Upcoming Events

Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: June 2Time: 2:00-4:00pmLocation: 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 […]

June 7th-13th Series Passes and 24-hour Marathon Tickets Now on Sale Get your tickets here! The Music Box is partnering with the Japanese Arts Foundation to throw Godzilla a birthday party June 7 -13, and you're invited! Come celebrate 70 years of everyone's favorite kaiju with film screenings, special guests, a 24-hour Showa-era marathon, and more! Complete […]

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 […]

Meditation and breathwork are transformative practices that deepen your mind-body connection.Intro to Zen Meditation and Hara Development10am – 11:50pm June 15th 2024VirtualMeditation 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 […]

Mending and repairing your garment, body, and mind: Sustainability and Sashiko WorkshopThe 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 to bring their skin […]

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 a spectrum […]

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: 6/20, 6/27, […]

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: 6/22, 6/29, […]

Meditation and breathwork are transformative practices that deepen your mind-body connection.Intro to Zen Meditation and Hara Development 3pm – 4:50pm June 29th 2024 In-personMeditation 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 […]

Nihon Buyo（日本舞踊）draws from Kabuki and also has origins derived from Noh and Bugaku. Introduction to Nihon Buyo Workshop - 3 Dates Available 4/20, 5/25 & 6/29 Nihon 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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

We are excited to offer the next 6 Week Ikebana Course!We are excited the return of the 6 Week Ikenobo Ikebana Course at the Japanese Culture Center!Class begins Sunday 7/7/2024*4:00-5:00pm Introductory Course The course fee is $220, which includes flowers and all tools required for both the course. You can take home all tools and […]

Join us for a special class for beginners, for an introduction to the Ohara School of Ikebana. 4 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 […]

Join Yamamoto Sensei for the rare chance to learn Godzilla origami!Join Yamamoto Sensei for this rare opportunity to learn to make an origami Godzilla! Please note that while this workshop is open to all levels, we will be focusing on a very complex fold. Knowledge of how to fold a crane is recommended, but not […]

Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi)Birds and BloomsStep by step painting workshop series that explores the Japanese visual language of bird-and-flower painting celebrating the relationship between man and nature.The emphasis is on the process! The class will review the foundations of Sumi-e:Introduction […]

Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi)Birds and BloomsStep by step painting workshop series that explores the Japanese visual language of bird-and-flower painting celebrating the relationship between man and nature.The emphasis is on the process! The class will review the foundations of Sumi-e:Introduction […]

Free Bon Odori Dance Classes with Yoshinojo Fujima of ShubukaiHello,Here is the descriptive text for Bon FestShubukai is honored to collaborate with Kimiei Fujima Sensei from Shizuoka, Japan and Ageha Bijo Sensei from the Nihon Bon Odori Association to provide seven Bon Odori for the 202４ Bon Fest Chicago will be on Saturday August 17, […]

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 July 20th and 21st in the Southport Corridor.Ikebana instructors, artists, and students will […]

A free guided walking tour exhibition of Japanese flower arrangement to support Lakeview & Roscoe Village's local businesses!This event is for the guided walking tour which will happen once on each day (on Saturday & Sunday) of the Ikebana Walk for a limited group of 20. The tour will start at 12:30 PM and takes […]

Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-5:30 pm on Saturday, 7/20Kintsugi 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 […]

Free Bon Odori Dance Classes with Yoshinojo Fujima of ShubukaiHello,Here is the descriptive text for Bon FestShubukai is honored to collaborate with Kimiei Fujima Sensei from Shizuoka, Japan and Ageha Bijo Sensei from the Nihon Bon Odori Association to provide seven Bon Odori for the 202４ Bon Fest Chicago will be on Saturday August 17, […]

A free guided walking tour exhibition of Japanese flower arrangement to support Lakeview & Roscoe Village's local businesses!This event is for the guided walking tour which will happen once on each day (on Saturday & Sunday) of the Ikebana Walk for a limited group of 20. The tour will start at 12:30 PM and takes […]

Origami flowers range from simple folds to intricate designs with gorgeous petals that are full of life. Join Yamamoto Sensei for a journey into the beauty of origami flowers as we create a beautiful bouquet of lilies, tulips and more! A variety of paper will be provided. Space is extremely limited at this event so […]

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 a spectrum […]

