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!
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Learn the basics of the Japanese language with this 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!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 Saturday)‣ Instructor ⇰ Mieko Fujii SenseiPlease note exact class dates for the class:Saturday Class Dates: 3/7, 3/14, […]
Join us for a fun Suminagashi - Ink Marbling Workshop where you can learn the ancient Japanese art of paper marbling!Suminagashi - Ink Marbling WorkshopJoin 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 […]
Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).About this EventThe Way of the Horse4-Week CourseSunday: Dates: March: 8, 15, 22, 29Time: Sundays 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM CST Central Time (US ) Please check your Time ZoneIntroduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and […]
Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).About this EventThe Way of the Horse4-Week CourseTuesdays: Dates - March 10, 17, 24, 31Time: Tuesdays 3 AM - 5 PM CST Central Time (US ) Please check your Time ZoneIntroduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy […]
Join us for a Japanese bookbinding & temple stamp book (Goshuinchō) WorkshopExplore the beauty and cultural depth of traditional Japanese bookmaking in this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn two classic binding techniques—Yotsume Toji (four-hole binding) and Kikkō Toji (tortoise-shell binding)—methods that have been used for centuries for notebooks, manuscripts, and artist books in Japan.The workshop […]
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:Thursday Class Dates: 3/12, 3/19, […]
Reiki Healing Power of TouchEvent DescriptionTouch is a quiet yet profound force that shapes our physical, emotional, and relationa well-being. It influences how we feel, how we connect, and how we function in everyday life. As one of the most fundamental human forms of communication, touch helps build trust, deepen understanding, and even enhance collaboration […]
Join us for an in-person 2-week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an Ohara Ryu 2-week Ikebana Session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Dates: March 14, & 21Sign up for an immersive experience for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner eager to discover the art of […]
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 or an […]
Join us for an in-person an Ohara Ryu Ikebana workshop at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an Ohara Ryu Ikebana Workshop at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art!No experience necessary & all levels welcome.Sign up for an immersive experience for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether […]
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 […]
Whether you're a beginner or looking to master your craft, you will leave this workshop with the skills to make a "perfect" crane.The crane is the most well known pattern in the Japanese art of origami, yet it is also one of the more challenging. This workshop is meant to teach you to fold the […]
Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 6:30-9pm on Friday, 3/20Kintsugi 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 rather […]
Reiki Spring Renewal – Unfolding New PossibilitiesReiki Spring Renewal – Unfolding New PossibilitiesStep into the vibrant, uplifting energy of spring with this Reiki group session designed to support renewal, gentle clearing, and the blossoming of new possibilities.Through Reiki flow, mindful breathwork, and guided visualization, you are invited to stretch out of winter’s stillness, awaken your […]
Learn the art of Japanese Papermaking with Takahashi Sensei!Japanese Papermaking WorkshopAt this papermaking 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 […]
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 MAR 28, 2026Time: 3:30 PMLocation: Japanese Culture CenterCome and learn the traditional Japanese art of Gyotaku (魚拓 -ink rubbing of a fish; (making […]
Study the art of bonsai at the Japanese Culture Center!Novice Bonsai 102Take your bonsai journey to the next level with our Bonsai 102 Novice Workshop, a deeper dive into the design, form, and science behind this living art. Hosted at your favorite local breweries and coffee shops, this elevated experience is perfect for returning students […]
Join us for a Japanese bookbinding & temple stamp book (Goshuinchō) WorkshopExplore the beauty and cultural depth of traditional Japanese bookmaking in this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn two classic binding techniques—Yotsume Toji (four-hole binding) and Kikkō Toji (tortoise-shell binding)—methods that have been used for centuries for notebooks, manuscripts, and artist books in Japan.The workshop […]
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 ready to groove and vibe as we settle the ultimate music debate between City Pop and Future Funk – it's going to be a night to remember! On April 10, the Japanese Culture Center presents City Pop vs Future Funk at the Hairpin Arts Center in Chicago A night dedicated to the evolution of […]
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 […]
Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: APR 19Time: 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 us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi teaches us that scars are part of the story — not something to hide, but something to honor. As we repair, we reflect. As we mend, we transform.”In this 2.5-hour session, students will learn and apply the modern Kintsugi method using food-safe […]
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 or an […]
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, APR 26Class Dates: Apr. 26, May […]
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 through […]
Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi teaches us that scars are part of the story — not something to hide, but something to honor. As we repair, we reflect. As we mend, we transform.”In this 2.5-hour session, students will learn and apply the modern Kintsugi method using food-safe […]
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 4-week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an Ohara Ryu 4-week Ikebana session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Dates: Saturdays 5/2, 5/9, 5/23, 5/30 10:00-11:30amSign up for an immersive experience for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner eager to discover the […]
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 through […]