Upcoming Events
The Japanese Culture Center hosts a wide variety of classes, events, and demonstrations to explore the rich cultural heritage of artists and creators worldwide. Come join us for an immersive experience right in the heart of Chicago!
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List of Events
Virtual Introduction to Japanese Language
Learn Japanese in this six-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 ⇰ Six weeks (one hour every Thursday)‣ Instructor ⇰ Mieko Fujii SenseiPlease note exact class dates for the class: Thursday Class Dates: 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2 & 12/9Class will NOT MEET on 11/24 during the week of Thanksgiving.**MATERIALS: All students should purchase "Japanese for Busy…
Virtual Introduction to Japanese Language
Learn Japanese in this six-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 ⇰ Six weeks (one hour every Saturday)‣ Instructor ⇰ Mieko Fujii SenseiPlease note exact class dates for the class:Saturdays: 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4 & 12/11Class will NOT MEET on 11/26 during the week of Thanksgiving.**MATERIALS: All students should purchase "Japanese for Busy People I (Romanized version)."This…
Virtual Introduction to Origami Lessons
Learn the Japanese art of paper folding! **$5 – $10 suggested donation****$5 - $10 suggested donation**Origami Class DescriptionFrom cranes to flowers to cute little boxes, origami is the Japanese art of paper folding that allows you to create anything your heart desires! Come join us for beginner classes on Saturdays. See you there!Materials Needed1 or 2 square pieces of paper will be needed. You can copy origami paper from here.Instructor BioTy Yamamoto is a Chicago-based filmmaker, photographer and Japanese teacher…
Virtual Teens’ Beginner Japanese Language I
Let's learn to write and speak Japanese with everyday vocabulary and grammar!**Registration will end at noon on Friday before the first class. Please register before then to reserve your space in the class.**Class Dates:7 weeks, Sundays 10 :00 - 11:30 AMOct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21, Dec 5, Dec 12, Dec 19Class PrerequisitesAges 11 - 15Class Topics:Hiragana, katakana, pronunciation, self-introduction ,numbers, ages, school/work, basic sentences, essay writingClass Location: Online via Google Meet. The chatroom info and other necessary…
Teens’ Beginner Japanese III
Let's learn to write and speak Japanese with everyday vocabulary and grammar!**For students ages 11 - 15*****Please note that classes will be held virtually via Google Meet*****Registration will end at noon on Saturday before the first class. Please register before then to reserve your space in the class.**Class Dates:7 weeks, Sundays 12 - 1:30PM. Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21, Dec 5, Dec 12, Dec 19Class Topics:More verbs; participle verb conjugation; na-adjectives; expressing wants and thoughts; greetings; feelingsClass…
Virtual Teens’ Beginner Japanese Language II
Continue to learn how to write and speak Japanese with everyday vocabulary and grammar!**Registration will end at noon on Saturday before the first class. Please register before then to reserve your space in the class.**Teens' Beginner Japanese II Schedule7 weeks, Sundays 1:30- 3:00PM. Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21, Dec 5, Dec 12, Dec 19$188Class Prerequisites:Ages 11 - 15Class Topics:i-adjectives, future/general verb conjugation, particles, some common verbs, basic sentences with verbsClass Location:Online via Google Meet. The chatroom info…
Reiki Level I Shoden Class November
Reiki Level I Shoden: In-person certification training in JanuaryREIKI LEVEL I - SHODEN10-hour certification training in traditional Japanese Reiki: “Usui Reiki Ryoho”Class Dates: Fridays November 5, 12, 19, 26 & December 3 at the JCC from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PMParticipants need to attend all sessions to certify.Please wear a face mask when you come to the Center. This class has a minimum of two students, if the minimum is not met students will be transferred to the next month's…
November Japanese Handheld Weapons Class
Meifu Shinkage-ryu includes several specialized weapon skills that can be traced to the ancient Samurai in Japan.Event DescriptionThis class will meet on Saturday November 6th and 20th at 7:00am for two hours. This class will be meeting in person at the center. Masks are required for students who are unvaccinated. Meifu Shinkage-ryu includes several specialized weapon skills that can be traced to the ancient Samurai in Japan. Many of the weapon skills taught in Meifu Shinkage-ryu were once kept as…
