Japanese Culture Center

Introduction to Ikebana Flower Arrangement: 6 Week Class
2026-02-15 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Japanese Culture Center, 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Come join us for a 6-week class where you’ll learn the art of Ikebana flower arrangement!

Come join us for a 6-week class where you’ll learn the art of Ikebana flower arrangement!
We are excited the return of the 6 Week Ikenobo Ikebana Course at the Japanese Culture Center!
Class begins Sunday, FEB 15
Class Dates: Feb. 15, Feb. 22, Mar. 1, Mar. 15, Mar. 22 & Mar. 29
NO CLASS: Mar. 8
4:00-5:00pm Introductory Course The course fee is $240, which includes flowers and all tools required for both the course. You can take home all tools and materials after its completion to continue the practice.
There is a limited capacity of students and class minimum attendance of 5 students. Thus we highly recommend registering ASAP.
Registration 3 weeks prior to class is required in order to secure the appropriate amount of flower materials. The registration date 1/25.
Please come to class with a pencil and paper.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.

The Japanese Art of Reiki, An Introduction
2026-02-19 17:30 - 19:30 | Japanese Culture Center, 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Reiki, Japanese Healing Art – an introduction

Reiki, Japanese Healing Art – an introduction
Reiki is a traditional Japanese healing method developed in the 1920s by Usui Mikao. Its formal name, Shin Shin Kaizen Usui Reiki Ryōhō, translates to “The Usui Healing Method for Improving Body, Mind, and Heart.” Today, Reiki is practiced globally as a system that supports overall well-being and personal development. This 2-hour introductory program provides an informational overview of Reiki’s history, structure, and purpose. Participants will learn about the five core elements that make up the system of Reiki:

Meditation practices that cultivate focus, calm, and inner awareness
Hands-on healing techniques that encourage relaxation and energetic balance
The Reiki precepts as daily principles for ethical living and mental clarity
Symbols and mantras that support mindfulness and energetic alignment
Reiju, a spiritual blessing used in traditional Japanese Reiki to deepen the practitioner’s connection to their innate natural capacity

The program will also explore how Reiki promotes a sense of harmony between mind and body, supports stress reduction, and encourages a grounded approach to self-care.
Participants will be invited to ask questions about the practice, its applications, and how Reiki can support modern life.
This session is designed for anyone seeking a factual, clear introduction to the Japanese art of Reiki. It is an informational discussion, not a training class.
ABOUT VERONIQUE
Veronique is a certified Reiki Teacher/Practitioner in the Japanese lineage “Usui Reiki Ryoho”. Originally from France, Veronique has been studying and practicing Reiki in various parts of the world and settings since 2008. Aside from her private practice, Veronique has worked and volunteered in a hospital, a cancer wellness center, yoga studios, and a senior living community. She became a Reiki Teacher at the Japanese Culture Center in Chicago in 2019.Veronique has been exploring both traditional and more contemporary approaches to the practice of Reiki. She has pursued these varied interests in the US as well as in Europe, and Japan where Reiki originates from. Veronique believes in daily practice and continuing education. She is a graduate student from the International House of Reiki and the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP), a professional member of Shibumi International Reiki Association, the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT), and the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP). For more information, please visit her website www.moonstonesanctuary.com

Sashiko Workshop
2026-02-20 16:30 - 18:30 | Japanese Culture Center, 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Come and learn the art of Sashiko with Ide-sensei!

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Join artist mai ide, a visual artist based in Portland, OR, for a relaxing day of Sashiko stitching — not just to learn a technique, but to explore cultural significance. This workshop invites you into the world of traditional Japanese mending, where each stitch carries stories of sustainability, resilience, and healing. This is more than a craft workshop — it’s a space to reflect, connect, and embrace vulnerability. As we mend fabric, we also mend ourselves, contributing to the holistic well-being of our planet and our communities. A mindful workshop exploring Japanese mending as cultural practice and emotional repair. We will make a coaster or patch, learn one of traditional Sashiko patterns, and reclaim a slow, meditative hour of care for yourself and the planet. GO down to the book!
BIO:
mai ide is a Japanese-American artist from Tokyo, now based in Portland, OR. Their multidisciplinary approach investigates their own cultural intersectionality and deep ambivalence of race and gender as an immigrant, mother, and woman. As a non-native speaker of English, ide’s practice is expressing discomfort of being classified or perceived by society as an “other” or “forever foreigner” in the U.S. ide’s use of salvaged fabric and Sashiko stitches conveys their simultaneous vulnerability, fragility, and ferocity under a constrained, violent, and volatile society. ide holds a BFA in Art Practice from Portland State University (OR) and an MFA in Visual Studies at Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, as well as degrees in sewing, pattern making, and textile design in Japan, where she worked for twelve years as a material designer. Their previous exhibitions and performances include the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum, Museum of Kyoto in Japan, and Jordan Schnitzer Museum in Oregon.
IG: @maiidepdx
Website: maiide.com

Virtual Reiki Practice for Self-Care - February
2026-02-21 11:00 - 12:00 | IL
Join this one-hour virtual Reiki practice for self-care to relax, refresh, and find balance!

