Upcoming Events

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!

Godzilla Gala

Artifact Events 4325 North Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

$100.00 - $175.00

Ukiyo-e with Mami Takahashi

International Museum of Surgical Science 1524 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

Butoh Workshop – Mari Osanai – Noguchi Taiso

2940 N Lincoln Ave unit 2 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, #unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

Virtual Shodo Class for November

Get Tickets Here 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 […]

Butoh Workshop – Mari Osanai – Noguchi Taiso

2940 N Lincoln Ave unit 2 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, #unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

Ikebana Ohara Ryu Introductory Class (Virtual)(Wednesdays)

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 Description This class has 4 sessions, which are 60 minutes each. This class is great for first-time […]

Gaijin Chicago 5-Year Anniversary Event

Gaijin Chicago 950 W Lake St, Chicago, IL, United States

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 Ceremony / Chanoyu

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

Ikebana Ohara Ryu [2 Week Course]

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

Join us for an in-person Multi-level 2 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 […]

Workshop: Kintsugi for Beginners

International Museum of Surgical Science 1524 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

Kintsugi for Beginners

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

Season’s Greetings with Sumi-e

Share the gift of your creativity this coming holiday season by crafting hand-painted “Season’s Greetings” cards. Share the gift of your creativity this coming holiday season by crafting hand-painted “Season’s Greetings” cards, featuring the striking beauty of Cardinals. Join us for a special sumi-e series of three workshops where you’ll explore the art of Chinese […]

Free

Japanese Culture Class

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 […]

Virtual Reiki Practice for Self-Care – November

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 […]

Virtual Introduction to Japanese Language

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: 11/14, 11/21, […]

Reiki Level I Shoden Class November

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

Virtual Introduction to Japanese Language

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: 11/16, 11/23, […]

Workshop: Anatomy of a Fatality

International Museum of Surgical Science 1524 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, United States

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

Workshop: Introduction to Reiki

International Museum of Surgical Science 1524 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

Intro to Nihon Buyo (Japanese Dance)

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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, […]

Sound Bath Serenity: Gong Wash Meditation

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave Unit 2, Chicago, IL 60657, Chicago, IL, US

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)

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 […]

Virtual Shodo Class for December

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 […]

$140.00 - $200.00

Tokyo Nights: A City Pop Vinyl Experience

International Museum of Surgical Science 1524 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

Reiki Level II Okuden Class December

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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, […]

$200.00

Sashiko Japanese Embroidery Workshop

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

$50.00

Virtual Reiki Practice for Self-Care – December

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 […]

$20.00

Intro to Nihon Buyo (Japanese Dance)

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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, […]

$75.00

Sound Bath Serenity: Gong Wash Meditation

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave Unit 2, Chicago, IL 60657, Chicago, IL, US

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 […]

Virtual Introduction to Japanese Language

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, […]

$120.00

Virtual Introduction to Japanese Language

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, […]

$120.00

Year of the Serpent (巳): Symbol of Wisdom and Rebirth

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 […]

$30.00

Virtual Shodo Class for January

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 […]

$140.00 - $200.00

Year of the Serpent (巳): Symbol of Wisdom and Rebirth

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 […]

$30.00

Ikebana Ohara Ryu [2 Week In-Person Course][January]

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

$124.00

Hyougu (表具) Workshop

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

$90.00

Hyougu (表具) Workshop

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

$90.00

Ikebana Ohara Ryu Introductory Class (Virtual)(Wednesdays)

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 […]

$135.00

Reiki Level I Shoden Class January

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

$200.00

Kintsugi for Beginners

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

$120.00

Virtual Shodo Class for February

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 […]

$140.00 - $200.00

Virtual February Sumi-e Classes (Tuesdays)

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 […]

$120.00

Ikebana Ohara Ryu Introductory Class (Virtual)(Wednesdays)(February)

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 […]

$135.00

Ikebana Ohara Ryu [3 Week In-Person Course][February]

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

$186.00

Virtual February Sumi-e Classes (Sundays)

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 […]

$120.00

Reiki Level I Shoden Class February

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

Reiki Level I Shoden: In-person certification training in FebruaryTraditional 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, February 14 and 21 from 12PM to 5PM. Students are expected to arrive 10 minutes prior to class.Participants […]

$200.00

Suminagashi – Japanese Paper Marbling Workshop

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

Join artist Pamela Martinez for a 2 hour introduction to Suminagashi Japanese paper marbling and heart shaped stencils!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 […]

$60.00

Reiki Level II Okuden Class March

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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, […]

$200.00

Kintsugi for Beginners

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

$120.00

Ikebana Ohara Ryu Introductory Class (Virtual)(Wednesdays)

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 […]

$135.00