Free Bon Odori Dance Classes with Yoshinojo Fujima of ShubukaiHello,Here is the descriptive text for Bon FestShubukai is honored to collaborate with Kimiei Fujima Sensei from Shizuoka, Japan and Ageha Bijo Sensei from the Nihon Bon Odori Association to provide seven Bon Odori for the 202４ Bon Fest Chicago will be on Saturday August 17, […]

Free Bon Odori Dance Classes with Yoshinojo Fujima of ShubukaiHello,Here is the descriptive text for Bon FestShubukai is honored to collaborate with Kimiei Fujima Sensei from Shizuoka, Japan and Ageha Bijo Sensei from the Nihon Bon Odori Association to provide seven Bon Odori for the 202４ Bon Fest Chicago will be on Saturday August 17, […]

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: 8/1, 8/8, […]

Join us for a workshop on how to make your own personalized floating lantern!This summer, join us for a floating lantern making workshop to create your own personalized lantern! During this workshop, materials will be provided to create your own unique lantern. Participants are encouraged to bring crafting and collaging materials of their own to […]

Join us for a workshop on how to make your own personalized floating lantern!This summer, join us for a floating lantern making workshop to create your own personalized lantern! During this workshop, materials will be provided to create your own unique lantern. Participants are encouraged to bring crafting and collaging materials of their own 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 ⇰ $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: 8/3, 8/10, […]

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 […]

Join us for our annual Toro Nagashi (Lantern Ceremony) at the Garden of the Phoenix in Chicago on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 Free Tickets Available Here Toro Nagashi Lantern Ceremony Tuesday, August 6th  7pm - 10:00pm Garden of the Phoenix, Jackson Park The Japanese Arts Foundation is proud to welcome you to our annual Toro […]

Free Bon Odori Dance Classes with Yoshinojo Fujima of ShubukaiHello,Here is the descriptive text for Bon FestShubukai is honored to collaborate with Kimiei Fujima Sensei from Shizuoka, Japan and Ageha Bijo Sensei from the Nihon Bon Odori Association to provide seven Bon Odori for the 202４ Bon Fest Chicago will be on Saturday August 17, […]

Join Yamamoto Sensei to learn about the joys of inflatable origami balloons!Origami balloons are a fun and relatively simple pattern with many varieties! From water balloons to flying balloons and more, there is simplicity and joy to be found in these little origami creations.A variety of paper will be provided. Space is extremely limited at […]

Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).The Blooming Lotus Path (New Lessons)As 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 […]

Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).As 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 technique for Step-by-step instruction […]

Free Bon Odori Dance Classes with Yoshinojo Fujima of Shubukai

Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-5:30 pm on Saturday, 8/17Kintsugi 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 […]

The Japanese Art Foundation and Japanese Culture Center in partnership with NEWCITY, Shubukai and Tsukasa Taiko from Asian Improv aRts Midwest invites you to the 4th annual BON Fest Chicago. Join us Saturday, August 17th at 8:00pm for taiko drumming, bon odori dancing, and festivities at a new location this year, NEWCITY! Come experience a traditional […]

Date: Tuesday, August 20 Time: 6 - 8pm Tickets are non-refundable. All ticket sales goes to the JCC. Drink up to support Konbini & Kanpai! Come 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 […]

Join us for a special class for beginners, for an introduction to the Ohara School of Ikebana. 2 weeks.* Please Note Class Times have changed to the start time of 7:00PM***a 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 […]

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 23 and 30 from 12PM to 5PM. Students are expected to arrive 10 minutes prior to class.Participants […]

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 […]

Celebrate 60 years of Ikenobo Ikebana in Chicago with a stunning exhibition!*If tickets are sold out, you can still attend without one.Welcome to the Ikenobo Ikebana - Chicago Chapter 60th Anniversary Exhibition! Join us at the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden on August 24 & 25, 2024 to celebrate this special milestone. Experience the art of […]

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 […]

Celebrate 60 years of Ikenobo Ikebana in Chicago with a stunning exhibition!*If tickets are sold out, you can still attend without one.Welcome to the Ikenobo Ikebana - Chicago Chapter 60th Anniversary Exhibition! Join us at the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden on August 24 & 25, 2024 to celebrate this special milestone. Experience the art of […]

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 […]

Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-5:30 pm on Saturday, 8/31Kintsugi 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 […]

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 […]