Virtual Introduction to Origami Lessons
Learn the Japanese art of paper folding! **$5 – $10 suggested donation****$5 - $10 suggested donation**Origami Class DescriptionFrom cranes to flowers to cute little boxes, origami is the Japanese art of paper folding that allows you to create anything your heart desires! Come join us for beginner classes on Saturdays. See you there!Materials Needed1 or 2 square pieces of paper will be needed. You can copy origami paper from here.Instructor BioTy Yamamoto is a Chicago-based filmmaker, photographer and Japanese teacher…
Virtual Integral Stretch Sequence Workshop
Improve posture and relieve physical discomfort with this introductory workshopIntegral Stretch Sequence Zoom Workshop - Improve posture and relieve physical discomfort and experience a noticeable physical difference with this introductory workshop.The Integral Stretch Sequence is a series of stretches that work together, gradually opening the pelvis, spine and belly resulting in improved flexibility and structural alignment. The sequence is particularly helpful for those who are working with chronic pain, chronic spinal and pelvic conditions and other physical issues including postural…
Virtual November Haiku Class
The JCC is pleased to host a virtual Haiku Workshop taught by Sensei Seiyo, Buddhist lay minister and resident Haiku Master.Event DescriptionThe upcoming haiku class will focus on bringing your "snapshots" alive - those moments that happen every day that go unnoticed due to the demands of life. Join us on this Path to awaken and return to the beginner's mind where everything is fresh, new, and possible.Each class in this series will be an hour and a half. The…
Virtual November Introduction to Nihon Buyo Workshops (Japanese Dance)
Join us for a 3 part introductory workshop on Japanese Classical Dance (Nihon Buyo)Introduction to Nihon Buyo WorkshopThis virtual introductory workshop for Japanese Classical Dance, (Nihon Buyo) will provide basic history/origins of Japanese Classical Dance, introduction to the mai ougi (dance fan), walking, bowing, movement (male and female ), and pedagogy. Yukata, fans, and tabi are not required. Students should wear clean white socks, and comfortable exercise clothing. The class will introduce students to two dances, one male style, one…
Virtual Shodo Class for November
A virtual Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) program with instruction from Hekiun Oda Sensei.The Japanese Culture Center is excited to hold a 書道 - Shodo / Japanese Calligraphy program with Chicago's own Shodo master, Hekiun Oda!In the Shodo program you learn the art of Japanese calligraphy from Hekiun Oda-sensei, a calligraphy master from the Japanese Calligraphy Association 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…
November Japanese Handheld Weapons Class (Afternoon)
Meifu Shinkage-ryu includes several specialized weapon skills that can be traced to the ancient Samurai in Japan.Event DescriptionThis class will meet on Saturday November 13th at 3:00pm for two hours. Please note that the $40 class fee only covers this one class.This class will be meeting in person at the center. Masks are required for students who are unvaccinated. Meifu Shinkage-ryu includes several specialized weapon skills that can be traced to the ancient Samurai in Japan. Many of the weapon…
Virtual Reiki Practice for Self-Care
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 practice is guided by Veronique Frede, Reiki Teacher. It may include breathing exercises and meditation to feel more present, clear, and centered; hands-on healing on…
Virtual Introduction to Zen Meditation and Breathwork Workshop
Join us for a virtual introductory meditation and breathwork workshop.Introduction to Zen Meditation and Breath Work Zoom Workshop– Learn how to meditate even if you have had trouble before. Deepen your relaxation and relieve stress.Meditation and breath work, are transformative practices that can deepen your connection to the mind and body. This workshop will help improve relaxation, mental clarity and cultivate a well-grounded state of awareness. This introductory class is recommended for anyone new to seated meditation or those seeking…
November Haiku Master Class : Hybrid
