Upcoming Events

More Things Japanese  Hands-On Art Workshops & Reception More Things Japanese is an encyclopedic exhibition that showcases the richness and diversity of traditional Japanese art, spanning from the 6th–7th centuries through the 18th–19th centuries. Featuring a wide array of historical objects—including ceramics, textiles, paintings, woodblock prints, and religious artifacts—this exhibition invites audiences to engage more […]

Attend a film screening of Proof of the Man, followed by a Kissaten experience & vinyl DJ set. Coffee, Tea, and Snacks ProvidedSaturday, November 29th 2-6PM.Cost: $30As part of the Shikago Foundation project, we are screening Proof of the Man at the Japanese Culture Center for a limited audience.A short discussion will proceed, and follow […]

Get Tickets Here Join us for an evening of tranquility and rejuvenation at the Japanese Cultural Center! Embark on a journey of serenity and self-discovery as we invite you to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing melodies of singing bowls, soothing vibrations of gongs, flute, bells, drums, and handpan. This captivating sound bath will transport you […]

Join this one-hour virtual Reiki practice for self-care to relax, refresh, and find balance!**$20 per person**ABOUT THE SELF-CARE PRACTICEThis one-hour online Reiki self-care practice in the traditional Japanese style of Reiki offers participants the opportunity to take a pause during the day to relax, refresh, and come back to their original state of balance. This […]

Continue learning the basics of the Japanese language with the next in person beginner session!About the EventDuring this four-week course, students will learn the foundations of the Japanese language including basic phrases, how to read and write hiragana, simple sentence structures and more! Please note that this class will be starting from Chapter 6 of […]

Continue learning the basics of the Japanese language with the next in person intro session!About the EventDuring this four-week course, students will learn the foundations of the Japanese language including basic phrases, how to read and write hiragana, simple sentence structures and more! Please note that this class will be starting from Chapter 4 of […]

Learn Japanese in this five-week introductory session!Learn to read, write, and speak with fellow classmates in our Introduction to Japanese Language class!GENERAL INFO:‣ Price ⇰ $150.00 per student (textbook NOT included)‣ Duration ⇰ Five weeks (one hour every Saturday)‣ Instructor ⇰ Mieko Fujii SenseiPlease note exact class dates for the class:Thursday Class Dates: 12/4, 12/11, […]

Continue learning the basics of the Japanese language with the next in person intermediate session!About the EventDuring this four-week course, students will learn the foundations of the Japanese language including basic phrases, how to read and write hiragana, simple sentence structures and more! Please note that this class will be starting from Chapter 12 of […]

Continue learning the basics of the Japanese language with the next in person beginner session!About the EventDuring this four-week course, students will learn the foundations of the Japanese language including basic phrases, how to read and write hiragana, simple sentence structures and more! Please note that this class will be starting from Chapter 7 of […]

Learn Japanese in this five-week introductory session!Learn to read, write, and speak with fellow classmates in our Introduction to Japanese Language class!GENERAL INFO:‣ Price ⇰ $150.00 per student (textbook NOT included)‣ Duration ⇰ Five weeks (one hour every Saturday)‣ Instructor ⇰ Mieko Fujii SenseiPlease note exact class dates for the class:Saturday Class Dates: 12/6, 12/13, […]

Continue your Kintsugi journey in this hands-on, intermediate-level workshop designed for those who have completed "Kintsugi for Beginners."In this 3-hour session, students will deepen their experience with the modern Kintsugi method using ceramic adhesive and epoxy putty. Unlike the beginner class—where each participant practices on a simple plate provided—this workshop offers the opportunity to repair […]

A virtual Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) program with instruction from Hekiun Oda Sensei.The Japanese Culture Center is excited to hold a 書道 – Shodo / Japanese Calligraphy program with Chicago’s own Shodo master, Hekiun Oda! In the Shodo program you learn the art of Japanese calligraphy from Hekiun Oda-sensei, a calligraphy master from the Japanese Calligraphy […]

Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: DEC 7Time: 2:30-4:30pmLocation: Japanese Culture CenterNumber of Students: 10 StudentsNumber of Classes: one workshopLength: 2 hoursCost: $80.00Registration Deadline: Two weeks prior to workshop date.If the 10 student minimum is not met, registration will be moved to the next workshopPlease take this […]

Come enjoy a holiday themed night of our popular origami Fold and Sip event!Event InfoCome join the Japanese Culture Center for the Valentine's edition of our popular Fold and Sip event! We will be learning the traditional art of Japanese paper folding with Yamamoto-sensei while also enjoying drinks from a wonderful neighborhood liquor store. This […]

