This year, as Japan Week marks its 50th anniversary in Manchester, esea contemporary invites you to an exhilarating weekend festival that brings Japan’s genre-defying contemporary culture to life. Dive into a dynamic mix of boundary-pushing music, contemporary moving image art, the flavours of Japan, and hands-on creative workshops that channel the spirit of Tokyo right into the heart of Manchester.
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
🎵 Friday, 5 September – Music
Violent Magic Orchestra with DJ Tianzhuo Chen & DJ Chiro at The White Hotel
🎬 Saturday, 6 September – Screening
Moving Image from the Mori Art Museum Collection — two curated programmes exploring feminist, queer, and ecological perspectives
🌸 Sunday, 7 September – Workshop
Ikebana with Junko — a hands-on floral experience featuring Tim Copsey’s handcrafted ceramic vases
From Tokyo to Manchester kicks off on Friday 5 September with a high-octane night of live music at The White Hotel, one of Manchester’s most adventurous venues, for an evening of raw, hypnotic energy. Headlined by Japanese supergroup Violent Magic Orchestra, the night promises a visceral sonic assault—an explosive fusion of metal, gabber techno, and visual art that they describe as ‘an absolutely new and overwhelming experience.’ They’re joined by the acclaimed DJ Tianzhuo Chen (Asian Dope Boys) and DJ Chiro, delivering genre-melting sets that push the boundaries of club culture.
A highlight of the festival, the screening programme unfolds on Saturday 6 September, featuring a specially curated selection of moving image works from the renowned collection of the Mori Art Museum, Tokyo—one of Asia’s leading institutions for contemporary art. Presented in two parts, Rhythms of the Earth and Feminist & Queer Reflections, the programme brings together lyrical explorations of survival, resilience, and transformation alongside incisive perspectives on gender, desire, family, and memory. Featuring works by artists Mako Idemitsu, Maiko Jinushi, Tsubasa Kato, Futoshi Miyagi, Hiraki Sawa, Momoko Seto, Koki Tanaka, Chikako Yamashiro, Taguchi Yukihiro, and Chim↑Pom from Smappa! Group.
On Sunday 7 September, the weekend rounds off with a joyful day-long celebration. Sign up for a family-friendly Ikebana workshop, where artist Junko Popham introduces participants of all ages to the poetic art of Japanese flower arranging. Discover the flavours of Japan with Nippon Nibbles and Sips and explore cross-cultural design collaboration with the Northing Showcase.
Through sound, image, creativity, and encounter, From Tokyo to Manchester positions esea contemporary’s home city as an open, international hub—offering a vibrant platform for local audiences and beyond to engage with world-class art, foster exchange, and inspire collective imagination through diverse global cultures.
This event is presented with generous support from Manchester City Council, the Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, in collaboration with the White Hotel, Manchester, and Northing – Centre for East Asian Art and Culture, Bergen.
