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!
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 2 of […]
Join upstairs at Kamehachi for a capsule event experience showcasing Japanese music on vinyl, food, and drink in a themed space!Wamono: The Art of Japanese Rare GrooveJoin us for an evening where timeless Japanese aesthetics converge with the art of vinyl curation. Set against the storied backdrop of Kamehachi in Old Town Chicago, this capsule […]
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 2 of […]
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 […]
Come our popular origami Fold and Sip event!Event InfoCome join the Japanese Culture Center for 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 event has a one drink minimum purchase per person.The event […]
Join us in Jackson Park's Japanese Garden for an afternoon full of Japanese arts, taiko drums, and of course, cherry blossoms!Hanami - Cherry Blossom Viewing FestivalSaturday, April 261-3pmColumbia Basin + Garden of the Phoenix, Jackson ParkHana (flower) mi (to look at)Join the Japanese Arts Foundation in partnership with the Japanese Culture Center, Chicago Park District, […]
A Collaborative Fundraiser supporting Local Non-Profits! Enjoy the very best of the 80's Featuring DJ Lugo Rosado, Portraits & Dancing!4:00 - 6:00pm - Chicago Non-Profits gather for Networking and collaboration. This is a monthly event to learn about each other and explore 6:00- 10:00pm - Our fantastic Art Center will be transformed into an 80's Dance […]
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 Thursday)‣ Instructor ⇰ Mieko Fujii SenseiPlease note exact class dates for the class:Thursday Class Dates: 5/1, 5/8, […]
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: 5/3, 5/10, […]
Crafting Beautiful Nerikiri Wagashi for Mother's Day: Celebrating Roses and Early Summer Blooms.If you're searching for a unique Mother's Day gift, join us for an enjoyable wagashi workshop.Create wagashi that captures the essence of early summer, featuring elegant roses in full bloom, delicate petals, and lush greenery – a design that beautifully represents the spirit […]
Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: May 4Time: 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 and learn the seasonal art of e-tegami at Gaijin!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 […]
Come our popular origami Fold and Sip event!Event InfoCome join the Japanese Culture Center for 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 event has a one drink minimum purchase per person.The event […]
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 […]
About the experience Join us at Sushi-san Lincoln Park for an immersive ikebana workshop, celebrating the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. Led by Yuko Inoue Darcy, a First Term Master of the Ohara School, this experience blends creativity, history, and artistry. Participants will learn foundational techniques, craft and take home a floral masterpiece with […]
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 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 […]
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, […]
Come join us for a 6-week class where you'll learn the art of Ikebana flower arrangement!We are excited the return of the 6 Week Ikenobo Ikebana Course at the Japanese Culture Center!Class begins Sunday 5/18/2025.Class Dates: 5/18, 5/25, 6/1, 6/8, 6/22, & 6/294:00-5:00pm Introductory Course The course fee is $220, which includes flowers and all […]
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 Yamamoto Sensei for a special one-night conversation focused practice!About the EventThis is a one-off night to practice simple conversation with a variety of different Japanese language learners! Students of all levels are encouraged to join with a focus on the following:Simple introductions (students of Yamamoto Sensei should have a self-introduction prepared)Simple questions and answers […]
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 […]
Come our popular origami Fold and Sip event!Event InfoCome join the Japanese Culture Center for 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 event has a one drink minimum purchase per person.The event […]
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 3 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 3 of […]
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 […]
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).Class Dates: Tuesdays June 3, 10,17,24 Class Time: 3 – 5PM CST Birds and Blooms Step by step painting workshop series that explores the Japanese visual language of bird-and-flower painting celebrating the relationship between man and […]
Learn how to fold Pride-inspired creations while you loosen up those foldin' fingers with a Dovetail beerCelebrate Pride Month with a special sip 'n fold!Join us for an evening of origami with expert paper folding instruction by Ty Yamamoto of the Japanese Culture Center, who's their in-house origami teacher. Here's your chance to try a […]
Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).Class Dates: Sundays June 8,15, 22, & 29 Class Time: 10:30AM – 12:30PM CST Birds and Blooms Step by step painting workshop series that explores the Japanese visual language of bird-and-flower painting celebrating the relationship between […]
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 […]
Bon Odori Dance Classes with Yoshinojo Fujima of ShubukaiBon Odori is a summer festival for people to come together to honor their ancestors, express their joy, respect, and feeling of community; to create a connection with community. One does not have to be a dancer, the dances are simple and fun!Join the in person workshops […]
Workshop series for Fujima style Japanese Classical Dance, no experience required.3 Class Dates: 6/13,7/11, & 7/18Class Start Time: 8:15-9:15Location: Japanese Culture CenterIntroduction to Nihon Buyo WorkshopNihon Buyo （日本舞踊）draws from Kabuki and also has origins derived from Noh and Bugaku. Workshops will introduce the principles of nihonbuyo movement and will typically focus on one dance. Training […]
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 JuneTraditional 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, June 20 and 27 from 12PM to 5PM. Students are expected to arrive 10 minutes prior to class.Participants […]
Come and learn the seasonal art of e-tegami!CLASS DESCRIPTION:Summer E-tegami Workshop: VegetablesCome 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, this […]
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 […]
Come join our popular origami Fold and Sip event!Event InfoCome join the Japanese Culture Center for 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 event has a one drink minimum purchase per person.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 ⇰ $150.00 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: 6/26, 7/10, […]
Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 6:30-8:30 pm on Friday, June 27Kintsugi 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 […]
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: 6/28, 7/12, […]
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 […]
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 this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: July 6Time: 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 […]
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 […]
Bon Odori Dance Classes with Yoshinojo Fujima of ShubukaiBon Odori is a summer festival for people to come together to honor their ancestors, express their joy, respect, and feeling of community; to create a connection with community. One does not have to be a dancer, the dances are simple and fun!Join the in person workshops […]
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, […]
A free outdoor walking exhibition of Japanese flower arrangement to support Lakeview & Roscoe Village's local restaurants and businesses! The Japanese Culture Center, in partnership with the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce and Japanese Arts Foundation, is hosting an Ikebana Walking Exhibition this July 12th and 13th in the Southport Corridor. Ikebana instructors, artists, […]
Bon Odori Dance Classes with Yoshinojo Fujima of ShubukaiBon Odori is a summer festival for people to come together to honor their ancestors, express their joy, respect, and feeling of community; to create a connection with community. One does not have to be a dancer, the dances are simple and fun!Join the in person workshops […]
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 […]
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 […]
Come join us for a 6-week class where you'll learn the art of Ikebana flower arrangement!We are excited the return of the 6 Week Ikenobo Ikebana Course at the Japanese Culture Center!Class begins Sunday, July 20Class Dates: July 20, July 27, Aug 3, Aug 10, Aug 17, and Aug 31NO CLASS : Aug 22-23rd Due […]
Get Tickets Here Join us for an evening of tranquility and rejuvenation at Northshore Aikido. Please note this is at Northshore Aikido, Not 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, […]
Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 6:30-8:30 pm on Friday, July 25Kintsugi 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 […]
Join us for an in-person an Ohara Ryu Ikebana class! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an in-person Week Ohara Ryu Ikebana class! 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 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 […]
