bonn | Korea
2024 Korea-Tag
The Bonn Branch Office of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea invites interested parties to visit the 2024 KOREA DAY! The theme of this year’s event is “An Encounter between Traditional Rhythms and K-Pop”. Visitors can look forward to a diverse program that offers the perfect opportunity to experience both ancient and modern Korea. The event is free of charge, but prior registration is kindly requested.
Further info: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/de-bonn-de/brd/m_7727/view.do?seq=761790&page=1
4 Oct 2024 – 30 Nov 2024 | Köln | Japan
Exhibition »Manga Hokusai Manga«
In connection with contemporary Japanese comics and their worldwide distribution, Hokusai manga, a multi-volume collection of sketches by ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849), is also attracting increasing attention. Fans all over the world even see them as the origin of today’s manga. Unlike previous exhibitions on Hokusai, this one approaches the famous sketchbooks from the perspective of contemporary Japanese comics. Instead of examining historical “influences”, the audience is invited to compare works from different periods, explore the diversity they contain and reflect on their own ideas of manga.
Further info: https://co.jpf.go.jp/veranstaltungen/kalender/manga-hokusai-manga/
5 Oct 2024 | Duisburg | China
Workshop »Wuhan« for children
Would you like to get to know Duisburg’s twin city Wuhan in China? We’ll read an exciting book together about the famous Crane Pagoda in Wuhan and then make friendship bracelets, which you can of course take home for you and your friends. This workshop is part of an ongoing series the Confucius Institute team offers for children aged 6–12 once a month.
Further info: https://konfuzius-institut-ruhr.de/veranstaltung/wuhankids/
7 Oct 2024 – 31 Oct 2024 | Köln | Japan
Movie series »Manga auf der Kinoleinwand«
Not only have the printed editions of manga long enjoyed cult status, but their film adaptations are also enthusiastically received by many fans. To accompany the exhibition “Manga Hokusai Manga: The Famous Master’s Sketchbooks from the Perspective of Contemporary Japanese Comics”, the Japanese Culture Institute Cologne is presenting five live-action films and one anime based on manga.
Further info: https://co.jpf.go.jp/veranstaltungen/kalender/manga-auf-der-kinoleinwand/
9 Oct 2024 – 13 Oct 2024 | Köln | Japan
Exhibition »Der Glanz der Seide«
The only German master of traditional Japanese embroidery, Beate Pietzsch, has been offering her course at TKW since 2006. This time she is presenting an exhibition of her fine embroidery works during her course. Some of her students’ works of art will also be shown.
Further info: http://www.tenri-kw.de/der-glanz-der-seide-beate-pietzsch-und-schuelerinnen/
10 Oct 2024 – 9 Nov 2024 | Frechen | Japan
Exhibition »Traditionen aus Japan: Keramikkunst aus Bizen und Mushiake«
Japanese bizen pottery, bizen-yaki, has been produced in Okayama Prefecture for over 1000 years and was one of the six historical centers of ceramic production in Japan. It is famous for its glaze-less firing technique at high temperature, which creates a unique natural texture and pattern. The Keramion showcases Bizen’s most important contemporary artists, starting with the ceramics of living national treasure Jun Isezaki. The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the city of Bizen and the CEEJA-Manga, Anime & Japan Arts Society.
Further info: https://keramion.de/portfolio/bizen-keramiken/
12 Oct 2024 | Köln | Japan
Concert »Odyssey – Tempei on Tour«
Tempei, composer and pianist, presents his new album “Odyssey” at the 5th TKW concert. Born in Kobe, Japan, he experienced a devastating earthquake in 1995, had to quit school and worked in the demolition industry. At 17, he began to study music seriously and graduated top of his class in piano at Osaka University of Arts. He began studying in New York in 2006 and made his debut at Carnegie Hall in 2010. He toured Europe in 2019 and 2022. After the start of the war in Ukraine, he gave charity concerts there. His new album “Odyssey” was born out of these experiences. He is also a visiting professor at the Osaka University of Arts. Registration is required.
Further info: http://www.tenri-kw.de/odyssey-tempei-on-tour/
13 Oct 2024 | Köln | Japan
1st Japanmarkt Köln
The Japanmarkt has been a staple event of Japanese culture in Germany, being hosted in Munich since 2013 and additionally in Berlin since 2018. This year will see the first iteration of the Japanmarkt event in Cologne. Visitors can look forward to culinary delights, art, culture, design, fashion, music and lifestyle from the Land of the Rising Sun. Advance ticket purchase is required.
Further info: https://www.japanevents.shop/tickets
18 Oct 2024 | Bonn | China
Movie screening »Die wandernde Erde II«
“The Wandering Earth” is based on a short story by the famous Chinese science fiction writer Liu Cixin. In the film adaptation “The Wandering Earth II”, a coming apocalypse of the expanding sun is already foreseeable, but the world is divided over how to react to it. The United Government of Earth decides to construct gigantic rocket engines to propel the planet away from the sun – far from the reach of the fiery solar flares. But the journey across the universe is dangerous, and humanity’s last chance of survival depends on a group of young people brave enough to carry out a dangerous life-and-death operation to save the Earth.
Further info: https://konfuzius-bonn.de/termine/18-10-2024filmvorfuehrung-…
20 Oct 2024 | Mülheim | Japan
Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra concert
With violinist Christian Tetzlaff, the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra from Tokyo is making its first guest appearance in Mülheim. The orchestra was founded in 1962 and has been led by renowned conductors ever since. With Sebastian Weigle, chief conductor since 2019, it is passionately dedicated to the music of Europe and Japan. Besides pieces by Brahms and Tchaikovsky, the program includes “Dance of the Seven Veils” from the ballet “Salome” by Akira Ifukube as well as film scores by Tōru Takemitsu.
