Upcoming Events

Bit Bash and the JAF team up once more for Kaiju Revue, a COLOSSAL evening of local and international themed games, cocktails, and music!BIT BASH: KAIJU REVUESaturday, October 196-10PMJapanese Arts Foundation - 2940 N Lincoln Ave, 2nd FL21+Scientists can't explain it, civilization isn't prepared for it!A MONSTER evening of mass entertainment is on the horizon!Spawned […]

Join Takahashi-sensei, in this 2-week virtual 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 […]

A night of spooky halloween themed origami to get into the spirit of the season!Join Yamamoto Sensei for a fun night of Halloween themed origami! Together, we will fold pumpkins, ghosts and more spooky season favorites!A variety of paper will be provided. Space is extremely limited at this event so register quickly! This event will […]

Nihon Buyo （日本舞踊）draws from Kabuki and also has origins derived from Noh and Bugaku.Nihon Buyo （日本舞踊）draws from Kabuki and also has origins derived from Noh and Bugaku. Workshop Classes will take the principles of odori dance movement and introduce them through a dance piece. Training is based on traditional pedagogy; students are trained in etiquette, […]

Come enjoy delicious beverages while we learn the Japanese art of paper folding! $15 suggested donation per person.Event InfoCome join the Japanese Culture Center for the Halloween edition of our popular Fold and Sip event! At this special event, Yamamoto Sensei will teach a variety of Halloween themed origami while attendees enjoy drinks from a […]

So excited and honored to host Mari again, this work is for all humans who seek more connection in and out of their bodies. Take one, two or all three days of this workshop for an immersive experience into this technique. It is a Body Changing practice, similar to Tai Chi or Qi Gong, a […]

Join the Japanese Arts Foundation's annual fundraising gala - this year celebrating the 70th birthday of the most iconic kaiju: GODZILLA! Godzilla Gala Get Tickets Here Friday, November 1st   VIP: $175, 6-7PM (Includes rare bottle whisky tasting with House of Suntory, swag bag, and more!) GA: $135 (Open bar, food, performances, costume contest, silent […]

Ukiyo-e Workshop with Mami Takahashi November 2, 2024 1:00pm – 3:00pm $35 for Materials & Admission Get Tickets Here Join us on November 2nd at 1:00pm for a workshop instructing guests on the art of Ukiyo-e, a traditional Japanese printmaking techniques that dates back to the 17th century. “From the earliest points in my artistic […]

So excited and honored to host Mari again, this work is for all humans who seek more connection in and out of their bodies. Take one, two or all three days of this workshop for an immersive experience into this technique. It is a Body Changing practice, similar to Tai Chi or Qi Gong, a […]

So excited and honored to host Mari again, this work is for all humans who seek more connection in and out of their bodies. Take one, two or all three days of this workshop for an immersive experience into this technique. It is a Body Changing practice, similar to Tai Chi or Qi Gong, a […]

Join us at GAIJIN for a special evening as we celebrate five years of okonomiyaki in the West Loop! To mark this milestone, Chefs Paul Virant and Marcus Rasmussen have created a five-course tasting menu blending premium local ingredients and classic Japanese dishes. Each course will be an elevated expression of Gaijin’s creativity, celebration of […]

Introduction to Japanese Tea CeremonyThe Japanese Culture Center is excited to announce the next introductory course on Chanoyu/Tea Ceremony!General Information:• Classes will start Friday, 11/ 8 and meet 11/15, 11/22, & 12/6.• 7:00 pm – 8:30pm• $120 per student• Business casual attire and white socks are requiredIntroductory to ChanoyuThis four week course focuses on step-by-step […]

Workshop: Kintsugi for Beginners November 9th · 12:00pm - 2:00pm In this beginner’s workshop, participants will learn the basic and simplified version of Kintsugi process on a small porcelain plate to understand the fundamentals of this process. All materials including adhesives in the workshop will be food-safe. We will also use an artificial Urushi (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, 11/9Kintsugi 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 Takahashi-sensei, in this 4-week Japanese Culture Class, where you'll learn about Japanese language, customs, and traditions! Join Takahashi-sensei, in this 4-week Japanese Culture Class, where you’ll learn about Japanese language, customs, and traditions! Are you interested in Japan, and would like to know more about Japanese culture and languages? You will be taking a […]

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 NovemberTraditional 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, November 15 and 22 from 12PM to 5PM. Students are expected to arrive 10 minutes prior to class.Participants […]

