Building Belonging in Copenhagen Through Art and Poetry

Moving to Copenhagen can feel isolating for international residents. Artist Aisha Fukushima built a local community through creative work after moving to Denmark. She arrived five years ago after marrying a Dane.

Fukushima is 38 years old and of African American and Japanese heritage. She grew up between Seattle and Japan. People frequently questioned her racial identity throughout her life.

She relocated to Denmark from Philadelphia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigating local systems during lockdowns created strong feelings of loneliness. She decided to use music and writing to connect with locals.

Last year, Fukushima held an album release at Union in Copenhagen. She recently published a poetry book titled Mostly Water. The book explores identity and mixed roots.

Fukushima continues her daily morning writing practice in Denmark. Her book is available online via Amazon and in select Copenhagen bookstores. Source: cphpost.dk.