ABOUT THE SELF-CARE PRACTICE
This one-hour online Reiki self-care practice invites you to pause, relax, and return to your natural state of balance. Guided by Veronique Frede, Reiki Teacher, the session may include breathing exercises, meditation, hands-on self-healing, work with the Japanese energy system, reflection on the Reiki precepts, mantra chanting, and distant healing from the teacher.
All are welcome—no prerequisite. Please join from a quiet, comfortable space, seated on a chair or on the floor. Have water available for the end of the session.
After registering, you will receive an Eventbrite confirmation email with the Zoom link. Registration closes one hour before class. The session will lock at 11:10 am (CT) to honor the group.
WHAT IS REIKI?
Reiki is a Japanese healing art developed in the 1920s by Usui Mikao. Its original name, Shin Shin Kaizen Usui Reiki Ryōhō, means “the Usui method for improving body and mind.” The system includes breath meditation, the precepts, symbols and mantras, hands-on healing, and the Reiju (blessing).
HOW CAN REIKI HELP YOU?
Reiki brings balance and harmony to body, mind, and energy. It supports relaxation, clarity, inner peace, and a deeper connection within yourself and the world. Reiki helps restore the body’s natural rhythm, creating space for healing.
If you wish to learn Reiki, please see our in-person class calendar or contact us.
About the teacher
Veronique Frede is a certified Reiki Teacher/Practitioner in the Japanese lineage “Usui Reiki Ryoho”. Originally from France, Ms. Frede has been studying and practicing Reiki in various parts of the world and settings since 2008. Aside from her private practice, Ms. Frede has worked and volunteered in a hospital, a cancer wellness center, yoga studios, a senior living community among other places. Those experiences have led her to gain a more practical understanding of the mid-body connection in relationship with life in general, and wellness in particular. Ms. Frede became a Reiki Teacher at the Japanese Culture Center in Chicago in 2019 offering her the opportunity to deepen her understanding of the Japanese arts and ways including Japanese calligraphy and Zen. Ms. Frede has been exploring both traditional and more contemporary approaches to the practice of Reiki. She has pursued these varied interests in the US as well as in Europe, and Japan where Reiki originates from. Ms. Frede believes in continuous practice and learning. She is a student of Frans Stiene, founder of the International House of Reiki, and a graduate from the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP) from the Awareness Training Institute and the Greater Good Science Center at University of California Berkeley with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. For more information, please visit Veronique’s website at www.moonstonesanctuary.com

Workshop: Sashiko with mai ide
2026-02-21 12:00 - 14:00 | International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60610, United States
Mending and repairing your garment, body, and mind with artist mai ide

Workshop: Sashiko with mai ide
Saturday, February 21, 2026
12:00pm – 2:00pm

Join artist mai ide, a visual artist based in Portland, OR, for a relaxing day of Sashiko stitching — not just to learn a technique, but to explore cultural significance. This workshop invites you into the world of traditional Japanese mending, where each stitch carries stories of sustainability, resilience, and healing. This is more than a craft workshop — it’s a space to reflect, connect, and embrace vulnerability. As we mend fabric, we also mend ourselves, contributing to the holistic well-being of our planet and our communities. A mindful workshop exploring Japanese mending as cultural practice and emotional repair. We will make a coaster or patch, learn one of traditional Sashiko patterns, and reclaim a slow, meditative hour of care for yourself and the planet. GO down to the book!

Materials Provided:

cotton thread
vintage Japanese rough plain woven cotton fabric
needle
Shashiko needle
paper
ruler
scissors
erasable ink
fabric marker or tailor’s chalk

Participants are also encouraged to bring their own clothes to be repaired to enhance the personal themes of the workshop.

About Sashiko:
Sashiko (刺し子) is a traditional Japanese embroidery and stitching dating back to the Edo period (1615 –1868). It was first developed among working-class people, farmers, and fishermen to mend their daily clothes and clothing. Through Sashiko, they could make garments stronger, more durable, and last longer. They kept mending in this way and passed techniques down from generation to generation. As such, Sashiko is one of the oldest traditional Japanese upcycling techniques. Artist Mai Ide finds a confluence between mending fabric and repairing emotional intimacy, loneliness, and fragility. Her workshop is a space for participants to eliminate lingering trauma and reframe our society for deeper emotional communal bonds and authentic humanity which we have forgotten.

About the Instructor:
mai ide is an artist from Tokyo, now based in Portland, OR. Her multidisciplinary art investigates her own cultural intersectionality and deep ambivalence as an immigrant, mother, and woman. As a non-native speaker of English, ide’s practice is expressing discomfort of being classified or perceived by society as an “other” or “forever foreigner” in the U.S. ide’s use of salvaged fabric and Sashiko stitches conveys their simultaneous vulnerability, fragility, and ferocity under a constrained, violent, and volatile society. ide holds a BFA in Art Practice from Portland State University (OR) and an MFA in Visual Studies at Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, as well as degrees in sewing, pattern making, and textile design in Japan, where she worked for twelve years as a material designer. Their previous exhibitions and performances include the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum, Museum of Kyoto in Japan, and Jordan Schnitzer Museum in Oregon.
Learn more: www.maiide.com

This workshop is brought to you through collaboration with the Japanese Cultural Center.

This project is partially supported by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.

The International Museum of SurgicalScience acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.

Kintsugi for Beginners
2026-02-21 15:30 - 18:00 | Japanese Culture Center, 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.

Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-6:00 pm on SAT, 2/21
Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese lacquer / Urushi art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. Urushi is the natural resin collected from the lacquer tree. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break rather than erasing it and emphasizes that the break is what makes ceramics more valuable. The beginner’s Kintsugi process focuses on understanding the basic technique of Kintsugi on a small porcelain plate or a small ceramic plate, which will be provided by the instructor, to understand the fundamentals of this process.
Here is a quote about Kintsugi from Linda Muller, a certified life coach:
“Kintsugi is based on the philosophy that breakage and repair are something to celebrate – embracing flaws and imperfections creates a stronger and more beautiful piece of art. Using this as a metaphor for healing ourselves teaches us an important lesson: Sometimes in the process of repairing what feels broken, we become more unique, beautiful, and resilient. Kintsugi can be a way to reframe personal challenges. Reminding us that we’re not a victim of our circumstances. Showing us that we can come out on the other side stronger.”
In this beginner’s workshop, participants will learn the basic technique of Kintsugi on a small porcelain plate or a small ceramic plate, which the instructor will provide, to understand the fundamentals of this process. All materials, including adhesives in the workshop, will be food-safe. We will also use an artificial Urushi (the natural resin/glue collected from the lacquer tree) sap for this beginner’s class, which is safe to touch without allergic reactions.
In the “Kintsugi for Beginners” workshop, epoxy putty will be used in addition to the ceramic glue. These materials may make the students’ fingers sticky, and some remnants of epoxy might also stay on their fingers for a few days. There will be finger covers for students to use, but often, that makes working with these materials a bit difficult.
This class will use epoxy putty in addition to the ceramic glue. This may make the students’ fingers sticky, and some remnants of epoxy might also stay on their fingers for a few days. I have finger covers and gloves for students to use in case anyone needs it
About the instructor:
Mami Takahashi is a Japanese multidisciplinary artist and a scholar working both in Chicago and Tokyo. She received her MFA in Contemporary Studio Practice from Portland State University in 2013 and earned a BFA in Japanese Painting from Joshibi University of Art and Design in Japan. For more details, visit https://mamitakahashi.art/
With ongoing artistic research, practice, and teaching, Takahashi explores different approaches to actualize Japanese aesthetics to enhance cultural perspectives to many U.S. communities. Takahashi also aims to connect Japan and communities in Chicago by teaching traditional and modern art-making techniques.

