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: 8/ 5, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26, 9/2, & 9/9**MATERIALS: All students should purchase "Japanese for Busy People I (Romanized version)."This textbook IS NOT included in…
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: AUG 7, 14, 21, 28, SEPT 4 and 11**MATERIALS: All students should purchase "Japanese for Busy People I (Romanized version)."This textbook IS NOT included in the class price.…
August Haiku Class : Hybrid
The JCC is pleased to host a hybrid 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 Shodo Class for August
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…
Monthly GO Club
Join the Japanese Culture Center for weekly meetings to play the popular Japanese game GO!Event Description: The Japanese Culture Center is excited to introduce the oldest board game in the world that is very popular in Japan. This wonderful game is GO 碁席. It is easy to learn yet challenging enough that it will provide a lifetime of enjoyment. GO helps kids with Math skills, Seniors with brain plasticity and many more ways to improve various life skills. The Japanese…
Virtual TRE™ Workshop
TRE™ (tension/trauma releasing exercises) Zoom Workshop – Relieve stress and feel better today!TRE™ is a simple technique used by thousands of people around the world to release stress and tension. Learn how stress and tension are stored in the body and manifest as physical and emotional pain. In this workshop you will learn the TRE™ exercises and be able to begin a practice of your own at home. By learning how to access your body’s natural stress relief mechanism you…
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 August 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…
Haiku Master Class : Hybrid
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.The class dates are: Third Sunday of each month: August 15, 22th, September 19th, October 17th, November 21st, and December 19th.Class will start at 1:00pmPlease bring a notebook and writing instrument. Students…
Gong Bath
Gongs have been used throughout history to signify awakening, arrivals, and important transitions.Gongs have been used throughout history to signify awakening, arrivals, and important transitions. Gong baths provide a powerful sonic experience in which guests are immersed in the vibrations of these ancient instruments, creating space for a profound inward journey of meditation, exploration, and release. Guests often ask about the difference between sound baths and gong baths. Typically, sound baths tend to be gentle, mellow, and melodic, whereas the…
Paste Papers Workshop
Paste Papers, one of the earliest forms of decorated paper, were used both for book covers and end-papers in books from the late sixteenthPaste Paper Workshop Description Paste Papers, one of the earliest forms of decorated paper, were used both for book covers and end-papers in books from the late sixteenth and eighteenth century. The basic technique involves dampening a sheet of paper, coating it with colored paste, and then drawing designs through the paste. In this exciting 2 hour…
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…
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…
Reiki Level II Okuden Class September
Reiki Level II Okuden: In-person certification training in SeptemberREIKI LEVEL II – OKUDEN8-hour certification in traditional Japanese Reiki: “Usui Reiki Ryoho”Class Dates: Sept. 3, 10, 17, and 24Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PMLocation: At the JCCParticipants need to attend all sessions to certify.About this event:Reiki is a Japanese healing method that promotes overall balance and personal development. Developed in Japan in the 1920’s by Usui Mikao, Reiki is now practiced around the world in many different ways. Its original name…
Orizomegami – Japanese Paper Dyeing Workshop
Absorbent paper is folded and then dyed to produce interesting geometrical patterns. Zen-like in it’s folding, this ancient technique remindAbsorbent paper is folded and then dyed to produce interesting geometrical patterns. Zen-like in it’s folding, this ancient technique reminds us to be present in the moment. This exciting 2 hr workshop will introduce 4 basic paper folds. We will experiment with non-toxic dye solutions resulting in beautiful pieces that can be used for future projects such as gift wrapping, card…
Virtual Shodo Class for September
A virtual Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) program with instruction from Hekiun Oda Sensei.The Japanese Culture Center is excited to hold a 書道 - Shodo / Japanese Calligraphy program with Chicago's own Shodo master, Hekiun Oda!In the Shodo program you learn the art of Japanese calligraphy from Hekiun Oda-sensei, a calligraphy master from the Japanese Calligraphy Association 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…
Virtual Ikebana Ohara Ryu Intermediate Class
Join us for an ongoing intermediate Ikebana class, studying in the Ohara School of Ikebana.Class DescriptionThis class has 4 sessions, which are 60 minutes each. This class is a good fit for those continuing their Ikebana studies from the introductory class. Class Dates: September 7September 14September 21September 28Ohara School of IkebanaThe Ohara School of Ikebana was founded by Unshin Ohara (1861-1916). Unshin explored the fields and mountains and tried to develop a style of ikebana to express the beauty of…
Virtual Ikebana Ohara Ryu Introductory Class
Join us for a special class for beginners, for an introduction to the Ohara School of Ikebana.Class DescriptionThis class has 4 sessions, which are 90 minutes each. This class is great for first-time students, and beginning students looking to continue their Ikebana studies. Class Dates: September 8September 15September 22September 29Materials NeededIkebana students are required to have the following tools. If you need to purchase tools, the suggested Amazon links are attached, however, tools do not have to be purchased from…
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 AMSept 12, Sept 19, Sept 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24Class 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…
Virtual Reiki 10- Week Class
Join us for this 10-week online program exploring the Japanese Art of ReikiPROGRAM DESCRIPTIONAre you interested in exploring the Usui system of Reiki in its traditional Japanese form or keen on consolidating your current practice? Do you wish to cultivate balance and harmony in your life? Are you drawn to live more fully and mindfully, with greater presence, compassion and wellbeing?This 10-weeks online program invite participants to explore and practice the Japanese healing art of Reiki “Usui Reiki Ryoho”. It…
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 9/12/20214:00-5:00pm 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…
Introductory Ikenobo Ikebana Workshop (In-Person)
Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: September 18Time: 2:00-5:00pm Location: Japanese Culture CenterNumber of Students: 10 StudentsNumber of Classes: one workshopLength: 3 hoursCost: $75.00Registration Deadline: Two weeks prior to workshop date.If the 10 student minimum is not met, registration will be moved to the October 16 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…
Virtual Reiki Practice for Self-Care
Join this one-hour virtual Reiki practice for self-care to relax, refresh, and find balance!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 ourselves; working…
Introduction to Japanese Tea Ceremony / Chanoyu
Introduction to Japanese Tea CeremonyThe Japanese Culture Center in Chicago is excited announce the next six week course on Chanoyu/Tea Ceremony for 2021! *Space EXTREMELY is limited, please do not hesitate in registering. General Information:• Classes will start Wednesday, October 6, 2021 through November 17th. There is no class on October 27.• Wednesdays 7:00 pm – 8:30pm • $150 per student • Business casual attire and white socks are requiredIntroductory Chanoyu 1This six week course focuses on step-by-step instruction of the foundation skills required…
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 Prerequisites Ages 13 - 15Class Topics:Hiragana, katakana, pronunciation, self-introduction, numbers, ages, school/work, basic sentencesClass Location: Online via Google Meet. The chatroom info and other necessary materials…