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 celebrate the Year of the Dragon by learning how to write Dragon in Japanese!Come celebrate the Year of the Dragon by learning how to write Dragon / 龍 in kanji, as well as, taking home your own artwork on shikishi (色紙). Whether beginner or advanced, all levels are welcomed, however, this course is suggested […]
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 Woodblock Printing Course! 2 Classes included. No experience necessary. All levels welcome. From the earliest points in my artistic practice to the present, I have always had an affection and an interest in the beauty and precision in traditional Japanese printmaking techniques, and have at various times integrated the skills […]
We are excited to offer the next 6 Week Ikebana Course with Ikenobo Senior Professor Charles Harris at the Japanese Culture Center!We are excited the return of the 6 Week Ikenobo Ikebana Course at the Japanese Culture Center!Class begins Sunday 4/21/2024*4:00-5:00pm Introductory Course The course fee is $220, which includes flowers and all tools required […]
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 […]
Date: Wednesday, April 24 Time: 6 - 8pm Get Tickets Here 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 & Sip event! We will be learning the traditional art of Japanese paper folding with Yamamoto-sensei while also […]
Join us for an in-person Woodblock Printing Course! 2 Classes included. No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Description of Japanese Block Printmaking Workshop:From the earliest points in my artistic practice to the present, I have always had an affection and an interest in the beauty and precision in traditional Japanese printmaking techniques, and have at various […]
Join us for an evening enjoying beer and onigiri at Dovetail Brewery while learning how to fold origami creations!Join us for an evening of origami, onigiri, and of course, Dovetail beer 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 […]
Crafting Exquisite Nerikiri Wagashi for Mother's Day - Featuring Vibrant Peony Flowers and a Goldfish PondIf you're searching for a unique Mother's Day gift, join us for an enjoyable wagashi workshop.Create wagashi that captures the essence of a serene pond adorned with peony blossoms, gracefully swimming goldfish, and delicate green maple leaves - a design […]
Join the Japanese Arts Foundation for an afternoon full of dance, drums, and of course cherry blossoms!Hanami: Cherry Blossom Viewing FestivalSunday, May 5th10-2pmGarden of the Phoenix, Jackson ParkJoin the Japanese Arts Foundation in partnership with the Japanese Culture Center, Chicago Park District, Shubukai, Tsukasa Taiko, and the Consulate General of Japan in Chicago for an […]
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 […]
A 4-week live mindfulness meditation program. 4 Mondays from 1 PM to 3 PM at the JCC.Mindfulness is the cultivation of non-judgmental awareness in which each thought, feeling, and sensation that arises is acknowledged and accepted just as it is. This kind and steady attention is often radically different from the way we tend to […]
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 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 […]
The Japanese Culture Center is excited announce the next 4 Week Chanoyu/Tea Ceremony Course!The Japanese Culture Center is excited announce the next 4 Week Course on Chanoyu/Tea Ceremony this spring!Space EXTREMELY is limitedGeneral Information:Classes will start Friday, May 10, 2024.Fridays from 5:30 – 7:00 pmExact class dates are: 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, and 5/31Business casual attire […]
Get Tickets Here Date: Saturday, May 11 Time: 2 - 3:30pm Tickets are non-refundable. All ticket sales goes to the JCC. Drink up to support Konbini & Kanpai! Celebrate Mother's Day with a unique and creative twist by joining us on Saturday, May 11th for a special Kirigami workshop! Kirigami, derived from the Japanese art […]
At this in person workshop, we will learn to fold beautiful origami flowers! Join Yamamoto Sensei for a Mother's Day origami workshop themed around flowers! Individual tickets are $30, or you can purchase a family ticket (parent and child) for $45. A variety of paper will be provided. Space is extremely limited at this event […]
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: 5/16, 5/23, […]
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: 5/18, 5/25, […]
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 […]
Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome. Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-5:30 pm on Saturday, 5/18 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, […]
Witness the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Japanese conductor, Kazuki Yamada in a concert featuring Takemitsu's shimmering How slow the Wind, Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Franck's Symphony in D Minor. Prior to the concert, attend the Japanese Culture Exhibition centered around the beauty of the cherry blossom featuring artistic practices of […]
Join us for a family bracelet making workshop at the JCC!Learn how to make a Kumihimo Braid which will be made into a bracelet on a round disk. Traditionally, Kumihimo is made on a stand, called a Maru Dai, but the round disk, is included in your materials kit and is portable, and fun to […]
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. […]
Come and learn the art of e-tegami!CLASS DESCRIPTION:Come and learn the 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 activity is a way […]
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: 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 […]
