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 […]

The Way of Tea To celebrate the opening of More Things Japanese, the Heritage Museum of Asian Art invites community members to a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Known as Chanoyu, this ritual is an immersive art form that weaves together calligraphy, flower arrangement, movement, sound, taste, and craft—bringing to life the harmony of ceramics, lacquer, […]

Meditation and breathwork are transformative practices that deepen your mind-body connection.Intro to Zen Meditation and Hara Development2 – 4pm November 15th, 2025.VirtualMeditation and breathwork are transformative practices that deepen your mind-body connection. This program employs a variety of techniques to help us to develop hara (center), kokyu (breath) and kiai (energy), necessary for a deeper […]

Nerikiri (Japanese sweets wagashi) making workshop2025 Nerikiri – Autumn Chrysanthemum & Seasonal MotifAs we welcome the beauty of autumn in 2025, we will celebrate the season with a special wagashi workshop. This time, we will make Nerikiri inspired by kiku (chrysanthemum), a flower that beautifully represents the elegance and depth of the Japanese autumn.In addition […]

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 […]

Attend a film screening of Proof of the Man, followed by a Kissaten experience & vinyl DJ set. Coffee, Tea, and Snacks ProvidedSaturday, November 29th 2-6PM.Cost: $30As part of the Shikago Foundation project, we are screening Proof of the Man at the Japanese Culture Center for a limited audience.A short discussion will proceed, and follow […]

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 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 […]

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 6 of […]

Continue learning the basics of the Japanese language with the next 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 4 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 Sensei Please note exact class dates for […]

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 12 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 7 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 Sensei Please note exact class dates […]

Continue your Kintsugi journey in this hands-on, intermediate-level workshop designed for those who have completed "Kintsugi for Beginners."In this 3-hour session, students will deepen their experience with the modern Kintsugi method using ceramic adhesive and epoxy putty. Unlike the beginner class—where each participant practices on a simple plate provided—this workshop offers the opportunity to repair […]

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 […]

Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: DEC 7Time: 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 enjoy a holiday themed night of our popular origami Fold and Sip event!Event InfoCome join the Japanese Culture Center for the Valentine's 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 liquor store. This […]

Learn the art of Kintsugi with artifact restoration expert Mami Takahashi.This beginner’s workshop introduces participants to the Art of Kintsugi, a traditional Japanese technique of repairing broken ceramics with gold-infused lacquer, emphasizing the beauty of imperfections. Using a small porcelain or ceramic plate provided by the instructor, attendees will learn fundamental techniques with food-safe materials, […]

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 Yamamoto Sensei for a special holiday themed origami workshop!C ome escape the cold and join Yamamoto Sensei for a special holiday themed origami workshop! Origami creations are one of a kind and make for great handmade gifts. Come join this event ready to try some new folds and get into the holiday spirit!A variety […]

Get Tickets Here A Night of Renewal • Stillness • Awakening As the longest night of the year arrives, we gather in sacred community to honor the Winter Solstice—a powerful moment of stillness, reflection, and rebirth. This ancient turning point invites us to release what has grown heavy and welcome the return of light with […]

Come and learn how to carve your own signature stamp!CLASS DESCRIPTION:Come and learn how to carve your own signature stamp!E-tegami translates literally to “picture letter,” (e=picture, tegami= letter) and entails the process of designing, drawing, and sending a postcard. The final step in this process is figuring out where to place your signature. In Japan […]

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 […]

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 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 3-week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an Ohara Ryu 3-week Ikebana Session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Dates: January 10, 17, & 24Sign up for an immersive experience for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner eager to discover the art […]

Get ready to welcome the New Year with cute origami lucky cats and family fun - let's fold some good luck together!🐾 Family New Year Origami Workshop - Fold Your Own Lucky Cat! 🐱✨Start the new year with creativity, good fortune, and a touch of charm!Join us for a special New Year's Origami Workshop where […]

Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-6:00 pm on Friday, 1/16Kintsugi 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 […]

Get Tickets Here 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, handpan and other therapeutic instruments, to harmonize your mind, body, and spirit. Let the soothing resonance wash over you, […]

Join us for an in-person an Ohara Ryu Ikebana workshop! No experience necessary. All levels welcome. Join us for an Ohara Ryu Ikebana Workshop! 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 […]

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 […]

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 provided […]

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 […]

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 18: 10:30-12:30pm CST, Sunday Jan 25th, and Feb 1st from 10 […]

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 20th and 27th from 3-5 PM CT, Tuesday February 3rd 2:30 […]

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 […]