Year of the Fire Horse Gallery Reception
2026-02-21 18:00 - 22:00 | The Whistler, 2421 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60647, United States
Join us for the Year of the Fire Horse Gallery Reception. Art, culture, and music all night!

Year of the Horse Gallery Installation Unveiling
Please note donations are optional, you can attend without donating. There is no entry fee.
The Japanese Culture Center presents a special gallery installation celebrating the Year of the Horse at Whistler Chicago on February 21. Drawing from the Center’s permanent collection, the installation brings together selected artworks and cultural artifacts that speak to continuity, motion, and vitality within Japanese visual culture. These historical elements are presented alongside a newly commissioned neon work spelling “Chicago” using an archaic romanization from the Meiji period, a rarely seen spelling that reflects a moment of linguistic transition during Japan’s rapid modernization.
Together, the installation and neon work evoke the spirit of the Fire Horse, an astrological symbol associated with intensity, independence, resilience, and forward momentum. By situating these works within a contemporary urban venue, the project highlights both the enduring strength of Japanese artistic traditions and their evolving presence within Chicago’s cultural landscape.
The unveiling evening begins with a public reception at 6:00 PM, inviting visitors to view the installation and engage with the space. At 8:00 PM, butoh artist Sara Zalek presents a live performance that activates the installation through movement. Rooted in contemporary Japanese dance, the performance emphasizes physicality, transformation, and temporal awareness, responding directly to the atmosphere and themes of the installation.
The night continues with a DJ set by Van Paugam from 10:00 PM to 2:30 AM, extending the celebration into a late-night gathering that bridges visual art, performance, and sound.
Venue: Whistler ChicagoDate: February 21Reception: 6:00 PMPerformance: 8:00 PMDJ Set: 10:00 PM–2:30 AM

Butoh Dance Workshop
2026-02-22 18:30 - 21:00, 2026-03-21 18:30 - 21:00 | Japanese Culture Center, 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Butoh dance training is an invaluable tool for dancers, actors, and creative people of all types.

Butoh dance training is an invaluable tool for dancers, actors, and creative people of all types. Sara leads you in exercises to expand your body physically and energetically through breath and meditation techniques, vocal warm-ups, Noguchi Taiso, Qigong, Daoyin, visual imagery and improvisational scores.
This workshop lights on ideas of the transformative body and the importance of the lived moment, in order to experience some essential concepts in Butoh. Experimenting with distortion in timing, the uncanny, and the grotesque, we explore how presence and space can be activated on different temporalities. Applying these techniques can expand the vocabulary of embodied movement. This workshop encourages participants to find beauty in the horror of the grimace, to transform ourselves from one state to another, and move from deeply internal impulses to find more unique expressions in our outer movements. We will work with forms, images, and butoh fu from the lineage of Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno and students and descendants of these Butoh traditions.
There will be time for reflection using automatic writing and/or drawing exercises and short improvised showings to more fully integrate ideas into usable material for making strong choreographic and performance decisions. This is a supportive environment to start an individual and collective process of investigation through creative movement. We will open and expand our awareness, move with our subtler senses, create and witness our personal body language.
Sara Zalek (@01saratonin) is a transdisciplinary artist, producer, and curator. Rooted in physical investigations of transformation of trauma to resilience, their work is intimate, raw, poetic. Zalek ignites dialog with the public using unexpected encounters; always with unknowns, often with humor, and with an intentional focus on the moment when the self is limitless potential.
Zalek performs often in both live and online situations; The City of Chicago named them an Esteemed Artist in 2022. Elastic Arts Foundation awarded them a Curatorial Grant in 2020 for Hot Mess! A hybrid performance event.They were a Chicago Dancemakers Forum Lab Artist in 2015, a 2017 3Arts Make a Wave Awardee, and Ragdale Foundation Fellow. They have performed and curated performances at the Chicago Cultural Center, High Concept Labs, Elastic Arts, Experimental Sound Studio, Links Hall, Lumpen Radio, dfbrl8r, SITE/less, Urban Guild in Kyoto, Japan, and so many more.
Through Butoh Curious, Zalek connects national and international teaching artists with Chicago art makers across genres in the independent and fringe arenas (including dance, butoh, physical theater, experimental and improvisational music). They create opportunities for positive communication and arts integration using workshops, performances, and conversations about personal and collective bodies. Butoh Curious

Japanese Language Conversation Night
2026-02-26 18:00 - 19:30 | Japanese American Service Committee, 5700 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60659, United States
Join Yamamoto Sensei for a special one-night conversation focused practice!

About the Event
This is a one-off night to practice simple conversation with a variety of different Japanese language learners! Students of all levels are encouraged to join with a focus on the following:

Simple introductions (students of Yamamoto Sensei should have a self-introduction prepared)
Simple questions and answers using knowledge from the Genki textbook.

Yamamoto Sensei will be present to faciliate and help guide conversations. Students are welcome to join at anytime during the two hour session, however showing up early is encouraged.
This class will meet at the Japanese American Service Committee at 5700 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 on February 26 from 6-7:30pm.
For any questions prior to the class, please reach out to Yamamoto Sensei at ty.yamamoto@japaneseculturecenter.com

Virtual Shodo Class for March
2026-03-01 13:00 - 14:30 | IL
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 in Japan, aka “Genshin-kai”. Thanks to Oda-sensei’s rank as “Shihan” in the association, students in this program will be able to send their work to the headquarters in Japan and potentially be an awarded a rank. A very rare opportunity! The classes are focused on learning various writing techniques while working on assignments that are tailored to each student’s level and ability. Whether beginner or advanced, all levels and ages are welcomed!
*Beginners will need a shodo kit to that can be ordered with Oda Sensei.*
Dates: March1,8,15,22

Fold and Sip (Lakeview)
2026-03-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Konbini & Kanpai Lakeview, 1433 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Come our popular origami Fold and Sip event!

