Upcoming Events

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!

Halloween Origami Workshop (JCC)

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

A night of spooky halloween themed origami to get into the spirit of the season!Join Yamamoto Sensei for a fun night of Halloween themed origami! Together, we will fold pumpkins, ghosts and more spooky season favorites!A variety of paper will be provided. Space is extremely limited at this event so register quickly! This event will […]

Halloween Origami Workshop

Konbini and Kanpai 1433 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

A night of spooky halloween themed origami to get into the spirit of the season! Join Yamamoto Sensei for a fun night of Halloween themed origami! Together, we will fold pumpkins, ghosts and more spooky season favorites! Let's get ready to fold! Instructor Bio Ty Yamamoto is a Chicago-based filmmaker, photographer and Japanese teacher with […]

Halloween Origami Workshop

Konbini and Kanpai 1433 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

A night of spooky halloween themed origami to get into the spirit of the season!Join Yamamoto Sensei for a fun night of Halloween themed origami! Together, we will fold pumpkins, ghosts and more spooky season favorites!A variety of paper will be provided. Space is extremely limited at this event so register quickly! This event will […]

Virtual Introduction to Japanese Language

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: 10/19, […]

Virtual Introduction to Japanese Language

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: 10/21, […]

Kabocha Club: A Gathering of Supernatural Tales

Bit Bash x JAF Present: Kabocha Club: A Gathering of Supernatural TalesBit Bash x JAF Present Kabocha Club: A Gathering of Supernatural Tales Saturday, October 21st6-10pm21+, ID's will be checked at the doorAn evening gathering of individuals interested in the art of spooky storytelling. Become a member of the Kabocha Club, an group of ghoulish […]

Reiki Level I Shoden Class October

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

Reiki Level I Shoden: In-person certification training in OctoberTraditional Japanese Reiki I/Shoden TrainingAbout this eventREIKI LEVEL I - SHODEN CLASSAn 8-hour Reiki certification class in the Japanese form of Reiki the "Usui Reiki Ryoho". Class Dates: 4 Fridays: October 27, November 3, 10, and 17 from 12PM to 2PM. Students are expected to arrive 10 minutes […]

Origami Fold and Sip (October): Halloween Night!

Konbini and Kanpai 1433 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

Come enjoy delicious beverages while we learn the Japanese art of paper folding! $15 suggested donation per person.Event InfoCome join the Japanese Culture Center for the Halloween edition of our popular Fold and Sip event! At this special event, Yamamoto Sensei will teach a variety of Halloween themed origami while attendees enjoy drinks from a […]

Donation

Sashiko Japanese Embroidery Workshop

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

Virtual Introduction to Ohara Ryu [3 Week Course]

Online Event

Join us for an in-person 4 Week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome. Class Description This class has 4 sessions, which are 60 minutes each. This class is great for first-time students, and beginning students looking to continue their Ikebana studies. Course Class Dates : 11/1, 11/8, & 11/15 Materials Needed […]

Ikebana Ohara Ryu [2 Week Course]

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

Join us for an in-person 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 3-week course for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner eager to discover the art […]

Virtual Shodo Class for November

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 […]

Virtual Reiki Practice for Self-Care – November

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 […]

Kizuna Gala

Salvage One, West Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL, USA 1840 West Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL, United States

Join the Japanese Arts Foundation for our annual fundraising gala! This year explores the theme of Kizuna, the bonds cherished between us!Kizuna GalaFriday, November 17thSalvage One VIP 6-7PM | GA 7-11PM Tickets: VIP: $150 | GA: $125Early Bird GA through 10/17: $100The Japanese Arts Foundation cordially invites you to our annual fundraising gala. Experience an […]

LGBTQ+ Self Defense Event

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

Join us a for a free S.U.N.N.Y. Self Defense community workshop with instructor, Susan Dutton!S.U.N.N.Y. Self Defense:S.U.N.N.Y. stands for Strong, Unarmed, Not intimidated, Never defenseless, Your body.Self-defense begins with prevention. In this class you will be introduced to self-defense techniques including situational awareness, using boundaries to test intent, assessing vulnerabilities in an attacker, and escaping […]

