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
Sumi-e Painting (DROP IN CLASS)
Sumi-e Painting with Patricia Larkin Green Join Patricia Larkin Green for Sunday morning Sumi-e class . Explore the practice of sumi-e as part of Rinzai Zen philosophy. This will be a hands-on class and is for students who have completed the "Four Gentlemen introductory brushstrokes series" and have her approval to join as an advanced student. Students are encouraged to bring in their own art projects or participate in the topic/idea/theme painting that Patricia will introduce. This series will go…
Monthly Shodo Calligraphy (Sunday)
The Japanese Culture Center is excited to announce a brand new 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…
Sumi-e Painting (DROP IN CLASS)
Sumi-e Painting with Patricia Larkin Green Join Patricia Larkin Green for Sunday morning Sumi-e class . Explore the practice of sumi-e as part of Rinzai Zen philosophy. This will be a hands-on class and is for students who have completed the "Four Gentlemen introductory brushstrokes series" and have her approval to join as an advanced student. Students are encouraged to bring in their own art projects or participate in the topic/idea/theme painting that Patricia will introduce. This series will go…
Tanabata Festival
At Tanabata, the star festival, we hang wishes on paper from bamboo to help them come true. Fun games, Japanese treats. Kids under 4 free!
Ikebana and Sake: Art of Japan
An evening of Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) and sake. A rare opportunity to taste Sake while learning with a respected Ikebana teacher
How to Draw Anime!
Info: Beginner Course: Ages 10+ Length: 2 hours $40 How to Draw Anime is an introductory course for students, interested in learning the foundations to creating anime and manga. Each course will begin with a small lecture, where students will be encouraged to follow along. The first half of the course will provide a guided drawing lesson. This will then be followed by an Open Draw for the second half, where students can use their time to put to practice the…
Sumi-e Ink Painting for Beginners
5 classes of Sumi-e (each 2 hours long). Advance at your own pace—you do not need to know how to paint with ink, all levels are welcome, and course materials will be provided. (Limit 10 Students) 5 weeks for $150.00 Time: Sundays 10:30-12:30 Dates: 7/14, 7/21, 8/11, 8/18, and 8/25 Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi). The emphasis is on the process! The Class will be introduced…
Sumi-e Painting (DROP IN CLASS)
Sumi-e Painting with Patricia Larkin Green Join Patricia Larkin Green for Sunday morning Sumi-e class . Explore the practice of sumi-e as part of Rinzai Zen philosophy. This will be a hands-on class and is for students who have completed the "Four Gentlemen introductory brushstrokes series" and have her approval to join as an advanced student. Students are encouraged to bring in their own art projects or participate in the topic/idea/theme painting that Patricia will introduce. This series will go…
Introduction to Ikebana Flower Arrangement: 6 Week Class
We are excited to offer the next 6 Week Ikebana Course at the Japanese Culture Center! Classes meet for 6 Sundays beginning 7/14/2019 3:00-4:00pm Introductory CourseThe 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 are VERY limited seats in this class, and thus we recommend registering ASAP. Regardless, registration 1 week prior to class is required. The class schedule…
Ikebana Flower Arrangement: 6 Week INTERMEDIATE Course
We are excited to offer the next 6 Week Intermediate Ikebana Course at the Japanese Culture Center! Classes meet for 6 Sundays beginning 7/14/2019 4:00-5:00pm Intermediate Course on 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4, 8/11, & 9/8The fee of $150.00 requires that you have all tools for the course.There are VERY limited seats in this class, and thus we recommend registering ASAP. Regardless, registration 1 week prior to class is required. The course is taught by Charles Harris Sensei, President of the Chicago…
Zen Meditation Workshop
Zazen, the practice of meditation, is a transformative process that aims to deepen our connection to the mind and body. With regular practice, meditation and breath training can significantly reduce stress, improve mental clarity and cultivate a well grounded state of awareness. This intro is recommended for anyone new to zen meditation or working to deepen their existing practice.
Integral Stretch Sequence Workshop
Integral Stretch Sequence is a series of basic stretches that work together to create an enhanced awareness of the body and mind. The stretches gradually open the pelvis and spine, resulting in improved flexibility and structural alignment. The series can be done on its own or used as a complement to enhance other transformative practices. The sequence is particularly helpful for those interested in improving their meditation practice.
Sumi-e Painting (DROP IN CLASS)
Sumi-e Painting with Patricia Larkin Green Join Patricia Larkin Green for Sunday morning Sumi-e class . Explore the practice of sumi-e as part of Rinzai Zen philosophy. This will be a hands-on class and is for students who have completed the "Four Gentlemen introductory brushstrokes series" and have her approval to join as an advanced student. Students are encouraged to bring in their own art projects or participate in the topic/idea/theme painting that Patricia will introduce. This series will go…
Introductory Ikebana Workshop on 8/3
We are excited to offer an Introductory Ikebana Workshop here at the Japanese Culture Center on Saturday, August 3rd from 1-3PM!The workshop fee is $60 which includes flowers, and an arrangement to take home after its completion. *Registration will close July 26 (FRIDAY) in order to obtain all the materials for the August 3rd workshop.* Students will learn a brief history of the Ikenobo school of Ikebana, and partake in a freestyle arrangement workshop. If so inclined, students may then register…
Enchu 炎昼 (Summer Heat) Haiku Workshop
The Japanese Culture Center is pleased to host a Haiku Workshop taught by Sensei Seiyo, Buddhist lay minister and resident Haiku Master. The upcoming Enchu 炎昼 "Summer Heat" haiku workshop 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. Please bring a notebook and writing instrument. GENERAL…
How to Draw Anime!
