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!
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 […]
A free outdoor walking exhibition of Japanese flower arrangement to support Lakeview & Roscoe Village's local restaurants and businesses! 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 […]
Gyotaku Exhibit & Demonstration by Master Artist Dwight Hwang Join us at the Japanese Culture Center in Lincoln Park - Chicago for a speciGyotaku Exhibit & Demonstration by Master Artist Dwight HwangJoin us at the Japanese Culture Center in Lincoln Park - Chicago for a special celebration of gyotaku — the traditional Japanese art of […]
Join us for a workshop on self-defense basics and mental health, focused on queer and trans people, in a safe and affirming space.Join us for the first of a series of workshops and learn self-defense basics in a workshop led by martial artists and mental health and social service professionals, in an affirming space for […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 6:30-8:30 pm on Friday, August 1Kintsugi 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 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 […]
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 […]
The Japanese Arts Foundation is proud to welcome you to our annual Toro Nagashi lantern ceremony, in Jackson Park’s Osaka Garden.Toro Nagashi (Lantern Ceremony)August 6th, 7-10pmOsaka Garden (Garden of the Pheonix), Jackson Park, 6300 S Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL 60637The Japanese Arts Foundation is proud to welcome you to our annual Toro Nagashi lantern ceremony, […]
Learn the basics of the Japanese language with this 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!This course uses the textbook and workbook from Genki 1Third Edition. Please be sure to […]
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: 8/7, 8/14, […]
Only 3 GA Tickets Left! Join upstairs at Kamehachi for another capsule event experience showcasing Japanese music on vinyl, food, and drink in a themed space! Wamono: The Art of Japanese Rare Groove Join us for an evening where timeless Japanese aesthetics converge with the art of vinyl curation. Set against the storied backdrop of […]
Introduction to Japanese Tea CeremonyThe Japanese Culture Center is excited to announce the next introductory course on Chanoyu/Tea Ceremony!General Information:Class Dates : Fridays - August 8, August 15, & August 227:00 pm – 8:30pm$120 per studentBusiness casual attire and white socks are required4 students maximumIntroductory to ChanoyuThis three week course focuses on step-by-step instruction 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: 8/9, 8/16, […]
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 at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 2 - 4 pm on Saturday, 8/16***At the Heritage Museum of Asian Art***Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. The practice of Kintsugi highlights […]
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 […]
Come and learn the seasonal art of e-tegami at Gaijin!CLASS DESCRIPTION:E-tegami, meaning "picture letter" (e=picture, tegami=letter), is a form of Japanese mail art. At its simplest, you'll create an ink drawing of a seasonal object on a watercolor postcard. At its most complex, this activity allows us to slow down and mindfully contemplate our relationships […]
Reiki Level I Shoden: In-person certification training in AugustTraditional 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, August 22 and 29 from 12PM to 5PM. Students are expected to arrive 10 minutes prior to class.Participants […]
Join us for an in-person an Ohara Ryu Ikebana class! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an in-person 2 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 […]
Join us for a Japanese flower arrangement exhibition by Ikenobo Ikebana -Chicago ChapterJoin us for the Ikenobo Ikebana - Chicago Chapter's 61st Anniversary Exhibition!You're invited to the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden on August 23 & 24, 2025, to experience the ancient art of Japanese flower arranging. Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Ikebana […]
Get Tickets Here Join us for the Ikenobo Ikebana - Chicago Chapter's 61st Anniversary Exhibition! You're invited to the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden on August 23 & 24, 2025, at 10AM to 4PM each day to experience the ancient art of Japanese flower arranging. Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Ikebana with stunning […]
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 […]
Join us for a Japanese flower arrangement exhibition by Ikenobo Ikebana -Chicago ChapterJoin us for the Ikenobo Ikebana - Chicago Chapter's 61st Anniversary Exhibition!You're invited to the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden on August 23 & 24, 2025, to experience the ancient art of Japanese flower arranging. Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Ikebana […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 Wabi […]
Join us for an in-person an Ohara Ryu Ikebana class! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an in-person 3 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 […]
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 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 […]
Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).About this EventThe Lotus PathAs we take a contemplative journey along The Blooming Lotus Path, you are invited to Practice the sumi-e vocabulary of strokes. Each class will begin with a meditation, followed by some lessons in […]
Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).About this EventThe Lotus PathAs we take a contemplative journey along The Blooming Lotus Path, you are invited to Practice the sumi-e vocabulary of strokes. Each class will begin with a meditation, followed by some lessons in […]
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 5 of […]
Learn the basics of the Japanese language with this 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 2 of the textbook. […]
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 Sensei Please note exact class dates for the […]
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 10 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 5 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: 9/13, 9/20, […]
Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: SEP 14Time: 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 […]
Join this one-hour virtual Reiki practice for self-care to relax, refresh, and find balance!**$20 per person** ABOUT THE SELF-CARE PRACTICE This 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, SEP 28Class Dates: Sept. 28, Oct. 5, Oct. 19, Oct. 26, Nov. 2, & Nov. 9NO CLASS : Oct. 10-12th - […]