More Things Japanese  Hands-On Art Workshops & Reception More Things Japanese is an encyclopedic exhibition that showcases the richness and diversity of traditional Japanese art, spanning from the 6th–7th centuries through the 18th–19th centuries. Featuring a wide array of historical objects—including ceramics, textiles, paintings, woodblock prints, and religious artifacts—this exhibition invites audiences to engage more […]

Learn to fold Cherry Blossom Origami!Fold delicate cherry blossoms that capture the lightness of spring. Create a small cluster or arrangement using soft, seasonal papers. A calming, creative session that results in something subtle, elegant, and perfect for gifting or display.

Continue learning 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! Please note that this class will be starting from Chapter 2 of the […]

Experience the Beauty of the Japanese Seasons Discover the beauty of traditional Japanese sweets in this hands-on Nerikiri workshop. Wagashi are delicate confections that reflect the changing seasons of Japan and are traditionally served during Japanese tea ceremonies. In this workshop, you will learn how to shape and color Nerikiri, one of the most artistic […]

Introduction to Japanese Tea Ceremony The Japanese Culture Center is excited to announce the next introductory course on Chanoyu/Tea Ceremony! General Information: Class Dates : Fridays – April 10, April 17, April 24 & May 1. 7:30 pm – 9pm $120 per student Business casual attire and white socks are required 4 students maximum Introductory […]

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 SenseiPlease note exact class dates for the class:Saturday Class Dates: 4/11, 4/18, […]

Make your own Matcha Bowl! Make your own Matcha Bowl! Dates: April 11 & 18, 5-6:30pmCost: $75Dive into the art of East Asian pottery by hand-building your own matcha bowl! Mold your creative expressionism with every sip you take using a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind chawan, combining traditional techniques with your personal individualism.Sign up for an immersive […]

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 Plum Blossom Path4-Week CourseSundays: April 12, 19, 26, & May 3 (Please note 4/5 NO Class)Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM CST Central Time (US ) Please check your Time ZoneWhat to expect:Foundations of […]

Join artist Pamela Martinez for a 2 hour introduction to Orizomegami, Japanese art of decorating papers by folding and dying them.About Orizomegami:Absorbent paper is folded and then dyed to produce interesting geometrical patterns when the paper is unfolded as practiced in Japan and around the world for centuries. Zen like in its folding, the ancient […]

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 SenseiPlease note exact class dates for the class:Thursday Class Dates: 4/16, 4/23, […]

Come learn the basics of Kendo in this hands-on workshop!Join us for an immersive look into the world of Kendo. We will explore its history, basic terminology, and the unique culture of the Kendo community. Participants will get a hands-on experience learning fundamental strikes and footwork, followed by a live demonstration of a match.*Note to […]

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 […]

Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: APR 19Time: 2:30-4:30pmLocation: Japanese Culture CenterNumber of Students: 10 StudentsNumber of Classes: one workshopLength: 2 hoursCost: $80.00Registration Deadline: Two weeks prior to workshop date.If the 10 student minimum is not met, registration will be moved to the next workshopPlease take this […]

Come and learn the seasonal art of e-tegami at Gaijin! CLASS DESCRIPTION: E-tegami, meaning “picture letter” (e=picture, tegami=letter), is a form of Japanese mail art. At its simplest, you’ll create an ink drawing of a seasonal object on a watercolor postcard. At its most complex, this activity allows us to slow down and mindfully contemplate […]

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, […]

Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi teaches us that scars are part of the story — not something to hide, but something to honor. As we repair, we reflect. As we mend, we transform.”In this 2.5-hour session, students will learn and apply the modern Kintsugi method using food-safe […]

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 […]

Experience the first plum blossom viewing since the reopening of the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool with the Japanese Culture Center! Umemi: Plum Blossom Viewing at the Lily Pool Presented by the Japanese Culture Center in collaboration with the Lincoln Park Conservancy. This FREE event is inspired by the Japanese tradition of plum blossom viewing (umemi […]

Learn the art of Kintsugi with artifact restoration expert Mami Takahashi.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 […]

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, APR 26Class Dates: Apr. 26, May […]

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 […]

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 […]

Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi teaches us that scars are part of the story — not something to hide, but something to honor. As we repair, we reflect. As we mend, we transform.”In this 2.5-hour session, students will learn and apply the modern Kintsugi method using food-safe […]

Come and learn the seasonal art of e-tegami! Come and learn the seasonal art of e-tegami! E-tegami means picture letter (e=picture, tegami= letter) and is a kind of Japanese mail art. At its simplest, you will make an ink drawing of a seasonal object onto a watercolor postcard. At its most complex, this activity allows […]

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 […]

Study the art of bonsai at the Japanese Culture Center! Discover the perfect blend of creativity and relaxation with our beginner bonsai workshops. Whether you’re a seasoned bonsai enthusiast or a curious beginner, our workshops provide all the materials and guidance you need to create your own miniature living art with the Japanese principles of […]

Mother’s Day Origami Dress Workshop!Celebrate Mother’s Day with a charming origami dress—elegant, feminine, and gift-ready. Work with beautiful patterned papers to create something personal, whether for someone special or yourself. A relaxed, feel-good session that leaves you with a keepsake you’ll actually want to display or gift.