Free

Family Kumihimo Workshop

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

December 2nd Family Kumihimo Workshop 3:00-5:00PMLearn 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 use. Then you’ll learn how […]

Virtual Shodo Class for December

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 […]

Virtual Introduction to Japanese Language

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: 12/7, […]

Virtual Introduction to Japanese Language

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: 12/9, […]

Taiko Legacy 20

Edlis Neeson Theater at Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA Chicago) 220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

Celebrate the milestone 20th anniversary Taiko Legacy concert presented by Asian Improv aRts Midwest and Tsukasa Taiko.Celebrate two decades of Asian Improv aRts Midwest’s most anticipated event of the year, Taiko Legacy. The 20th anniversary concert is one of the largest taiko presentation in the midwest built on the efforts of community activism in Asian […]

$25.00

Ikebana Ohara Ryu [4 Week Course]

Join us for an in-person 4 Week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome. Join us for an in-person 4 Week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome. Sign up for an immersive experience 4-week course for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner eager to discover […]

Virtual Shodo Class for January

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 […]

Year of the Dragon Origami Workshop

Konbini and Kanpai 1433 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

Date: Tuesday, January 9 Time: 6 - 7:30pm Join Yamamoto Sensei for this rare opportunity to learn to make an origami dragon! Please note that while this workshop is open to all levels, we will be focusing on a fairly complex fold. Knowledge of how to fold a crane is recommended, but not required. The […]

Ikebana Ohara Ryu Introductory Class (Virtual)(Wednesdays)

Join us for a special class for beginners, for an introduction to the Ohara School of Ikebana.* Please Note Class Times have changed to the start time of 6:00PM*Class DescriptionThis class has 4 sessions, which are 60 minutes each. This class is great for first-time students, and beginning students looking to continue their Ikebana studies.Class […]

Suminagashi – Japanese Paper Marbling Workshop

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

Sumi-e Wet Mounting Workshop (Sundays)

January 2024 Workshops (occurring three times in one month)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: $90Workshop Description:Introduction to the Contemporary technique of “Wet Mounting”.Create an Enso and or select one of your artworks. Mount your artwork […]

Sumi-e Wet Mounting Workshop (Tuesdays)

January 2024 Workshops (occurring three times in one month)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: $90Workshop Description:Introduction to the Contemporary technique of “Wet Mounting”.Create an Enso and or select one of your artworks. Mount your artwork […]

Virtual Reiki Practice for Self-Care – January

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 […]

Reiki Level I Shoden Class January

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

Reiki Level I Shoden: In-person certification training in JanuaryTraditional Japanese Reiki I/Shoden TrainingAbout this eventREIKI LEVEL I - SHODEN CLASSAn 8-hour Reiki certification class in the Japanese form of Reiki the "Usui Reiki Ryoho". Class Dates: 4 Fridays: January 19, 26, February 2 and 9 from 12PM to 2PM. Students are expected to arrive 10 minutes […]

Showa Kayo Night

Murasaki Sake Lounge 211 East Ontario Street, Chicago, IL, United States

Every 3rd Saturday immerse yourself in the nostalgic charm of Showa Kayo Music at Chicago's oldest sake establishment: Murasaki Sake Lounge. Step into a time capsule as Van Paugam spins a curated collection of classic Japanese pop songs from the Showa era (1926-1989), creating an ambiance that bridges the past and present. The event promises […]

Virtual Japanese Language for Beginners

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: 2/1, 2/8, […]

Virtual Introduction to Japanese Language

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: 2/1, 2/8, […]

Ikebana Ohara Ryu February[4 Week Course]

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

Join us this February for an in-person 4 Week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an in-person 4 Week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Sign up for an immersive experience 4-week course for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner eager to discover […]

Virtual Introduction to Japanese Language

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: 2/3, 2/10, […]

Kintsugi for Beginners

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us at the Japanese Culture Center for a special course on Kintsugi! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners:Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break […]

Virtual Shodo Class for February

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 […]

Ikebana Ohara Ryu Introductory Class (Virtual)(Wednesdays)

