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 Reiki Practice for Self-Care
Join this one-hour virtual Reiki practice for self-care to relax, refresh, and find balance!**$5 - $10 suggested donation**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…
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: 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17**MATERIALS: All students should purchase "Japanese for Busy People I (Romanized version)."This textbook IS NOT included in the class price.…
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: Saturday Class Dates: 5/15, 5/22 5/29 6/5, 6/12, 6/19**MATERIALS: All students should purchase "Japanese for Busy People I (Romanized version)."This textbook IS NOT included in the class price.…
Virtual Introduction to Origami Lessons
Learn the Japanese art of paper folding! **$5 – $10 suggested donation** Origami Class Description From cranes to flowers to cute little**$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…
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** Origami Class Description From cranes to flowers to cute little**$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…
Virtual Reiki Practice for Self-Care
Join this one-hour virtual Reiki practice for self-care to relax, refresh, and find balance!**$5 - $10 suggested donation**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…
Virtual Introduction to Origami Lessons
Learn the Japanese art of paper folding! **$5 – $10 suggested donation** Origami Class Description From cranes to flowers to cute little**$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…
Virtual Introduction to Origami Lessons
Learn the Japanese art of paper folding! **$5 – $10 suggested donation** Origami Class Description From cranes to flowers to cute little**$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…
Virtual Introduction to Origami Lessons
Learn the Japanese art of paper folding! **$5 – $10 suggested donation** Origami Class Description From cranes to flowers to cute little**$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…
Suminagashi – Japanese Paper Marbling Workshop
Join artist Pamela Martinez for a 2 hour introduction to Suminagashi Japanese paper marbling.Suminagashi is the ancient practice of of creating colorful ink patterns. Lightly touch the surface of water with the tip of a brush to release colorful ink and create free floating designs; a contact print is lifted after carefully placing a sheet of paper over the image. **For participants ages 10 and up**MASKS covering the nose and mouth must be worn at all times. Each person will…
Sound Bath
A gentle and meditative immersion in the sounds of singing bowls, drums, gongs, and other tools.About the experience:Participants “bathe” in the vibrations of ancient and modern instruments, allowing for deep rest. Appropriate for all seeking stillness, relaxation, meditation, or simply a really great nap. Guests often ask about the difference between sound baths and gong baths. Typically, sound baths tend to be gentle, mellow, and melodic, whereas the gong is a more powerful experience: stronger vibrations and slightly louder sound.…
Virtual Japanese Culture through Ghibli Movies
If you love Studio Ghibli movies and want deeper insights on Japanese culture, please join us!In this course, we will explore Japanese lifestyles, traditions, customs, values and ways of thinking through watching four Studio Ghibli movies: My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Only Yesterday, and Princess Mononoke. No Japanese language skills are required, but the participants are expected to watch the movies prior to starting the course (available at HBO Max). Textbook: Copies of PPT slides will be provided for each…
Virtual Ikebana Ohara Ryu Information Session and Student Art Show
Join us for an info session on Ohara Ryu Ikebana!Event DescriptionThis information session and student art work show will feature a look at the work that students in the Ikebana Ohara Ryu program have put together over the course of the 2021 introductory classes. Students will share photos of their arrangements and discuss them. It will also be a chance for those interested in Ikebana Ohara Ryu to discuss and ask questions about the program. All are welcome, and there…
Virtual June Sumi-e Classes
Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).About this EventJune Birds and Blooms: sumi-e techniques to create your own paintings based upon the Theme: Birds & Flowers PaintingsAll 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.Beginning Tutorial Lessons are on YouTube. Please subscribe to Larkin Green Studio YouTube…
Virtual June Haiku Class
The JCC is pleased to host an Online 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 June 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 June
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 Introduction to Origami Lessons
Learn the Japanese art of paper folding! **$5 – $10 suggested donation** Origami Class Description From cranes to flowers to cute little**$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…
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** Origami Class Description From cranes to flowers to cute little**$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…
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…
Virtual Introduction to Origami Lessons
Learn the Japanese art of paper folding! **$5 – $10 suggested donation** Origami Class Description From cranes to flowers to cute little**$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…
Virtual Easy Simple Japanese Cooking
Join us for this new class to learn Japanese cooking!Easy, Simple Japanese CookingIn this course, you will learn how to make simple, yet delicious Japanese meals, using available resources. All you need is your basic cooking skills and a few Japanese items, such as sushi rice, and many other familiar ingredients. Lessons will be in English and no special cooking techniques or Japanese language skills are required for this course. different events, $30 per classTextbook: Recipes are provided for each…
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 Not The Average “How To Draw Manga” Class
Learn with Dagger how to design your own comic character.Class DescriptionWant to see how a working artist approaches manga/comics? Ever been stuck in how to make your character stand out from the rest? In this class we'll be looking at making unique characters, putting them in comics of your own, and examples of workflow to base your own process on. Instructor InformationDagger (Amber L. Jones) is a freelance comic artist and 2D animator located in upstate NY. In her free…
Virtual Introduction to Origami Lessons
Learn the Japanese art of paper folding! **$5 – $10 suggested donation** Origami Class Description From cranes to flowers to cute little**$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…
Sound Bath
A gentle and meditative immersion in the sounds of singing bowls, drums, gongs, and other tools.About the experience:Participants “bathe” in the vibrations of ancient and modern instruments, allowing for deep rest. Appropriate for all seeking stillness, relaxation, meditation, or simply a really great nap. Guests often ask about the difference between sound baths and gong baths. Typically, sound baths tend to be gentle, mellow, and melodic, whereas the gong is a more powerful experience: stronger vibrations and slightly louder sound.…
Virtual Ikebana Ohara Ryu Introductory Workshop
Join us for a special workshop for beginners, for an introduction to the Ohara School of Ikebana.Materials 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 the link. The instructor has Kenzans ($25) and Scissors ($38)and Container ($46) in stock available for purchase to be picked up upon appointment from the Japanese Culture Center.Materials:Kenzan (3.5 x 2-5/8")Ikebana Scissors -…
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: 6/24,7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29 **MATERIALS: All students should purchase "Japanese for Busy People I (Romanized version)."This textbook IS NOT included in the class…
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: Saturday Class Dates: **MATERIALS: All students should purchase "Japanese for Busy People I (Romanized version)."This textbook IS NOT included in the class price. All students are responsible for…
Virtual Introduction to Origami Lessons
Learn the Japanese art of paper folding! **$5 – $10 suggested donation** Origami Class Description From cranes to flowers to cute little**$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…
Card Making Workshop
Have fun in this introductory 2 hour beginner’s card making class!The custom of sending greeting cards can be traced back to Asia and the early Egyptians who conveyed their greetings on papaya scrolls.In this 2 hr workshop each participant will create 10 hand-made 5X4 folded greeting cards for any occasion. Card making is relaxing and enjoyable. Card decoration methods include stamping designs with various colored inks and heat setting with embossing powder. Instruction will be provided on how to give…
Virtual Introduction to Origami Lessons
Learn the Japanese art of paper folding! **$5 – $10 suggested donation** Origami Class Description From cranes to flowers to cute little**$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…
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: June 30July 7July 14July 21Materials 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…
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…
Introductory Ikebana Ikenobo Workshop (In-Person)
Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: July 10Time: 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.Please 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 to the first class date, the class will need to be cancelled. We will reach…
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 AMJul 11, Jul 18, Jul 25, Aug 1, Aug 8, Aug 15, Aug 22Class 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…
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 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 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…
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…