Event Info
Come 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 event has a one drink minimum purchase per person.
The event will be hosted at Konbini & Kanpai located at 1433 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 on Wednesday, March 4th at 6:00pm.
Instructor Bio
Ty Yamamoto is a Chicago-based filmmaker, photographer and Japanese teacher with a passion for the art of folding paper. Ever since childhood, Ty has loved folding all sorts of intricate paper creations. Over the past year, Ty has taught virtual origami lessons to people of all ages, bringing the traditional Japanese art form to households all over the world.
Konbini & Kanpai
Whether it’s an everyday family dinner, monumental milestone, or just making it to the end of a long day, tasty cold beers or sippable wines have been intertwined throughout our lives’ big and small celebrations. We remember the refreshing cider we had while apple picking in Michigan and discovering our love for Sauvignon Blanc wines during our three-week road trip around southern New Zealand. We wanted to combine these experiences with our love of the Japanese convenient store (aka Konbini) to create our friendly alchohol store in Lakeview — a neighborhood we call home. Come stop by, say hi, and explore our craft beers, wines, sakes, and non-alcoholic beverage offerings! Organized by flavor so your taste buds or our knowledgeable staff can easily guide you. Kanpai (cheers in Japanese)!

Japanese Language Intro Course
2026-03-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Japanese Culture Center, 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Learn the basics of the Japanese language with this in person beginner session!

About the Event
During 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 order both books as soon as possible so that you will be ready for the course. The books are not included in the class price.
This class is recommended for adults. Information will be sent to the email you registered for the class with, please be diligent in checking and responding to emails from the instructor prior to and during the course.
Students are expected to come prepared with note-taking materials as well an excitement to learn! This class will meet at the Japanese Culture Center at 2940 N Lincoln Ave on the following dates and times:
Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:00 PM
3/5, 3/12, 3/19 & 3/26.
For any questions prior to the class, please reach out to Yamamoto Sensei at ty.yamamoto@japaneseculturecenter.com

Virtual Introduction to Japanese Language
2026-03-07 11:00 - 12:00 | IL
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 ⇰ $150.00 per student (textbook NOT included)
‣ Duration ⇰ Five weeks (one hour every Saturday)
‣ Instructor ⇰ Mieko Fujii Sensei
Please note exact class dates for the class:
Saturday Class Dates: 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28 & 4/4.
*Students must register before 3/5 to join the class.
**MATERIALS: All students should purchase “Japanese for Busy People Book 1: Romanized: Revised 4th Edition.”
This textbook IS NOT included in the class price. All students are responsible for locating and purchasing this book on their own.

REGISTER:
Please consider registering as soon as possible as space is very limited. Classes are usually full up to one month prior to the start date.
Classes are recommended for students 16+.
The Japanese Culture Center does not provide refunds. We thank you for your understanding.

*Once you register, you will receive an Eventbrite confirmation email which will include a “View Now” button that will take you to the Zoom link to join. Please reach out if you do not receive this email or have trouble accessing the Zoom link.
**Registration will close one hour prior to the class.

Suminagashi - Ink Marbling Workshop
2026-03-07 15:30 - 17:30 | Japanese Culture Center, 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Join us for a fun Suminagashi – Ink Marbling Workshop where you can learn the ancient Japanese art of paper marbling!

Suminagashi – Ink Marbling Workshop
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 present historical background and introduce the time honored technique and several artistic possibilities. Recommended for adult beginners. Limit of 10. All supplies provided.
Class topics include:
• Review of Suminagashi patterns with samples of optional papers• Discuss historical background of Japanese paper marbling• Review of supplies and preparation• Suminagashi demo• Student practice of line control with individual coaching
Each student will leave with at least 10 beautiful Suminagashi images and gain enough experience to continue their own practice.
**For participants ages 10 and up**
This workshop will be held in person at the Japanese Culture Center. Each person will need to register in order to attend, and fill out a waiver form which can be digitally filled out and emailed to: info@japaneseculturecenter.com
All supplies included. Class size limited to 10 students with a minimum of 4.
Instructor Bio:
Pamela Martinez has been teaching Suminagashi for 20 years, having started in 2002. She has been studying and practicing the ancient art of marbling over 2 decades, and is a member of the Sumi-E Society. Ms. Martinez provides Suminagashi instruction at the Botanic Garden in Glencoe, workshops for the Sumi-E Society, Gilda’s Club and individual lessons. The Artist believes the spiritual practice of Suminagashi teaches the importance of self expression, provides the mystery of an undetermined result and includes the use of various techniques to challenge the imagination.

Way of the Horse Sumi-e Classes (Sundays)
2026-03-08 10:30 - 12:30 | IL
Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).

About this Event
The Way of the Horse
4-Week Course
Sunday: Dates: March: 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: Sundays 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM CST Central Time (US ) Please check your Time Zone
Introduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and painting.Each class begins with a Zen lesson followed by breath and hand exercises.
Demonstration of the “Vocabulary of strokes” followed by step-by-step guided instruction on how to paint “The Way of The Horse” using Calligraphy Strokes for shape and line, Anatomy, and step by step exercises to tap into the “spirit” of the Horse.
Int & Adv. will focus on composing paintings using Paper from The Advanced Paper Roll. Advanced Students will be provided individualized guidance, work at their own pace discovering “idea” paintings and advanced techniques.
All levels are welcome, plan to let go and have fun while learning a few new stroke techniques.
If you need course materials a full sumi-e kit is available here.
The following brushes are recommended by Larkin Green Sensei:

Full Lotus Brush
Double Happiness

The following paper is recommended: Paper Roll Advanced Paper Roll Beginning Tutorial Lessons are on YouTube.
Please subscribe to Larkin Green Studio YouTube Channel. New lessons will be added on a regular basis
Sunday: Dates: March: 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: Sundays 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM CST Central Time (US ) Please check your Time Zone
A Zoom link to join the class will be provided upon registering in the Eventbrite confirmation email.
*Registration closes one hour prior to the class time.