Continue learning 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! Please note that this class will be starting from Chapter 2 of the […]

Join us for a hands-on introduction to Ukiyo-e style Japanese woodblock printing. Join us for a hands-on introduction to Ukiyo-e style Japanese woodblock printing inspired by the bold imagery of Kabuki heroes and samurai culture. No prior experience is necessary—beginners and all levels are welcome. In this one-time workshop, participants will explore the fundamentals of […]

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 SenseiPlease note exact class dates for the class:Thursday Class Dates: 5/21, 5/28, […]

Reiki Level I Shoden: In-person certification training in May Traditional Japanese Reiki I/Shoden Training About this event REIKI LEVEL I - SHODEN CLASS A 10-hour Reiki certification class in the Japanese form of Reiki the "Usui Reiki Ryoho". Class Dates: 2 Fridays, May 22 and May 29 from 12PM to 5PM. Students are expected to […]

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: Saturday 5/23 & 5/30 from 10:00-11:30amSign up for an immersive experience for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner eager to discover the […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 Yotsume Toji (four-hole binding), a classic Japanese stab binding technique that has been used for centuries for notebooks, manuscripts, and artist books. The workshop also introduces […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 Yotsume Toji (four-hole binding), a classic Japanese stab binding technique that has been used for centuries for notebooks, manuscripts, and artist books. The workshop also introduces […]

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 […]

Experience the Beauty of Early Summer in Japan: Hydrangea Nerikiri June in Japan marks the beginning of the rainy season, known as tsuyu. During this time, hydrangeas bloom in beautiful shades of blue, purple, and pink, creating a soft and tranquil atmosphere across gardens and temples. The gentle rain and vibrant flowers make this season […]

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 […]

Anyone who took the Kinstugi for Beginners workshop is welcome to take this small group advanced Kintsugi session.For those who have completed Kintsugi for Beginners and wish to deepen their practice, this small-group, four-session course offers an immersive experience in the traditional Japanese Kintsugi method. Over four weeks (two hours per session), participants will work […]

Learn the art of Kintsugi with artifact restoration expert Mami Takahashi. 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 […]

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 […]

Join us for an in-person Mt. Fuji-themed woodblock Printing Course! No experience is necessary. All levels are welcome. Description: This introductory workshop introduces students to the processes of Japanese block printmaking focusing on inking and printing. In this one-time workshop, students will experience basic carvings and print the one-block printmaking process with a Mt. Fuji-theme […]

Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Learn the art of Kintsugi with artifact restoration expert Mami Takahashi.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 […]

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 […]

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 Yotsume Toji (four-hole binding), a classic Japanese stab binding technique that has been used for centuries for notebooks, manuscripts, and artist books. The workshop also introduces […]

Learn the art of Kintsugi with artifact restoration expert Mami Takahashi. 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Study the art of bonsai at the Japanese Culture Center! Discover the perfect blend of creativity and relaxation with our beginner bonsai workshops. Whether you’re a seasoned bonsai enthusiast or a curious beginner, our workshops provide all the materials and guidance you need to create your own miniature living art with the Japanese principles of […]

Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Learn the art of Kintsugi with artifact restoration expert Mami Takahashi.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 […]

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 Yotsume Toji (four-hole binding), a classic Japanese stab binding technique that has been used for centuries for notebooks, manuscripts, and artist books. The workshop also introduces […]

Get Tickets Here Join us for a hands-on introduction to Ukiyo-e style Japanese woodblock printing,inspired by scenes of everyday life during the warm summer months in Edo-period Japan. No prior experience is necessary—beginners and all levels are welcome In this workshop, participants will explore the basic processes of Japanese woodblock printmaking, focusing on carving, inking, […]

Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Learn the art of Kintsugi with artifact restoration expert Mami Takahashi.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 […]

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 […]

Learn the art of Japanese Papermaking with Takahashi Sensei!Japanese Papermaking WorkshopAt 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 […]

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 […]