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!

Bon Odori: 3 Week Dance Class (South Shore Cultural Center)

South Shore Cultural Center 7059 South South Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, United States

Free Bon Odori Dance Classes with Yoshinojo Fujima of ShubukaiIn collaboration with The Japanese Cultural Center, Shubukai, Kimiei Fujima Sensei from Shizuoka, Japan and Ageha Bijou Sensei from the Nihon Bon Odori Association, we are able to to provide a series of Bon Odori classes at the Hyde Park Art Center which will prepare you […]

Free

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: 8/10, […]

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: 8/12, […]

Toro Nagashi

Garden of the Phoenix 6300 South Cornell Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

The Japanese Arts Foundation welcomes you to the inaugural Toro Nagashi lantern ceremony, in Jackson Park’s Garden of the Phoenix. Toro Nagashi Lantern Ceremony Wednesday, August 16th 7pm - 10:00pm Garden of the Phoenix, Jackson Park The Japanese Arts Foundation is proud to welcome you to the inaugural Toro Nagashi lantern ceremony, in Jackson Park’s […]

Free

Japanese Horror Fest 2023

The Logan Theatre 2646 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

The Japanese Arts Foundation is thrilled to return for another summer Horror Film Fest at Logan Theatre!Japanese Horror Fest 2023August 25-26th, 6pm Logan Theatre21+The Japanese Arts Foundation is thrilled to return for another summer Horror Film Fest at Logan Theatre! This year we are serving drinks, drag, mochi donuts, horror experts, and a giant skeleton […]

Ikenobo School of Ikebana Chicago Chapter Annual Exhibition

Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, United States

Beautiful arrangements of flowers with roots stretching back to Kyoto, Japan presented by Ikenobo Ikebana Society, Chicago Chapter.Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, originated with Ikenobo in Kyoto, Japan, as a Buddhist floral offering. This show is presented by the Ikenobo Ikebana Society, Chicago Chapter, and will feature arrangements from members, including chapter president […]

Free

Ohara Ryu Ikebana Workshop

Join us for 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 experienced practitioner […]

Ikebana Ohara Ryu Introductory Class (Virtual)

Join us for a special class for beginners, for an introduction to the Ohara School of Ikebana.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 Dates: August 30September 6September 13September 20Materials NeededIkebana students are required to […]

Virtual September 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 Chrysanthemum Path: Classes meet Virtually on SundayIntroduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and painting.Basic exercise on painting The Chrysanthemum Flower, petals, leaves and the basic composition of a Chrysanthemum painting.Each class begins with a Zen […]

Virtual Shodo Class for September

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 September 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 Chrysanthemum Path: Classes meet Virtually on TuesdayIntroduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and painting.Basic exercise on painting The Chrysanthemum Flower, petals, leaves and the basic composition of a Chrysanthemum painting.Each class begins with a Zen […]

Ohara Ryu Ikebana Course [4 Week Course]

Join us for a 4-Week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for a 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 the art of Japanese flower arrangement […]

Origami Fold and Sip (September)

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 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 […]

Donation

Reiki Level I Shoden Class September

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

Reiki Level I Shoden: In-person certification training in SeptemberTraditional 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: September 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 12PM to 2PM. Students are expected to arrive 10 minutes prior […]

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!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 […]

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: 9/14, […]

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: 9/16, […]

Virtual Reiki Practice for Self-Care – September

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 […]

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 9/24/2023*4:00-5:00pm Introductory Course The course fee is $220, which includes flowers and all tools required for […]

Origami Crane Workshop

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

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 […]

Ikebana Ohara Ryu Introductory Class (Virtual)

Join us for a special class for beginners, for an introduction to the Ohara School of Ikebana.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 Dates: Sept 27Oct 4Oct 11Oct 25Please note there will be no […]

Virtual October 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 Language of Trees: Classes meet Virtually on SundayIntroduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and painting.Learning the vocabulary of sumi-e strokes through the language of trees. Int and Adv (prerequisite Trees class) will focus on “Tsuke […]

Virtual October 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 Language of Trees: Classes meet Virtually on TuesdayIntroduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and painting.Learning the vocabulary of sumi-e strokes through the language of trees. Int and Adv (prerequisite Trees class) will focus on “Tsuke […]

Kizuna Opening at the Whistler

The Whistler 2421 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States

Join the Japanese Arts Foundation team in celebrating the opening of their newest installation "Kizuna" at the Whistler!Kizuna Opening NightThursday, October 5th8-11pmThe Whistler, ChicagoJoin the Japanese Arts Foundation and Japanese Culture Center at The Whistler to celebrate the opening of our newest installation, Kizuna! Created in support of our annual fundraising gala, we hope this […]

Free

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 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 art […]

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 […]

Reiki Intro Workshop (In Person)

This presentation will introduce participants to the practice of Reiki and will provide the opportunity to experience some of its elements.This presentation will introduce participants to the practice of Reiki and will provide the opportunity to experience some of its elements.The presentation includes discussion and experience.WHAT IS REIKI?Reiki is a Japanese healing art that was […]

Virtual Shodo Class for October

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 […]

Virtual Reiki Practice for Self-Care – October

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 […]

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 […]