Way of the Horse Sumi-e Classes (Tuesdays)
2026-03-10 15:00 - 17:00 | IL
Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).

About this Event
The Way of the Horse
4-Week Course
Tuesdays: Dates – March 10, 17, 24, 31
Time: Tuesdays 3 AM – 5 PM CST Central Time (US ) Please check your Time Zone
Introduction to an appreciation of Chinese/Japanese calligraphy and painting.Each class begins with a Zen lesson followed by breath and hand exercises. Demonstration of the “Vocabulary of strokes” followed by step-by-step guided instruction on how to paint “The Way of The Horse” using Calligraphy Strokes for shape and line, Anatomy, and step by step exercises to tap into the “spirit” of the Horse.Int & Adv. will focus on composing paintings using Paper from The Advanced Paper Roll. Advanced Students will be provided individualized guidance, work at their own pace discovering “idea” paintings and advanced techniques.
All levels are welcome, plan to let go and have fun while learning a few new stroke techniques.
If you need course materials a full sumi-e kit is available here.
The following brushes are recommended by Larkin Green Sensei:

Full Lotus Brush
Double Happiness

The following paper is recommended: Paper Roll Advanced Paper Roll Beginning Tutorial Lessons are on YouTube.
Please subscribe to Larkin Green Studio YouTube Channel. New lessons will be added on a regular basis
Tuesdays: Dates – March 10, 17, 24, 31
Time: Tuesdays 3 AM – 5 PM CST Central Time (US ) Please check your Time Zone
A Zoom link to join the class will be provided upon registering in the Eventbrite confirmation email.
*Registration closes one hour prior to the class time.

Japanese Bookbinding & Goshuinchō Workshop
2026-03-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Japanese Culture Center, 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Join us for a Japanese bookbinding & temple stamp book (Goshuinchō) Workshop

Explore the beauty and cultural depth of traditional Japanese bookmaking in this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn two classic binding techniques—Yotsume Toji (four-hole binding) and Kikkō Toji (tortoise-shell binding)—methods that have been used for centuries for notebooks, manuscripts, and artist books in Japan.
The workshop also features a special introduction to the Goshuinchō, the traditional Japanese temple and shrine stamp book. Used to collect goshuin—beautiful hand-stamped seals received during visits to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples—these books have deep spiritual roots and have become beloved keepsakes for travelers. Participants will create a simple accordion-style Goshuinchō using Japanese paper.
By the end of the workshop, each participant will leave with three handmade books:
• A Yotsume Toji book
• A Kikkō Toji book
• A handmade Goshuinchō (temple stamp book)
All materials are provided, and the workshop is beginner-friendly and welcoming to all levels.
No experience required. All supplies included.

About the instructor:
Mami Takahashi is a Japanese multidisciplinary artist and a scholar working both in Chicago and Tokyo. She received her MFA in Contemporary Studio Practice from Portland State University in 2013 and earned a BFA in Japanese Painting from Joshibi University of Art and Design in Japan. For more details, visit https://mamitakahashi.art/
With ongoing artistic research, practice, and teaching, Takahashi explores different approaches to actualize Japanese aesthetics to enhance cultural perspectives to many U.S. communities. Takahashi also aims to connect Japan and communities in Chicago by teaching traditional and modern art-making techniques.

Virtual Introduction to Japanese Language
2026-03-12 18:00 - 19:00 | IL
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 ⇰ $150.00 per student (textbook NOT included)
‣ Duration ⇰ Five weeks (one hour every Saturday)
‣ Instructor ⇰ Mieko Fujii Sensei
Please note exact class dates for the class:
Thursday Class Dates: 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2 & 4/9.
*Students must register before 3/10 to join the class.
**MATERIALS: All students should purchase “Japanese for Busy People Book 1: Romanized: Revised 4th Edition.”
This textbook IS NOT included in the class price. All students are responsible for locating and purchasing this book on their own.
REGISTER:
Please consider registering as soon as possible as space is very limited. Classes are usually full up to one month prior to the start date.
Classes are recommended for students 16+.
The Japanese Culture Center does not provide refunds. We thank you for your understanding.
*Once you register, you will receive an Eventbrite confirmation email which will include a “View Now” button that will take you to the Zoom link to join. Please reach out if you do not receive this email or have trouble accessing the Zoom link.
**Registration will close one hour prior to the class.

Reiki Power of Touch
2026-03-13 17:00 - 18:00 | IL
Reiki Healing Power of Touch

Event Description
Touch is a quiet yet profound force that shapes our physical, emotional, and relationa well-being. It influences how we feel, how we connect, and how we function in everyday life. As one of the most fundamental human forms of communication, touch helps build trust, deepen understanding, and even enhance collaboration and teamwork. Modern research also highlights the scientific basis for this natural instinct. Supportive touch can help reduce stress, regulate the nervous system, and foster a sense of safety and connection.
In this one-hour session, we will explore how Reiki’s gentle touch amplifies these innate benefits. Participants are invited to experience the grounding, balancing, and restorative qualities of Reiki through gentle hands-on (or hands-near) practices that support clarity, calm, well-being, and a greater sense of flow in life. This will also be an opportunity to learn more about Reiki and ask as many questions as you may have. All are welcome.
About the teacher
Veronique Frede is a certified Reiki Teacher/Practitioner in the Japanese lineage “Usui Reiki Ryoho”. Originally from France, Ms. Frede has been studying and practicing Reiki in various parts of the world and settings since 2008. Aside from her private practice, Ms. Frede has worked and volunteered in a hospital, a cancer wellness center, yoga studios, a senior living community among other places. Those experiences have led her to gain a more practical understanding of the mid-body connection in relationship with life in general, and wellness in particular. Ms. Frede became a Reiki Teacher at the Japanese Culture Center in Chicago in 2019 offering her the opportunity to deepen her understanding of the Japanese arts and ways including Japanese calligraphy and Zen.
Ms. Frede has been exploring both traditional and more contemporary approaches to the practice of Reiki. She has pursued these varied interests in the US as well as in Europe, and Japan where Reiki originates from. Ms. Frede believes in continuous practice and learning. She is a student of Frans Stiene, founder of the International House of Reiki, and a graduate from the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP) from the Awareness Training Institute and the Greater Good Science Center at University of California Berkeley with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. For more information, please visit Veronique’s website at www.moonstonesanctuary.com

Ikebana Ohara Ryu [2-Week Session]
2026-03-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Japanese Culture Center, 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Join us for an in-person 2-week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.