Learn the art of Kintsugi with artifact restoration expert Mami Takahashi.This beginner’s workshop introduces participants to the Art of Kintsugi, a traditional Japanese technique of repairing broken ceramics with gold-infused lacquer, emphasizing the beauty of imperfections. Using a small porcelain or ceramic plate provided by the instructor, attendees will learn fundamental techniques with food-safe materials, […]

Join artist Pamela Martinez for a 2 hour introduction to Suminagashi Japanese paper marbling!Suminagashi translated means floating black ink. It is the ancient meditative Japanese practice of gently floating pigments on the surface of water with a brush and then capturing the mono print image on an absorbent paper. This exciting 2 hr. workshop will […]

Join Yamamoto Sensei for a special holiday themed origami workshop!C ome escape the cold and join Yamamoto Sensei for a special holiday themed origami workshop! Origami creations are one of a kind and make for great handmade gifts. Come join this event ready to try some new folds and get into the holiday spirit!A variety […]

Get Tickets Here Step into a realm of deep relaxation and healing at Sonic Sanctuary: Gong Wash Sound Healing. This immersive sound healing journey harnesses the powerful vibrations of gongs, complemented by singing bowls, chimes, flutes, handpan and other therapeutic instruments, to harmonize your mind, body, and spirit. Let the soothing resonance wash over you, […]

Come and learn how to carve your own signature stamp!CLASS DESCRIPTION:Come and learn how to carve your own signature stamp!E-tegami translates literally to “picture letter,” (e=picture, tegami= letter) and entails the process of designing, drawing, and sending a postcard. The final step in this process is figuring out where to place your signature. In Japan […]

Butoh dance training is an invaluable tool for dancers, actors, and creative people of all types.Butoh dance training is an invaluable tool for dancers, actors, and creative people of all types. Sara leads you in exercises to expand your body physically and energetically through breath and meditation techniques, vocal warm-ups, Noguchi Taiso, Qigong, Daoyin, visual […]

Get Tickets Here Join us for an evening of tranquility and rejuvenation at the Japanese Cultural Center! Embark on a journey of serenity and self-discovery as we invite you to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing melodies of singing bowls, soothing vibrations of gongs, flute, bells, drums, and handpan. This captivating sound bath will transport you […]

Join us for an in-person 3-week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an Ohara Ryu 3-week Ikebana Session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Dates: January 10, 17, & 24Sign up for an immersive experience for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner eager to discover the art […]

Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-6:00 pm on Friday, 1/16Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese lacquer / Urushi art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. Urushi is the natural resin collected from the lacquer tree. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break […]

Get Tickets Here Step into a realm of deep relaxation and healing at Sonic Sanctuary: Gong Wash Sound Healing. This immersive sound healing journey harnesses the powerful vibrations of gongs, complemented by singing bowls, chimes, flutes, handpan and other therapeutic instruments, to harmonize your mind, body, and spirit. Let the soothing resonance wash over you, […]

Join us for an in-person an Ohara Ryu Ikebana workshop! No experience necessary. All levels welcome. Join us for an Ohara Ryu Ikebana Workshop! No experience necessary. All levels welcome. Sign up for an immersive experience for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner eager to discover the art of Japanese flower arrangement […]

Join us for an in-person Mt. Fuji-themed woodblock Printing Course! No experience is necessary. All levels are welcome.Description:This introductory workshop introduces students to the processes of Japanese block printmaking focusing on inking and printing. In this one-time workshop, students will experience basic carvings and print the one-block printmaking process with a Mt. Fuji-theme design provided […]

Hyougu (表具) : The ancient eastern craft of mounting pieces of calligraphy, paintings, or other works.Hyougu (表具) : The ancient eastern craft of mounting pieces of calligraphy, paintings, or other works of art in order to preserve and display them.Workshop Price: $90Dates: Sunday Jan 18: 10:30-12:30pm CST, Sunday Jan 25th, and Feb 1st from 10 […]

Hyougu (表具) : The ancient eastern craft of mounting pieces of calligraphy, paintings, or other works.Hyougu (表具) : The ancient eastern craft of mounting pieces of calligraphy, paintings, or other works of art in order to preserve and display them.Workshop Price: $90Dates: Tuesday January 20th and 27th from 3-5 PM CT, Tuesday February 3rd 2:30 […]

Learn Japanese in this five-week introductory session!Learn to read, write, and speak with fellow classmates in our Introduction to Japanese Language class!GENERAL INFO:‣ Price ⇰ $150.00 per student (textbook NOT included)‣ Duration ⇰ Five weeks (one hour every Saturday)‣ Instructor ⇰ Mieko Fujii SenseiPlease note exact class dates for the class:Thursday Class Dates: 1/22, 1/29, […]

