Next to the lectures there were a great range of additional events (such as Aikido) “Nippon Culture” had to offer. Crowds flocked to the all time favorite: a Japanese cooking class with the consulate general.

In the chillout room on the 2nd floor, beautiful illustrations by German artist Birgit Amadori were exhibited. She showed her new illustration series”Army of Lovers” about slang words used by Japanese playgirls in the late 80’s.

A tea-ceremony and a shodo and origami workshop gave insight into more traditional aspects of Japanese culture. Martial arts presentations, a games room, an exhibition and lectures, as well as a panel discussion on contemporary Japanese film made sure there was something for everybody. As a result many happy visitors were seen eating, lounging and going from one event to the next. The lectures featured internationally acclaimed experts, such as the co-founder of the online-magazine MidnightEye, Tom Mes, Mark Schilling (Japan Times) and Junko Fukatsu (The Asahi Shimbun) lecturing about contemporary Japanese cinema.

When people started milling out of Zatoichi the opening lounge invitedpeople to stay and swing to Japanese music by Japanese DJ Habu-chan based in Frankfurt and DJ Harlokk .