Join us for an Ohara Ryu 2-week Ikebana Session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.
Dates: March 14, & 21
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 seeking to refine your skills, this session offers a unique opportunity to delve into the harmonious world of Ikebana.
-Kenzan, container and flowers will be provided and may be taken home.
-Scissors provided.
-Session is open to all levels and no experience is necessary.Minimum 3 Students
Yuko Inoue Darcy
Since 2005, Ms. Inoue-Darcy has been teaching Ikebana throughout Chicagoland. She is a member of and an instructor in the Ohara School of Ikebana, both in Japan and in the U.S. Originally from Japan, Ms. Inoue-Darcy practiced Ikebana, Tea Ceremony and Incense Ceremony from a young age. Ms. Inoue-Darcy moved to the U.S. where she received a Master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Washington University in St. Louis, where she was also an instructor of Japanese Language. In 1994, she accepted a teaching position at West Side High School, a public high school in Gary, Indiana, striving to inspire and nurture students with Japanese art, culture and language.
Ms. Inoue-Darcy has traveled to more than 20 countries, exploring her curiosity about each country’s indigenous plants, flowers and arrangement styles.Currently, Ms. Inoue-Darcy is an active Ikebana lecturer, exhibitor, and demonstrator who travels nationally and internationally. She teaches regularly at the Japanese American Service Committee, the Evanston Art Center, the Japanese Culture Center, as well as at her own studio in Lincoln Park. Her principal teachers are the late Hougyoku Hirai, the late Kazuko Ernst, and Houhatsu Takeuchi. Ms. Inoue-Darcy is a President of the Ohara School of Ikebana Chicago Chapter.

Ikebana Ohara Ryu [1 Day Workshop]
2026-03-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Japanese Culture Center, 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Join us for an in-person 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 seeking to refine your skills, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to delve into the harmonious world of Ikebana.
-Container and flowers will be provided and may be taken home.
-Scissors provided.
-Class is open to all levels and no experience is necessary.Minimum 3 Students
Yuko Inoue Darcy
Since 2005, Ms. Inoue-Darcy has been teaching Ikebana throughout Chicagoland. She is a member of and an instructor in the Ohara School of Ikebana, both in Japan and in the U.S. Originally from Japan, Ms. Inoue-Darcy practiced Ikebana, Tea Ceremony and Incense Ceremony from a young age. Ms. Inoue-Darcy moved to the U.S. where she received a Master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Washington University in St. Louis, where she was also an instructor of Japanese Language. In 1994, she accepted a teaching position at West Side High School, a public high school in Gary, Indiana, striving to inspire and nurture students with Japanese art, culture and language.
Ms. Inoue-Darcy has traveled to more than 20 countries, exploring her curiosity about each country’s indigenous plants, flowers and arrangement styles.Currently, Ms. Inoue-Darcy is an active Ikebana lecturer, exhibitor, and demonstrator who travels nationally and internationally. She teaches regularly at the Japanese American Service Committee, the Evanston Art Center, the Japanese Culture Center, as well as at her own studio in Lincoln Park. Her principal teachers are the late Hougyoku Hirai, the late Kazuko Ernst, and Houhatsu Takeuchi. Ms. Inoue-Darcy is a President of the Ohara School of Ikebana Chicago Chapter.

Ikebana Ohara Ryu [1 Day Workshop]
2026-03-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Heritage Museum of Asian Art, 3500 South Morgan Street, #3rd Fl, Chicago, IL, 60609, United States
Join us for an in-person an Ohara Ryu Ikebana workshop at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.

Join us for an Ohara Ryu Ikebana Workshop at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art!
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 seeking to refine your skills, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to delve into the harmonious world of Ikebana.
-Container and flowers will be provided and may be taken home.
-Scissors provided.
-Class is open to all levels and no experience is necessary.
-Minimum of 10 Students / registration due by MAR 4, 20226.
Yuko Inoue Darcy
Since 2005, Ms. Inoue-Darcy has been teaching Ikebana throughout Chicagoland. She is a member of and an instructor in the Ohara School of Ikebana, both in Japan and in the U.S. Originally from Japan, Ms. Inoue-Darcy practiced Ikebana, Tea Ceremony and Incense Ceremony from a young age. Ms. Inoue-Darcy moved to the U.S. where she received a Master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Washington University in St. Louis, where she was also an instructor of Japanese Language. In 1994, she accepted a teaching position at West Side High School, a public high school in Gary, Indiana, striving to inspire and nurture students with Japanese art, culture and language.
Ms. Inoue-Darcy has traveled to more than 20 countries, exploring her curiosity about each country’s indigenous plants, flowers and arrangement styles.Currently, Ms. Inoue-Darcy is an active Ikebana lecturer, exhibitor, and demonstrator who travels nationally and internationally. She teaches regularly at the Japanese American Service Committee, the Evanston Art Center, the Japanese Culture Center, as well as at her own studio in Lincoln Park. Her principal teachers are the late Hougyoku Hirai, the late Kazuko Ernst, and Houhatsu Takeuchi. Ms. Inoue-Darcy is a President of the Ohara School of Ikebana Chicago Chapter.