Introduction to Japanese Tea Ceremony The Japanese Culture Center is excited to announce the next introductory course on Chanoyu/Tea Ceremony! General Information: Class Dates : Fridays - January 23, January 30, February 6, & February 13 7:00 pm – 8:30pm $120 per student Business casual attire and white socks are required 4 students maximum Introductory […]

Learn Japanese in this five-week introductory session!Learn to read, write, and speak with fellow classmates in our Introduction to Japanese Language class!GENERAL INFO:‣ Price ⇰ $150.00 per student (textbook NOT included)‣ Duration ⇰ Five weeks (one hour every Saturday)‣ Instructor ⇰ Mieko Fujii SenseiPlease note exact class dates for the class:Saturday Class Dates: 1/24, 1/31, […]

Study the art of bonsai at the Japanese Culture Center! Discover the perfect blend of creativity and relaxation with our beginner bonsai workshops. Whether you’re a seasoned bonsai enthusiast or a curious beginner, our workshops provide all the materials and guidance you need to create your own miniature living art with the Japanese principles of […]

Reiki Level I Shoden: In-person certification training in JanuaryTraditional Japanese Reiki I/Shoden TrainingAbout this eventREIKI LEVEL I - SHODEN CLASSA 10-hour Reiki certification class in the Japanese form of Reiki the "Usui Reiki Ryoho".Class Dates: 2 Fridays, January 30 and February 6 from 12PM to 5PM. Students are expected to arrive 10 minutes prior to […]

A virtual Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) program with instruction from Hekiun Oda Sensei.The Japanese Culture Center is excited to hold a 書道 – Shodo / Japanese Calligraphy program with Chicago’s own Shodo master, Hekiun Oda!In the Shodo program you learn the art of Japanese calligraphy from Hekiun Oda-sensei, a calligraphy master from the Japanese Calligraphy Association […]

Nerikiri (Japanese sweets wagashi) making workshopValentine's Day Nerikiri: Hearts and the Thread of DestinyEnroll now for our special Wagashi workshop, dedicated to the theme of Valentine's Day!This class offers a perfect opportunity to prepare a thoughtful, handmade gift for your loved ones. We will focus on two beautiful and meaningful designs:Heart: Nerikiri shaped like a […]

Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).About this EventThe Year of the Fire HorseIntroduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and painting.Each class begins with a Zen lesson followed by breath and hand exercises. Demonstration of the “Vocabulary of strokes" followed by step-by-step […]

Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: FEB 8Time: 2:30-4:30pmLocation: Japanese Culture CenterNumber of Students: 10 StudentsNumber of Classes: one workshopLength: 2 hoursCost: $80.00Registration Deadline: Two weeks prior to workshop date.If the 10 student minimum is not met, registration will be moved to the next workshopPlease take this […]

Get Tickets Here Join us for an evening of tranquility and rejuvenation at the Japanese Cultural Center! Embark on a journey of serenity and self-discovery as we invite you to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing melodies of singing bowls, soothing vibrations of gongs, flute, bells, drums, and handpan. This captivating sound bath will transport you […]

Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).About this EventThe Year of the Fire HorseIntroduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and painting.Each class begins with a Zen lesson followed by breath and hand exercises. Demonstration of the “Vocabulary of strokes" followed by step-by-step […]

Join us for an in-person 2-week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an Ohara Ryu 2-week Ikebana session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Dates: February 21 & 28Sign up for an immersive experience for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner eager to discover the art of […]

A virtual Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) program with instruction from Hekiun Oda Sensei.The Japanese Culture Center is excited to hold a 書道 – Shodo / Japanese Calligraphy program with Chicago’s own Shodo master, Hekiun Oda!In the Shodo program you learn the art of Japanese calligraphy from Hekiun Oda-sensei, a calligraphy master from the Japanese Calligraphy Association […]

Join us for a fun Suminagashi - Ink Marbling Workshop where you can learn the ancient Japanese art of paper marbling!Suminagashi - Ink Marbling WorkshopJoin artist Pamela Martinez for a 2 hour introduction to Suminagashi Japanese paper marbling!Suminagashi translated means floating black ink. It is the ancient meditative Japanese practice of gently floating pigments on […]

Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-6 pm on Friday, 3/20Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese lacquer / Urushi art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. Urushi is the natural resin collected from the lacquer tree. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break […]

Learn the art of Japanese Papermaking with Takahashi Sensei!Japanese Papermaking WorkshopAt this papermaking workshop, participants will make traditional Japanese paper, called Wash from the fibers processed by the bark of Kozo (Japanese marybery) tree. Washi is typically made by Japanese Mulberry or Mitsumata wood bark and has been used in Japan’s everyday life, including architectural […]