Introduction to Japanese Tea Ceremony The Japanese Culture Center is excited to announce the next introductory course on Chanoyu/Tea Ceremony! General Information: Class Dates : Fridays - January 23, January 30, February 6, & February 13 7:00 pm – 8:30pm $120 per student Business casual attire and white socks are required 4 students maximum Introductory […]

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 […]

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 […]

Reiki Winter Stillness – Opening to PossibilitiesReiki Winter Stillness – Opening to PossibilitiesStep into the quiet, restorative energy of winter with this Reiki session designed to guide you into stillness, inner reflection, and spacious openness. Rooted in the Japanese concept of Ma — the living space between moments — this practice invites you to soften […]

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 warm, creative session and craft something meaningful for yourself or someone you care about! Celebrate the season of love and creativity with our Family Valentine’s Day Origami Workshop, where we’ll be folding a charming heart-shaped box—perfect for holding small treats, notes, or gifts for someone special. Date: Feburary 5th, 2026 Time: […]

Nerikiri (Japanese sweets wagashi) making workshopValentine's Day Nerikiri: Hearts and the Thread of DestinyEnroll now for our special Wagashi workshop, dedicated to the theme of Valentine's Day!This class offers a perfect opportunity to prepare a thoughtful, handmade gift for your loved ones. We will focus on two beautiful and meaningful designs:Heart: Nerikiri shaped like a […]

Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).About this EventThe Year of the Fire HorseIntroduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and painting.Each class begins with a Zen lesson followed by breath and hand exercises. Demonstration of the “Vocabulary of strokes" followed by step-by-step […]

Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: FEB 8Time: 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 […]

Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).About this EventThe Year of the Fire HorseIntroduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and painting.Each class begins with a Zen lesson followed by breath and hand exercises. Demonstration of the “Vocabulary of strokes" followed by step-by-step […]

Come enjoy the Valentine's edition of our popular origami Fold and Sip event!Event InfoCome join the Japanese Culture Center for the Valentine's 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 liquor store. This event […]

Come and learn the seasonal art of e-tegami! Come and learn how to carve your own e-tegami signature stamp and design a Valentine stamp e-tegami! CLASS DESCRIPTION: E-tegami translates literally to “picture letter,” (e=picture, tegami= letter) and entails the process of designing, drawing, and sending a postcard. The final step in this process is figuring […]

Join us for a fun Valentine's themed Suminagashi - Ink Marbling Workshop at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art!Suminagashi - Ink Marbling WorkshopJoin artist Pamela Martinez for a 2 hour introduction to Suminagashi Japanese paper marbling at the Heritage Musuem of Asian Art!Suminagashi translated means floating black ink. It is the ancient meditative Japanese practice […]

Come join us for a 6-week class where you'll learn the art of Ikebana flower arrangement!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, FEB 15Class Dates: Feb. 15, Feb. […]

Reiki, Japanese Healing Art – an introductionReiki, Japanese Healing Art – an introductionReiki is a traditional Japanese healing method developed in the 1920s by Usui Mikao. Its formal name, Shin Shin Kaizen Usui Reiki Ryōhō, translates to “The Usui Healing Method for Improving Body, Mind, and Heart.” Today, Reiki is practiced globally as a system that supports overall well-being […]

Come and learn the art of Sashiko with Ide-sensei!CLASS DESCRIPTION: Join artist mai ide, a visual artist based in Portland, OR, for a relaxing day of Sashiko stitching — not just to learn a technique, but to explore cultural significance. This workshop invites you into the world of traditional Japanese mending, where each stitch carries […]

Join this one-hour virtual Reiki practice for self-care to relax, refresh, and find balance!ABOUT THE SELF-CARE PRACTICEThis one-hour online Reiki self-care practice invites you to pause, relax, and return to your natural state of balance. Guided by Veronique Frede, Reiki Teacher, the session may include breathing exercises, meditation, hands-on self-healing, work with the Japanese energy […]

Mending and repairing your garment, body, and mind with artist mai ideWorkshop: Sashiko with mai ideSaturday, February 21, 202612:00pm - 2:00pmJoin artist mai ide, a visual artist based in Portland, OR, for a relaxing day of Sashiko stitching — not just to learn a technique, but to explore cultural significance. This workshop invites you into […]

Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-6:00 pm on SAT, 2/21Kintsugi 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 […]

Join us for the Year of the Fire Horse Gallery Reception. Art, culture, and music all night!Year of the Horse Gallery Installation UnveilingPlease note donations are optional, you can attend without donating. There is no entry fee.The Japanese Culture Center presents a special gallery installation celebrating the Year of the Horse at Whistler Chicago on […]

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 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 […]