November 21st · 6:00pm - 8:00pm Anatomy of a Fatality is a unique event that dives deeply into the intricacies of traditional Japanese swordsmanship and its effects on the human body. $35 GA, $25 Student & IMSS Member Admission Get Tickets Here

Get Tickets Here Workshop: Introduction to Reiki with Veronique Frede November 22, 2024 3:00pm - 5:00pm DESCRIPTION This 90-minutes workshop presented by Veronique Frede, Reiki Teacher at the Japanese Culture Center of Chicago, will introduce participants to the practice of Reiki. It will provide some basic understanding of its principles and the opportunity to experience […]

Nihon Buyo （日本舞踊）draws from Kabuki and also has origins derived from Noh and Bugaku.Nihon Buyo （日本舞踊）draws from Kabuki and also has origins derived from Noh and Bugaku. Workshop Classes will take the principles of odori dance movement and introduce them through a dance piece. Training is based on traditional pedagogy; students are trained in etiquette, […]

Get Tickets Here Join us for an evening of tranquility and rejuvenation at the Japanese Culture 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 […]

Performance: AIRMW (Shubukai and Toyoaki Shamisen) Toyoakimoto is a program which revives the ozashiki music director Tatsu Aoki (aka Toyoaki Sanjuro) grew up with in Tokyo, as a member of the Toyoaki family. Through shamisen (Japanese lute) instruction, Toyoakimoto revives the philosophical sensibility of fluidity, flexibility and rawness of sound that is at the core […]

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 […]

Get Tickets Here The International Museum of Surgical Science, in partnership with the Japanese Culture Center, presents: Tokyo Nights: A City Pop Vinyl Experience ✨ Step into Tokyo’s neon glow with "Tokyo Nights: A City Pop Vinyl Experience" ✨ Join renowned DJ Van Paugam as he brings the golden age of Japan's City Pop to […]

A 10-hour Reiki certification class in the Japanese form of Reiki the "Usui Reiki Ryoho".Class Dates: 2 Fridays, December 6 and 13 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, […]

Join us for a relaxing day of Sashiko stitching and learn the art of Japanese embroidery!The participants of this workshop will discover both the cultural meaning of sashiko and sustainability but also gain new insight into mending our brokenness or traumatic experiences by recreating the naked body garment together from recycled clothes. The participants need […]

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 […]

Nihon Buyo （日本舞踊）draws from Kabuki and also has origins derived from Noh and Bugaku.Nihon Buyo （日本舞踊）draws from Kabuki and also has origins derived from Noh and Bugaku. Workshop Classes will take the principles of odori dance movement and introduce them through a dance piece. Training is based on traditional pedagogy; students are trained in etiquette, […]

Get Tickets Here Join us for an evening of tranquility and rejuvenation at the Japanese Culture 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 […]

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: 1/2, 1/9, […]

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 Saturday)‣ Instructor ⇰ Mieko Fujii SenseiPlease note exact class dates for the class:Saturday Class Dates: 1/4, 1/11, […]

Celebrate the Year of the Serpent with a sumi-e workshop as we explore wisdom and rebirth in a fun and interactive online event!Year of the Serpent (巳): Symbol of Wisdom and RebirthClasse meets Virtually on Sunday Jan 5th 10:30AM-12:30PMIntroduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and painting.Zen Painting of ensō (円相) a circle hand-drawn in […]

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 […]

Celebrate the Year of the Serpent with a sumi-e workshop as we explore wisdom and rebirth in a fun and interactive online event!Year of the Serpent (巳): Symbol of Wisdom and RebirthClasse meets Virtually on Tuesday Jan 7thIntroduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and painting.Zen Painting of ensō (円相) a circle hand-drawn in one […]

Join us for an in-person Multi-level 3 Week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an in-person 2 Week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Sign up for an immersive experience 2-week course for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner eager to discover the […]

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 12: 10:30-12:30, Sunday Jan 19th and 26th from 9:00 AM to […]

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 14th from 3-5 PM CT, January 21st and 28th 2:30 PM […]

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 3 sessions, which are 60 minutes each. This class is great for first-time students, and beginning students […]

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 24 and 31 from 12PM to 5PM. Students are expected to arrive 10 minutes prior to class.Participants […]

Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-5:30 pm on Saturday, 1/25Kintsugi 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 […]

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 Bamboo 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 the art […]

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 […]

Join us for an in-person Multi-level 3 Week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an in-person 3 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 […]