The Story Behind Zenshin Event
Zenshin Event is a volunteer organization working to strengthen cooperation, trade, and networking between Denmark and Japan. The organization is supported by Vejle Municipality and the Embassy of Japan in Denmark, as well as a number of companies and foundations that contribute to the cultural events.
The event was founded in 2019 as a further development of the major judo tournament Matsumae Cup, which at that time was based in Vejle. In 2025, the association changed its name from Matsumae to the current Zenshin Event to reflect a broader cultural and international profile.
Today, the association consists of five members as well as a Champion for Zenshin Event, who is presented below.
Meet the Team Behind Zenshin Event

Knud-Erik Hansen
President of Zenshin Event keh@zenshinevent.com

Lena Jakobsen
Vice President of Zenshin Event lj@zenshinevent.com

Oscar Knudsen
Event Coordinator opk@Zenshinevent.com

Marianne K. Nellemose
mkn@zenshinevent.com

Martin A. Christensen
mc@zenshinevent.com

Peter Julius
Mission, Vision and Goals
Zenshin Events’ vision is to strengthen the ties between Denmark and Japan through culture, innovation and collaboration, thereby creating lasting relationships across borders. Its mission is to serve as a platform that brings together people, businesses and organizations around shared experiences, knowledge sharing and networking, where culture and business meet on equal terms.
The goal is to create meaningful events that promote understanding, inspiration and new opportunities for collaboration between the two countries, while supporting the development of both cultural and professional relationships.


