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!

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 […]

Virtual March 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)."The Plum Blossom Path" The Four Noble Path and Beyond for Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced will continue with Awareness Through Movement warm up, Zen lesson, Sumi-e brush techniques and step bystep paintings.Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the […]

$120.00

Virtual March 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)."The Plum Blossom Path" The Four Noble Path and Beyond for Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced will continue with Awareness Through Movement warm up, Zen lesson, Sumi-e brush techniques and step bystep paintings.Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is 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. 4 weeks.* 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 […]

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: 3/7, 3/14, […]

Reiki Level I Shoden Class March

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

Reiki Level I Shoden: In-person certification training in MarchTraditional 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: March 8, 15, 22 and April 5 from 12PM to 2PM. Students are expected to arrive 10 minutes […]

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: 3/9, 3/16, […]

Virtual Shodo Class for March

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 – March

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 […]

Japanese Language Intro Course

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

Learn the basics of the Japanese language with this in person beginner session!A bout the EventD uring this four-week course, students will learn the foundations of the Japanese language including b asic phrases, how to read and write hiragana, simple sentence structures and more!T his course uses the textbook and workbook from Genki 1Third Edition. […]

Introduction to Japanese Tea Ceremony / Chanoyu

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

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, March 15, 2024 through April 5th.Fridays from 5:30 – 7:00 pmExact class dates are: 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, and […]

Crane Folding Origami Workshop

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

Tickets are non-refundable. All ticket sales goes to the JCC. Drink up to support Konbini & Kanpai! 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 “perfect” origami crane, with “perfect” […]

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 […]

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 […]

Japanese Papermaking with Mami

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

Date: Sunday, March 24 Time: 1:30 - 3pm Get Tickets Here Description: Instructor Bio Mami Takahashi is a multidisciplinary artist from Tokyo. Using photography, performance, installation, and urban intervention, her practice explores the complexities of being Asian and a woman living outside of her home country. Previous exhibitions and performances have taken place at Portland […]

Kintsugi & Kanpai

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

Date: Tuesday, March 26 Time: 6 - 8pm Buy Tickets Here Description: 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", is what makes the ceramics more valuable and treasured. […]