Haiku Master Class for students who have previously studied with Shehan Sensei.Event DescriptionThe Haiku Master Class is open to people that have attended one of the previous haiku classes offered by the Japanese Culture Center or approval of Shehan Sensei.Each class will be an hour and a half.Class will start at 1:00pm$20 class fee only covers the one November session. Please bring a notebook and writing instrument. Students will be given handouts and access to a class Dropbox to turn…
November Japanese Handheld Weapons Class (Afternoon)
Meifu Shinkage-ryu includes several specialized weapon skills that can be traced to the ancient Samurai in Japan.Event DescriptionThis class will meet on Saturday November 27th at 3:00pm for two hours. Please note that the $40 class fee only covers this one class.This class will be meeting in person at the center. Masks are required for students who are unvaccinated. Meifu Shinkage-ryu includes several specialized weapon skills that can be traced to the ancient Samurai in Japan. Many of the weapon…
Virtual Sumi-e Wet Mounting Workshop December
Join us for a special one-day workshop with Sumi-e expert Patricia Larkin Green Sensei on Wet Mounting.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 Description:Introduction to the Contemporary technique of “Wet Mounting”.Mount your artwork or a blank sheet of paper for a direct painting. Traditional Sumi-e, Shodo and Suiboku-ga papers become wavy and uneven artwork after they dry. Most Western Frame shops are…
Virtual December Introduction to Nihon Buyo Workshops (Japanese Dance)
Join us for a 3 part introductory workshop on Japanese Classical Dance (Nihon Buyo)Introduction to Nihon Buyo WorkshopThis virtual introductory workshop for Japanese Classical Dance, (Nihon Buyo) will provide basic history/origins of Japanese Classical Dance, introduction to the mai ougi (dance fan), walking, bowing, movement (male and female ), and pedagogy. Yukata, fans, and tabi are not required. Students should wear clean white socks, and comfortable exercise clothing. The class will introduce students to two dances, one male style, one…
Virtual Sumi-e Wash Techniques: Snowscape, Silver, and Gold Workshop
Dec 12th wash techniques with silver and gold and how to use your practice works for fun art projects.Sumi-e Wash Techniques: Snowscape, Silver, and Gold Workshop (2 hours long). Advance at your own pace—you do not need to know how to paint with ink, all levels are welcome, if you need course materials a full sumi-e kit is available here.Snowscapes in Silver, and Gold; creating atmosphere and mood in a painting while learning the vocabulary of strokes through the language…
Virtual Chigiri-e Workshop (Torn Paper Paintings)
Join this exciting new workshop to learn the art of Chigiri-e also known as torn paper paintings.Mine your practice works and scraps of beautiful handmade Japanese paper to piece together paintings, cards and giftwrap. This frees up the mind to make new connections and directions for creativity ❤ it is a lot of fun to make art this way!1 day workshop for $30.00Time: Sunday, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PMDate: December 19thMaterials Needed:Prior to registration, please review the following document to…
Reiki Level I Shoden Class January
Reiki Level I Shoden: In-person certification training in JanuaryREIKI LEVEL I - SHODEN10-hour certification training in traditional Japanese Reiki: “Usui Reiki Ryoho”Class Dates: Fridays January 7, 14, 21, 28 and Feb 4 at the JCC from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PMParticipants need to attend all sessions to certify.Please wear a face mask when you come to the Center. This class has a minimum of two students, if the minimum is not met students will be transferred to the next month's…
Introductory Ikenobo Ikebana Workshop (In-Person)
Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: January 15Time: 2:00-4:00pm Location: Japanese Culture CenterNumber of Students: 10 StudentsNumber of Classes: one workshopLength: 2 hoursCost: $75.00Registration Deadline: Two weeks prior to workshop date.If the 10 student minimum is not met, registration will be moved to the 2022 WorkshopPlease take this information into consideration when registering: This class has a minimum number of 10 students. If this minimum is not met by one week prior…
Introduction to Ikebana Flower Arrangement: 6 Week Class
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 1/23/20214:00-5:00pm Introductory Course The course fee is $200, 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 7 students…
Suminagashi – Japanese Paper 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:•…