The Japanese Culture Center hosts a wide variety of classes, events, and demonstrations to explore the rich cultural heritage of artists and creators worldwide. Come join us for an immersive experience right in the heart of Chicago!
Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi)."The Plum Blossom Path"The Four Noble Path and Beyond for Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced will continue with Awareness Through Movement warm up, Zen lesson, Sumi-e brush techniques and step by step paintings. Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is […]
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 traditional Hinamatsuri Tea Ceremony, celebrating Girl's Day!Hinamatsuri / Girl's Day Tea GatheringJoin us for a delightful afternoon tea ceremony at the Japanese Culture Center in Chicago, IL, as we celebrate Hinamatsuri, also known as Girl's Day.Hinamatsuri /雛祭り is the Doll Festival of Japan an is also known as Girl’s Day. It […]
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)."The Plum Blossom Path"The Four Noble Path and Beyond for Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced will continue with Awareness Through Movement warm up, Zen lesson, Sumi-e brush techniques and step by step paintings. Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is […]
Anyone who took the Kinstugi for Beginners workshop is welcome to take this small group advanced Kintsugi session.Anyone who took the Kinstugi for Beginners workshop is welcome to take this small group advanced Kintsugi session. In this 4-session class, 2 hours each session, you will learn to use Urushi sap from the beginning of the […]
A 10-hour Reiki certification class in the Japanese form of Reiki the "Usui Reiki Ryoho".Class Dates: 2 Fridays, March 7 and 14 at the JCC from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Students are expected to arrive 10 minutes prior to class.Participants need to attend all sessions to certify.This class has a minimum of two students, […]
Come learn the basics of Kendo in this hands-on workshop!Kendo is a modern martial art rooted in the classical Japanese swordsmanship of the samurai. It is based on centuries-old traditions and the Bushido code, emphasizing values such as bravery, honesty, and integrity. Practitioners train with a lightweight, split-bamboo sword called a shinai and, eventually, protective […]
Reiki Level I Shoden: In-person certification training in March at North Shore AikidoNORTH SHORE AIKIDO - REIKI LEVEL I – SHODENA 10-hour Reiki certification class in the Japanese form of Reiki the "Usui Reiki Ryoho".2 Saturdays: from 1 PM – 6 PM - in-person, March 8 + 15.Reiki is a spiritual healing method that promotes […]
Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-5:30 pm on Saturday, 3/8Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break rather than erasing it and emphasizes that the break, or trauma, is what […]
We are excited to offer the next 6 Week Ikebana Course! We are excited the return of the 6 Week Ikenobo Ikebana Course at the Japanese Culture Center! Class begins Sunday 3/9/2025. Class Dates: 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, & 4/13. 4:00-5:00pm Introductory Course The course fee is $220, which includes flowers and all tools […]
Come enjoy the St. Patrick's Day edition of our popular origami Fold and Sip event!Event InfoCome join the Japanese Culture Center for the St. Patrick's Day 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 […]
Join us for a special class for beginners, for an introduction to the Ohara School of Ikebana. 3 weeks.* Please Note Class Times have changed to the start time of 7:00PM*** 2 student class minimum**Class DescriptionThis class has 4 sessions, which are 60 minutes each. This class is great for first-time students, and beginning students […]
Learn the basics of the Japanese language with this 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!This course uses the textbook and workbook from Genki 1Third Edition. Please be sure to […]
Learn the basics of the Japanese language with this 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!This course uses the textbook and workbook from Genki 1Third Edition. Please be sure to […]
Come enjoy the St. Patrick's Day edition of our popular origami Fold and Sip event!Event InfoCome join the Japanese Culture Center for the St. Patrick's Day 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 […]
Get Tickets Here Sonic Sanctuary: Gong Wash Sound Therapy Details: Please Note This Specific Event is at Northshore Aikido, Not the JCC 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, […]
Learn the art of Japanese Papermaking with Takahashi-sensei!Japanese Papermaking WorkshopAt this paper-making 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 elements […]
Join us for an in-person 2 Week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome. Sign up for an immersive experience 3-week course for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner eager to discover the art of Japanese flower arrangement or an experienced practitioner seeking to refine your skills, this course […]
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 […]
Nerikiri (Japanese sweets wagashi) making workshop - Cherry Blossom2025 Nerikiri Cherry Blossom:As we welcome the arrival of spring in March, we will celebrate the season with a special wagashi workshop. We will make Nerikiri shaped like beautiful sakura (cherry blossoms). Sakura holds a special place in Japanese culture, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the […]
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 ⇰ $120.00 per student (textbook NOT included)‣ Duration ⇰ Five weeks (one hour every Thursday)‣ Instructor ⇰ Mieko Fujii SenseiPlease note exact class dates for the class:Thursday Class Dates: 3/27, 4/3, […]
Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-5:30 pm on Saturday, 3/29Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break rather than erasing it and emphasizes that the break, or trauma, is what […]
Join Gyotaku instructor, Robert Chenoweth for a 2-hour fish printing class where you will make prints of real fish & octopus to take home!Join us for Gyotaku - Fish Ink Printing!Date: Sat Apr 05 2025Time: 3:30 PMLocation: Japanese Culture CenterCome and learn the traditional Japanese art of Gyotaku (魚拓 -ink rubbing of a fish; (making […]
Get Tickets Here Sonic Sanctuary: Gong Wash Sound Therapy Details: Please Note This Specific Event is at Northshore Aikido, Not the JCC 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, […]
Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi)."The Grass Orchid Path"The Four Noble Path and Beyond for Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced will continue with Awareness Through Movement warm up, Zen lesson, Sumi-e brush techniques and step by step paintings. Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is […]
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 […]
Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi)."The Grass Orchid Path"The Four Noble Path and Beyond for Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced will continue with Awareness Through Movement warm up, Zen lesson, Sumi-e brush techniques and step by step paintings. Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is […]
Come and learn the seasonal art of e-tegami!CLASS DESCRIPTION:E-tegami means picture letter (e=picture, tegami= letter) and is a kind of Japanese mail art. At its simplest, you will make an ink drawing of a seasonal object onto a watercolor postcard. At its most complex, this activity allows us to slow down and mindfully contemplate our […]
Join Takahashi-sensei, in this 3-week course on traditional Japanese painting!Nihonga, a general term for traditional Japanese painting, means, literally, “Japanese painting”. Here is an explanation about Nihonga at Yamatane Museum of Art, one of Japan’s most important Nihonga museums. “Now in common use, this term originated during the Meiji period, to distinguish Japanese painting from […]
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 […]
Reiki Level I Shoden: In-person certification training in AprilTraditional 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, April 18 and 25 from 12PM to 5PM. Students are expected to arrive 10 minutes prior to class.Participants […]
Join us for an in-person Woodblock Printing Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an in-person Spring Themed Woodblock Printing Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Students will experience basic carvings and print the one-block printmaking process with a simple design provided by the instructor. They will also ink/color on two to three […]
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 […]
Come and learn the seasonal art of e-tegami!CLASS DESCRIPTION:Spring E-tegami Workshop: Green LeavesCome and learn the seasonal art of e-tegami!E-tegami means picture letter (e=picture, tegami= letter) and is a kind of Japanese mail art. At its simplest, you will make an ink drawing of a seasonal object onto a watercolor postcard. At its most complex, […]
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 […]
Anyone who took the Kinstugi for Beginners workshop is welcome to take this small group advanced Kintsugi session.Anyone who took the Kinstugi for Beginners workshop is welcome to take this small group advanced Kintsugi session. In this 3-session class, 2 hours each session, you will learn to use Urushi sap from the beginning of the […]
Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-5:30 pm on Saturday, 5/24 Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break rather than erasing it and emphasizes that the break, or trauma, is […]
Learn the art of Japanese Papermaking with Takahashi-sensei!Japanese Papermaking WorkshopAt this paper-making 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 elements […]
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 […]
Get Tickets Here Sonic Sanctuary: Gong Wash Sound Therapy Details: Please Note This Specific Event is at Northshore Aikido, Not the JCC 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, […]
Join us for an in-person Summer-Themed Woodblock Printing Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an in-person Summer-Themed Woodblock Printing Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Students will experience basic carvings and print the one-block printmaking process with a simple design provided by the instructor. They will also ink/color on two to three […]
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 […]
Anyone who took the Kinstugi for Beginners workshop is welcome to take this small group advanced Kintsugi session.Anyone who took the Kinstugi for Beginners workshop is welcome to take this small group advanced Kintsugi session. In this 4-session class, 2 hours each session, you will learn to use Urushi sap from the beginning of the […]
Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-5:30 pm on Saturday, 7/19Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break rather than erasing it and emphasizes that the break, or trauma, is what […]
Learn the art of Japanese Papermaking with Takahashi-sensei! Participants can use green leaves, sands from beach, etc for decorations!Japanese Papermaking WorkshopAt this paper-making 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 […]
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 Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-5:30 pm on Saturday, 9/6Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break rather than erasing it and emphasizes that the break, or trauma, is what […]