Further info: https://kultur.muelheim-ruhr.de/theater-und-konzertbuero/…
25 Oct 2024 – 30 Mar 2025 | Köln | Japan
Exhibition »Streifzüge«
The Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst is presenting a cabinet exhibition on the first joint study trip of the later museum founders Frieda and Adolf Fischer. The exhibition on Adolf Fischer’s travel diaries kept in the museum is dedicated to their stays in Japan and Taiwan (“Formosa”) between 1897 and 1899. The focus is on Adolf Fischer’s travel reports, photographs and purchases from this period. Objects from the museum’s own collection and items on loan from the Ethnological Museum Berlin are on display.
Further info: https://museum-fuer-ostasiatische-kunst.de/Streifzuege
7 Nov 2024 – 7 Dec 2024 | Düsseldorf | Japan
Exhibition »Konnichi-wa washi«
Washi is a unique, handmade paper from Japan that is made from the bast fibers of the paper mulberry tree. Robust, open-pored, absorbent and soft and non-slip in texture, Nanja Heid and Tilman Rothermel discovered this material, a gift from a Japanese artist colleague, for themselves. The exhibition shows a selection of their medium-format works on washi paper.
Further info: https://eko-haus.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-2_eko-programmhp.pdf
12 Nov 2024 | Düsseldorf | Japan
Public guided tour of the EKŌ-Haus
From July to December, the EKŌ-Haus offers public guided tours of the temple garden and the Buddhist temple on selected Tuesdays. Even a short tour of the grounds gives an impression of the deep roots of traditional Japanese culture in Buddhism. Both the gardens and the Japanese house demand a sense of mindfulness and quiet contemplation from the visitor. Prior registration is required.
Further info: https://eko-haus.de/eventmanager/2024-11-12_oeffentliche-fuehrung/
12 Nov 2024 – 29 Nov 2024 | TBA | Korea
Concert series »Stürmische Folk Grooves aus Korea«
The duo Hyun Seung Hun & Kim So Ra are known for their boundary-breaking work with traditional Korean percussion and as charismatic multi-instrumentalists. The two musicians have redefined the boundaries and artistic value of traditional Korean percussion with their creative and modern interpretations and combinations.
Further info: https://www.klangkosmos-nrw.de/detailsprofil_59576.html
16 Nov 2024 | Duisburg | China
Workshop »Schule und Freizeit in China« for children
Let’s immerse ourselves in the everyday life of Chinese schoolchildren and discover similarities and differences. Afterwards we will play Jianzi, Chinese feather soccer, which is a popular game in the playground and also in PE lessons. This workshop is part of an ongoing series the Confucius Institute team offers for children aged 6–12 once a month.
Further info: https://konfuzius-institut-ruhr.de/veranstaltung/kinderworkshop-schule-und-freizeit/
30 Nov 2024 – 13 Apr 2025 | Köln | Japan
Exhibition »Tanaka Ryohei«
Tanaka Ryohei (1933–2019) dedicated his life to the artistic interpretation of rural Japan. His detailed etchings in black and white and color show farmhouses, temples and landscapes in their beauty and transience. With thousands of fine lines, Tanaka creates three-dimensional textures of reeds, wood and other natural elements in a perfect manner.
Further info: https://museum-fuer-ostasiatische-kunst.de/
3 Dec 2024 | Düsseldorf | Japan
Public guided tour of the EKŌ-Haus
From July to December, the EKŌ-Haus offers public guided tours of the temple garden and the Buddhist temple on selected Tuesdays. Even a short tour of the grounds gives an impression of the deep roots of traditional Japanese culture in Buddhism. Both the gardens and the Japanese house demand a sense of mindfulness and quiet contemplation from the visitor. Prior registration is required.
Further info: https://eko-haus.de/eventmanager/oeffentliche-fuehrung_2024-03-12/
14 Dec 2024 | Duisburg | China
Workshop »Winterbeginn in China: „Jiaozi“ – Zeit für Teigtaschen« for families
Winter does not only come to Germany, but to China as well. It’s time for coziness and jiaozi. These are delicious filled Chinese dumplings. We prepare jiaozi together and then eat them too, of course. Do you also have dumplings in your culture? Come to the workshop and tell us about Maultaschen, tortellini and co. This workshop is part of an ongoing series the Confucius Institute team offers for children aged 6–12 once a month. Children and their parents, guardians or other accompanying adults are welcome together this time!
Further info: https://konfuzius-institut-ruhr.de/veranstaltung/kinderworkshop_winterbeginn_2024/
21 Feb 2025 – 29 Jun 2025 | Köln | China
Exhibition »Tuschewanderungen«
“Tuschewanderungen” (Ink walks) shows works on paper by contemporary Chinese artist Jianfeng Pan (*1973) from the past decade, ranging from small album formats to monumental scroll formats. Born into a family of scholarly artists, Pan learned to work with the classical Chinese materials of brush, ink and paper at an early age and later studied under the renowned calligrapher Wang Dongling (1945). After graduating in Visual Communication from the National Academy of Art, Hangzhou, Pan worked as a graphic designer in Shanghai for a long time. Since 2016, he has been living in Finland in “self-exile”, where he devotes himself entirely to calligraphic art.
Further info: https://museum-fuer-ostasiatische-kunst.de/Tuschewanderungen
Disclaimer:
While we strive to include as many cultural events related to East Asia that take place in the Rhine Ruhr area as possible, this page does not claim to be exhaustive. If you know of an event that fits the criteria of this page but is not yet included in our overview, please feel free to reach out to us at window2asia@area-ruhr.de.