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!
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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: 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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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: 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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