Sonic Sanctuary: Gong Wash Sound Therapy
2026-03-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Japanese Culture Center, 2940 N Lincoln Ave Unit 2, Chicago, IL 60657, Chicago, IL, 60657, US
Get Tickets Here

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 of tones and frequencies, revitalizing your mind, body, heart, energy, and spirit.
Prepare to lay down, fully relax, and allow the therapeutic sounds to sweep you away on a profound journey of inner transformation. Immerse yourself in this 90-minute vibrational sonic experience, and witness the cleansing, clearing, calming, and invigorating effects it bestows upon your body and mind. Feel your energetic state transition into a deeper sense of calm, clarity, and contentment as the gentle waves of sound envelop you. Embrace the flow and delve into the depths of this transient and transformative encounter.
What Awaits You:
A full gong immersion to release emotional, energetic & physical blockages
– Three Sacred Gongs: The life-giving Sun Gong attuned to OM, the balancing Atlantis Gong for emotional clarity, and the heart-centered Blue Stargate Gong, resonant with Earth’s frequency
– Energetic alignment to reset your nervous system and expand awareness
Reflection & integration to anchor your experience and intentions
– Allow these frequencies to awaken your inner stillness, dissolve stagnant energies, and open the door to profound healing.
Benefits of Sound Bath Serenity: Gong Wash Meditation
– shift brainwaves and states of consciousness
– clear blockages in the energetic centers
– release tension in the physical body
– deep relaxation
– enhanced meditation
– release of Emotional Blockages
– Increased Awareness
– promote physical healing
– bring harmony and balance to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
Instructor/ Facilitator:
Simon Jay Cervania is the Founder of the Harmonic Waves Healing Accredited Certification Program. Using vibrations as a therapeutic tool, Jay facilitates live sound journey gong washes and teaches certification programs on sound and vibration therapy. He is a multifaceted and talented artist, a painter of visionary art and a musician with over 15 years’ experience with a focus on holistic health, brainwave entrainment, biofield energy therapy, energetic trauma release, and is a Reiki Master Teacher. Originally from the Philippines, Jay is currently based in the Chicago area, where he leads classes, workshops, and mindful conscious community events that are focused on healing modalities, sound and vibration therapy, ceremonies, and shamanic healing. Jay travels and works with various cultural and wellness centers, yoga studios, and holistic healing spaces.
Please Note:
Come dressed comfortably. Bring your yoga mat, pillows, bolsters, an eye pillow… anything that will help you relax.

*limited space, register now to reserve your spot

Origami Crane Workshop
2026-03-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Konbini and Kanpai, 1433 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60657, 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 “perfect” origami crane, with “perfect” in quotations because as with all art, there is no such thing as perfection. During this hour and a half lesson, you will learn the foundations of origami and gain all the skills needed to strive toward mastering the art of folding a paper crane.
A variety of paper will be provided. Space is extremely limited at this event so register quickly! This event will be held at Konbini & Kanpai with a one drink minimum (drinks are not included with purchase of a ticket.)
The event will be hosted at Konbini & Kanpai located at 3443 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 on Wednesday, March 18th at 6:00pm.
Let’s get ready to fold!
Instructor Bio
Ty Yamamoto is a Chicago-based filmmaker, photographer and Japanese teacher with a passion for the art of folding paper. Ever since childhood, Ty has loved folding all sorts of intricate paper creations. Over the past year, Ty has taught origami lessons to people of all ages, bringing the traditional Japanese art form to households all over the world.
Konbini & Kanpai
Whether it’s an everyday family dinner, monumental milestone, or just making it to the end of a long day, tasty cold beers or sippable wines have been intertwined throughout our lives’ big and small celebrations. We remember the refreshing cider we had while apple picking in Michigan and discovering our love for Sauvignon Blanc wines during our three-week road trip around southern New Zealand. We wanted to combine these experiences with our love of the Japanese convenient store (aka Konbini) to create our friendly alchohol store in Lakeview — a neighborhood we call home. Come stop by, say hi, and explore our craft beers, wines, sakes, and non-alcoholic beverage offerings! Organized by flavor so your taste buds or our knowledgeable staff can easily guide you. Kanpai (cheers in Japanese)!

Kintsugi for Beginners
2026-03-20 18:30 - 21:00 | Japanese Culture Center, 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.

Kintsugi for Beginners 6:30-9pm on Friday, 3/20
Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese lacquer / Urushi art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. Urushi is the natural resin collected from the lacquer tree. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break rather than erasing it and emphasizes that the break is what makes ceramics more valuable. The beginner’s Kintsugi process focuses on understanding the basic technique of Kintsugi on a small porcelain plate or a small ceramic plate, which will be provided by the instructor, to understand the fundamentals of this process.
Here is a quote about Kintsugi from Linda Muller, a certified life coach:
“Kintsugi is based on the philosophy that breakage and repair are something to celebrate – embracing flaws and imperfections creates a stronger and more beautiful piece of art. Using this as a metaphor for healing ourselves teaches us an important lesson: Sometimes in the process of repairing what feels broken, we become more unique, beautiful, and resilient. Kintsugi can be a way to reframe personal challenges. Reminding us that we’re not a victim of our circumstances. Showing us that we can come out on the other side stronger.”
In this beginner’s workshop, participants will learn the basic technique of Kintsugi on a small porcelain plate or a small ceramic plate, which the instructor will provide, to understand the fundamentals of this process. All materials, including adhesives in the workshop, will be food-safe. We will also use an artificial Urushi (the natural resin/glue collected from the lacquer tree) sap for this beginner’s class, which is safe to touch without allergic reactions.
In the “Kintsugi for Beginners” workshop, epoxy putty will be used in addition to the ceramic glue. These materials may make the students’ fingers sticky, and some remnants of epoxy might also stay on their fingers for a few days. There will be finger covers for students to use, but often, that makes working with these materials a bit difficult.
This class will use epoxy putty in addition to the ceramic glue. This may make the students’ fingers sticky, and some remnants of epoxy might also stay on their fingers for a few days. I have finger covers and gloves for students to use in case anyone needs it
About the instructor:
Mami Takahashi is a Japanese multidisciplinary artist and a scholar working both in Chicago and Tokyo. She received her MFA in Contemporary Studio Practice from Portland State University in 2013 and earned a BFA in Japanese Painting from Joshibi University of Art and Design in Japan. For more details, visit https://mamitakahashi.art/
With ongoing artistic research, practice, and teaching, Takahashi explores different approaches to actualize Japanese aesthetics to enhance cultural perspectives to many U.S. communities. Takahashi also aims to connect Japan and communities in Chicago by teaching traditional and modern art-making techniques.

