On 17 October, Manifesto at Potsdamer Platz becomes a meeting point for Japanese craftsmanship. The CraftKai Japan Craft Event brings Berlin-based makers and artisans together with craftspeople flying in from Japan, who share traditional techniques, many of them passed down through generations, along with the stories behind their work.

Hands-on workshops

The workshops let you learn directly from the experts. You can repair ceramics with kintsugi, dye fabric with plants, create your own ikebana arrangement, work with gold leaf or carve your own chopsticks. The chopstick workshop is led by Shintaro Oku, who travels from Kagoshima for the day. Whatever you make, you take home. Workshops start at €30 and can be booked via craftkai.com.

Craft market and stage program

The craft market offers handmade ceramics, selected Japanese teas, silk accessories, jewellery and one-of-a-kind finds, and no registration is needed to browse. The stage program runs through the day. Byōbu artist Benjamin Gordon explains the rare art of Japanese folding screens, a hands-on challenge lets you try a traditional Japanese hand plane, and contemporary dance and live music from artists in Tokyo and Iwate carry the event into the evening.

Entry is free. The event is organised by CraftKai, a curated platform that connects craftsmanship between Japan and Europe.

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