During this year’s 3daysofdesign, Copenhagen becomes the stage for a compelling celebration of Japanese design, craftsmanship and cultural continuity with the launch of Japanmade Vol.1. Taking place from 10–12 June 2026 at Damfærgevej 2, the focused exhibition presents a carefully curated selection of Japanese brands that continue to produce locally, supporting the country’s network of specialised small- to medium-sized producers while maintaining close relationships between designers and craftsmen.

The exhibition is the result of a collaboration between Danish-born writer and producer Jens H. Jensen, who has lived in Japan for more than two decades, and OEO Studio, responsible for both the creation and curation of the exhibition. Together, they have established a platform that highlights the strength of contemporary Japanese design and its relevance to Nordic and European audiences.

As Jensen explains:

“Japan has an extraordinary wealth of both design and production capabilities that resonates well with the Nordic and European markets. My idea in launching Japanmade was to create a platform during 3daysofdesign to bring like-minded Japanese brands together and create a destination for anyone excited about Japanese contemporary design.”

OEO Studio has transformed the 75 m² exhibition space into an immersive spatial narrative that reflects the studio’s signature refinement, material sensitivity and cross-cultural fluency. Deeply rooted in two decades of collaboration with Japanese artisans and manufacturers, the exhibition embodies OEO Studio’s distinctive fusion of Japanese minimalism and Danish functionality.

Among the participating brands is New Light Pottery, the Nara-based lighting studio founded in 2015 by designers Hiroyuki Nagatomi and Chizu. Located in Japan’s ancient former capital, the studio has earned recognition for sculptural lighting that combines traditional techniques with contemporary forms. Its work embraces minimal design while celebrating the natural texture and beauty of materials. Visitors will encounter lamps crafted from Japanese washi paper, glass, ceramics, lacquer-finished brass and marble, each reflecting the studio’s thoughtful approach to materiality and craftsmanship.

Furniture brand MAS offers a different perspective on Japanese making, drawing from the country’s renowned woodworking traditions and a deep understanding of timber. Launched in 2021 under the design direction of Wataru Kumano, MAS explores innovative methods and material expressions. Its debut collection is crafted entirely from Hinoki, the Japanese cypress, a softwood rarely used in furniture production. As a sub-brand of Karimoku Furniture, one of Japan’s leading furniture manufacturers, MAS benefits from generations of woodworking expertise. Founded in 1940 in Kariya, Aichi, Karimoku has long been committed to high-quality production, with MAS continuing that legacy through furniture that reveals the unique character and beauty of diverse wood species.

The exhibition also showcases the remarkable work of Naowashi by Gen Taniguchi, a handmade paper workshop located in Nao, Saga Prefecture. Unlike traditional washi production, which typically relies on Kozo paper mulberry, Naowashi’s paper is made entirely from locally grown Kajinoki paper mulberry. Longer fibres allow the material to intertwine more easily, resulting in paper that is both exceptionally thin and remarkably strong. Taniguchi oversees the 300-year-old workshop, preserving a rare and important craft tradition. As the last remaining Japanese paper workshop of its kind, Naowashi continues to pass this knowledge and expertise on to future generations.

Adding another layer to the exhibition’s exploration of Japanese craftsmanship is Sekisaka, a manufacturer with more than 300 years of history in the Kawada district of Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture. The company presents refined objects that reinterpret traditional craftsmanship through modern materials. Fukui is widely known for its Echizen Urushi lacquerware heritage, and Sekisaka draws on centuries-old lacquerware techniques to create pieces that honour this legacy while responding to contemporary lifestyles. Its work reflects a thoughtful balance between preservation and innovation, demonstrating how traditional crafts can evolve without losing their cultural significance.

Through its carefully selected participants, Japanmade Vol.1 offers more than a showcase of products. It presents a dialogue between tradition and innovation, craftsmanship and contemporary design, Japan and Denmark. In doing so, the exhibition creates a destination for design enthusiasts eager to discover the enduring value of local production, artisanal expertise and meaningful cross-cultural exchange.

About Japanmade

Japanmade will debut at 3daysofdesign 2026, taking place from 10–12 June at Dampfærgevej 2 in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district. Conceived by producer and writer Jens H. Jensen, who has lived in Japan for more than two decades, the exhibition introduces Japanese design and craftsmanship to an international audience.

Marking its inaugural edition, Japanmade 2026 is envisioned as the beginning of a recurring platform within the annual design festival. The first showcase features leading Japanese brands including New Light Pottery, MAS, Naowashi, Sheep, and Sekisaka, presented within an exhibition environment curated and designed by Danish design firm OEO Studio.

By bringing together makers who remain deeply connected to local production, traditional skills and contemporary innovation, Japanmade establishes a dedicated destination for discovering the richness and diversity of modern Japanese design. As a new addition to the 3daysofdesign programme, the exhibition signals the start of an ongoing cultural exchange between Japan and the international design community.

Image Credit: Photography by Go Kakizaki.