Join us for a special class for beginners, for an introduction to the Ohara School of Ikebana.* Please Note Class Times have changed to the start time of 6:00PM*Class DescriptionThis class has 3 sessions, which are 60 minutes each. This class is great for first-time students, and beginning students looking to continue their Ikebana studies.Class […]

Valentine’s Day Origami Workshop

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

Join Yamamoto Sensei for a fun Valentine's Day themed origami workshop!Join Yamamoto Sensei for a day of Valentine's Day themed origami! Bring a date, a friend or come alone to meet new people as we fold cute hearts and boxes!A variety of paper will be provided. Space is extremely limited at this event so register […]

Ukiyo-e “Japanese Woodblock Printing”

Join us for an in-person Woodblock Printing Course! 2 Classes included. No experience necessary. All levels welcome. Join us at the Japanese Culture Center for a special 2-week course ( Saturday, Feb 10 & 17) on Japanese Woodblock Printing! No experience necessary. All levels welcome. Japanese Woodblock Printmaking: From the earliest points in my artistic […]

Origami Speed Dating

Konbini and Kanpai 1433 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

Date: Saturday, February 10 Time: 6 - 8pm Still needing a date for Valentine's Day? Well look no further! Come on down to Konbini & Kanpai on February 10th to find your soulmate through the Japanese art of origami. Attendees will be matched for 10 minutes at a time, during which you can get to […]

Virtual February Sumi-e Classes (Sundays)

Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).Year of the Dragon: Classes meet Virtually on SundaysIntroduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and painting.Learning the vocabulary of sumi-e strokes.The emphasis is on the process! The Class will review the foundations of Sumi-e.Demonstration of the […]

Valentine’s Day Origami Workshop

Date: Monday, February 12 Time: 6 - 7:3pm Description: Join Yamamoto Sensei for a night of Valentine's Day themed origami! Hearts, cute little boxes, flowers and more can all be created with a single sheet of square paper! Whether you're looking for a cute date night or a place to level up your Valentine's cards, […]

Virtual February Sumi-e Classes (Tuesdays)

Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).Year of the Dragon: Classes meet Virtually on TuesdaysIntroduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and painting.Learning the vocabulary of sumi-e strokes.The emphasis is on the process! The Class will review the foundations of Sumi-e.Demonstration of the […]

Virtual Reiki Practice for Self-Care – February

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 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 practice is […]

Kintsugi for Beginners

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us at the Japanese Culture Center for a special course on Kintsugi! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners:Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break […]

Introduction to Ikebana Flower Arrangement: 6 Week Class

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 2/18/2024*4:00-5:00pm Introductory Course The course fee is $220, which includes flowers and all tools required […]

Sound Bath Serenity: Gong Wash Meditation

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

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 […]

Ikebana Ohara Ryu [3 Week Course]

Japanese Culture Center 2940 N Lincoln Ave, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

Join us for an in-person Multi-level 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 art of Japanese flower arrangement or an experienced practitioner seeking to refine your skills, this […]

Hinamatsuri / Girl’s Day Tea Ceremony

Japanese Culture Center, North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, #2, Chicago, IL, United States

Join us for a traditional Hinamatsuri Tea Ceremony, celebrating Girl's Day!Hinamatsuri / Girl's Day Tea GatheringJoin us for a delightful afternoon tea ceremony at the Japanese Culture Center in Chicago, IL, as we celebrate Hinamatsuri, also known as Girl's Day.Hinamatsuri /雛祭り is the Doll Festival of Japan an is also known as Girl’s Day. It […]

Godzilla Association for Women, Thems, and Non-Femmes

Logan Arcade 2410 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

Hinamatsuri (Girl's Day), but Godzilla! Join the first Godzilla Women's Association chapter outside of Japan here in Chicago!Godzilla Assocation for Women, Thems, and Non-FemmesSaturday, March 2nd, 4-8pmLogan ArcadeTickets: $1521+Join the Japanese Arts Foundation alongside Logan Arcade and Johnnie Walker in celebrating Hinamatsuri, or Girls' Day, but make it Godzilla!2024 celebrates the 70th anniversary of the […]