Reiki Spring Renewal
2026-03-21 11:00 - 12:00 | IL
Reiki Spring Renewal – Unfolding New Possibilities

Reiki Spring Renewal – Unfolding New Possibilities
Step into the vibrant, uplifting energy of spring with this Reiki group session designed to support renewal, gentle clearing, and the blossoming of new possibilities.Through Reiki flow, mindful breathwork, and guided visualization, you are invited to stretch out of winter’s stillness, awaken your inner light, and reconnect with a sense of inspiration and growth.
This one-hour session encourages you to experience renewal not as effort, but as a natural unfolding—like buds opening to the sun. As stagnant energy clears and the body–mind reawakens, clarity, creativity, and vitality can emerge with ease. Whether you are seeking emotional refreshment, a sense of new beginnings, or simply a moment to reconnect with your inner spark, this session offers a fresh pathway into openness, expansion, and revitalized energy.
All are welcome—no prerequisite. Please join from a quiet, comfortable space, seated on a chair or on the floor. Have water available for the end of the session.
About the teacher
Veronique Frede is a certified Reiki Teacher/Practitioner in the Japanese lineage “Usui Reiki Ryoho”. Originally from France, Ms. Frede has been studying and practicing Reiki in various parts of the world and settings since 2008. Aside from her private practice, Ms. Frede has worked and volunteered in a hospital, a cancer wellness center, yoga studios, a senior living community among other places. Those experiences have led her to gain a more practical understanding of the mid-body connection in relationship with life in general, and wellness in particular. Ms. Frede became a Reiki Teacher at the Japanese Culture Center in Chicago in 2019 offering her the opportunity to deepen her understanding of the Japanese arts and ways including Japanese calligraphy and Zen. Ms. Frede has been exploring both traditional and more contemporary approaches to the practice of Reiki. She has pursued these varied interests in the US as well as in Europe, and Japan where Reiki originates from. Ms. Frede believes in continuous practice and learning. She is a student of Frans Stiene, founder of the International House of Reiki, and a graduate from the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP) from the Awareness Training Institute and the Greater Good Science Center at University of California Berkeley with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. For more information, please visit Veronique’s website at www.moonstonesanctuary.com

Japanese Papermaking
2026-03-21 15:30 - 17:30 | 2940 N Lincoln Ave unit 2, 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, #unit 2, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Learn the art of Japanese Papermaking with Takahashi Sensei!

Japanese Papermaking Workshop
At this papermaking 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 like Shoji screens and folding fans. Participants will decorate the wet fibers after scooping them from a fibered water container. The instructor will supply all materials. All levels are welcome to enjoy this workshop!
For ages 7 years & up.
5 student minimum
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 Institute for Contemporary Art, Portland, OR; San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco; DANK Haus, Chicago, IL; The International Museum of Art, El Paso, TX; Southern Alberta Art Gallery, Alberta, Canada; Gwangju Folk Art Museum, Gwangju, Korea; Instituto Municipal del Arte la Cultura, DG Mexico and Toriizaka Art Gallery, Tokyo, among other venues. She holds an MFA from Portland State University and a BFA from Joshibi University of Art and Design, Kanagawa. Takahashi is a recipient of the Ford Family Award for MASS MoCA residency and the Pacific Northwest College of Art+Leland Iron Work residency.
Tickets are non-refundable.

Gyotaku - Fish Rubbing
2026-03-28 15:30 - 17:30 | Japanese Culture Center, 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Join Gyotaku instructor, Robert Chenoweth for a 2-hour fish printing class where you will make
prints of real fish & octopus to take home!

Join us for Gyotaku – Fish Ink Printing!
Date: Sat MAR 28, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Japanese Culture Center
Come and learn the traditional Japanese art of Gyotaku (魚拓 -ink rubbing of a fish; (making a) fish print; (taking a) fish impression), where you can create beautiful prints using real fish and ink. This hands-on workshop will teach you the techniques and history behind this unique art form. No experience necessary, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!
Don’t miss out on this fun and educational event!
Instructor: Robert Chenoweth has been teaching the Gyotaku art form for over 8 years and his works have been exhibited in galleries throughout the Midwest. Renowned for his unique Gyotaku collection, Robert is an innovator of the art form, having developed an inkless method that allows for vibrant and detailed prints without the mess and cleanup of traditional inks.
A member of the Nature Printing Society, Japanese Arts Society of America, and the East Asian Arts Group, Robert travels the country promoting and educating on the Gyotaku art form.
“Gyotaku is more than just a printing technique; it’s a way to connect with nature and capture the beauty of aquatic life.”
The class maximum is 15 and the minimum is 6.

Novice Bonsai 102
2026-04-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Japanese Culture Center, 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, 60657, United States
Study the art of bonsai at the Japanese Culture Center!

Novice Bonsai 102
Take your bonsai journey to the next level with our Bonsai 102 Novice Workshop, a deeper dive into the design, form, and science behind this living art. Hosted at your favorite local breweries and coffee shops, this elevated experience is perfect for returning students and plant lovers ready to explore bonsai beyond the basics.
You’ll work with Serissa, a larger pre-bonsai tree, learn foundational plant physiology, practice aesthetic principles and structural wiring to shape your tree with intention. We’ll also explore how moss and final presentation complete the design. You do NOT have to take 101 Beginner Bonsai to enjoy this workshop! No prior experience required—but curiosity and creativity are highly encouraged.

Instructor Bio
Carmeanna is an experienced operator, instructor and performance artist. Our resident Bonsai enthusiast, she has extensive experience building fun yet educational curriculums for all age groups. While her bonsai experience in practice is a decade long, her love of the art dates back to childhood.She is a Member of the Midwest Bonsai Society, Prairie State Bonsai Society and holds a B.A. in communications, with a theater minor. She resides in Chicago, IL.
