From Tokyo to Manchester

Shekina Rose, Families Editor

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From Tokyo to Manchester

4-9 September 2025

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Sada Susadaiko
Manchester City Council
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To mark the 50th anniversary of Japan Week, esea contemporary is throwing a weekend-long cultural takeover that’s bold, eclectic and contemporary

From Tokyo to Manchester kicks off with a live music event headlined by Japan’s genre-defying Violent Magic Orchestra, in collaboration with The White Hotel.

Film lovers are in for a rare treat with a screening programme curated by esea contemporary and drawn from the world-renowned Mori Art Museum, Tokyo. This two-part series is an interesting exploration into moving image works rarely seen outside Asia. The two programmes are:

  • Rhythms of the Earth: a hauntingly beautiful exploration of survival, resilience, and transformation across human and non-human worlds.
  • Feminist and Queer Reflections: an unapologetic look at gender, desire, family, and memory through radical lenses.

Both programmes are accompanied by artist talks and conversations.

The weekend rounds off with family-friendly creative workshops introducing traditional Japanese practices in an open, hands-on setting.

Where to go near From Tokyo to Manchester

Manchester
Gallery
Bridge 5 Mill

Bridge 5 Mill is a sustainable event space and community hub on Beswick Street in Ancoats, hosting independent cultural projects and ethical supper clubs.

1853 gallery 1
Manchester
Gallery
1853 Studios

1853 Studios and Gallery is a Creative Studios and community of creative professionals occupying the 3rd floors of Osborne Mill, Oldham.

Deansgate
Restaurant
Podium

Podium delivers high-end, seasonal dishes, largely geared around produce and ideas from the British Isles, but with a few deft twists and turns.

Tai Wu
Manchester
Restaurant
Tai Wu

Long-standing, trend-swerving Chinese restaurant on Manchester’s Upper Brook Street, with a reputation for authentic dim sum and traditional Cantonese cuisine.

Manchester
Food hall
BAB Korean Food

A highlight of Manchester’s K-Food space, Bab Korean Food serves up authentic, well-made dishes at the Kargo MKT food hall in MediaCity.

Dimitri's
Castlefield
Restaurant
Dimitri’s

Longstanding Greek taverna Dimtri’s delivers traditional, fuss-free Greek food, aimed at everyone from courting couples to multi-generational families in Manchester.

Kong's NQ
Manchester
Restaurant
Kong’s NQ

Kong’s isn’t like other chicken shops. This much-loved Northern Quarter restaurant is all about high-grade ingredients and expert preparation.

Castlefield
Restaurant
Trading Route

Trading Route serves up time-honoured Sunday grub, in a modern Manchester setting. Worth a visit for the expertly-curated soundtrack alone.

Side view of mixed race business colleagues sitting and watching presentation with audience and clapping hands
Theatre
Burnley Youth Theatre

Burnley Youth Theatre is a vibrant youth arts organisation based at our purpose built venue in Burnley, Pennine Lancashire.

Bar pub 3
Leeds
Restaurant
Arcadia Ale House

Arcadia Ale house is a sports bar located in the Headingly area of Leeds with a range of drinks offers throughout the week.

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There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.