Info: Beginner Course: Ages 10+ Length: 2 hours Cost : $40 How to Draw Anime is an introductory course for students, interested in learning the foundations to creating anime and manga. Each course will begin with a small lecture, where students will be encouraged to follow along. The first half of the course will provide a guided drawing lesson. This will then be followed by an Open Draw for the second half, where students can use their time to put to…
Sumi-e Painting (DROP IN CLASS)
Sumi-e Painting with Patricia Larkin Green Join Patricia Larkin Green for Sunday morning Sumi-e class . Explore the practice of sumi-e as part of Rinzai Zen philosophy. This will be a hands-on class and is for students who have completed the "Four Gentlemen introductory brushstrokes series" and have her approval to join as an advanced student. Students are encouraged to bring in their own art projects or participate in the topic/idea/theme painting that Patricia will introduce. This series will go…
Hanko (判子) (Seal Carving) Workshop
Details Shehan Sensei: Hanko (判子) (Seal Carving) Workshop Sunday, March 24th 1:00 - 4:00 PM Cost: $140 We are excited to announce Shehan Sensei’s Hanko (判子) (Seal Carving) Workshop at The Japanese Culture Center. This will be an excellent opportunity to study with Shehan Sensei and learn Hanko (判子) (Seal Carving) from a shougai no gakusei, Budoka and resident Haiku Master. Workshop Description: Shehan Sensei: Hanko (判子) (Seal Carving) Workshop A seal is typically made of stone, wood or ivory…
Sumi-e Painting (DROP IN CLASS)
Sumi-e Painting with Patricia Larkin Green Join Patricia Larkin Green for Sunday morning Sumi-e class . Explore the practice of sumi-e as part of Rinzai Zen philosophy. This will be a hands-on class and is for students who have completed the "Four Gentlemen introductory brushstrokes series" and have her approval to join as an advanced student. Students are encouraged to bring in their own art projects or participate in the topic/idea/theme painting that Patricia will introduce. This series will go…
Introduction to Japanese Language
Learn to read, write, and speak with fellow classmates in our Introduction to Japanese Language class! GENERAL INFO: ‣ Price ⇰ $100.00 per student (+$27.00 for book)‣ Starts ⇰ Saturday, August 24th OR Thursday, August 22nd‣ Duration ⇰ Six weeks (one hour every Saturday or Thursday)‣ Instructor ⇰ Meiko Fujii Sensei Please note exact class dates for the SATURDAY class: 8/24, 8/31, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, and 9/28 Please note exact class dates for the THURSDAY class: 8/22, 8/29, 9/5, 9/12,…
Introduction to Japanese Language
Learn to read, write, and speak with fellow classmates in our Introduction to Japanese Language class! GENERAL INFO: ‣ Price ⇰ $100.00 per student (+$27.00 for book)‣ Starts ⇰ Saturday, August 24th OR Thursday, August 22nd‣ Duration ⇰ Six weeks (one hour every Saturday or Thursday)‣ Instructor ⇰ Meiko Fujii Sensei Please note exact class dates for the SATURDAY class: 8/24, 8/31, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, and 9/28 Please note exact class dates for the THURSDAY class: 8/22, 8/29, 9/5, 9/12,…
Introduction to Japanese Language
Learn to read, write, and speak with fellow classmates in our Introduction to Japanese Language class! GENERAL INFO: ‣ Price ⇰ $100.00 per student (+$27.00 for book)‣ Starts ⇰ Saturday, August 24th OR Thursday, August 22nd‣ Duration ⇰ Six weeks (one hour every Saturday or Thursday)‣ Instructor ⇰ Meiko Fujii Sensei Please note exact class dates for the SATURDAY class: 8/24, 8/31, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, and 9/28 Please note exact class dates for the THURSDAY class: 8/22, 8/29, 9/5, 9/12,…
Sumi-e Painting (DROP IN CLASS)
Sumi-e Painting with Patricia Larkin Green Join Patricia Larkin Green for Sunday morning Sumi-e class . Explore the practice of sumi-e as part of Rinzai Zen philosophy. This will be a hands-on class and is for students who have completed the "Four Gentlemen introductory brushstrokes series" and have her approval to join as an advanced student. Students are encouraged to bring in their own art projects or participate in the topic/idea/theme painting that Patricia will introduce. This series will go…
Wednesday Five Week Amigurumi Class
Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting and knitting small animals and cute designs. The word "amigurumi" comes from the Japanese words "amimono" (crochet or knit) and "nuigurumi" (stuffed toy). Join Blixt Sensei in this fun program to learn how to make your own! Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm for 5 weeks Exact dates: 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25 and 10/6 This class is for all levels and will culminate in making three or four basic amigurumi figures. In this class we will…
Sunday Five Week Amigurumi Class
Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting and knitting small animals and cute designs. The word "amigurumi" comes from the Japanese words "amimono" (crochet or knit) and "nuigurumi" (stuffed toy). Join Blixt Sensei in this fun program to learn how to make your own! Sundays from 1:00-3:00pm for 5 weeks Exact dates: 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6 This class is for all levels and will culminate in making three or four basic amigurumi figures. In this class we will learn: …
September 14th Needle Felting Workshop
Needle Felting Workshop - ふぇるとにどるつくる (Feruto Nīdoru Tsukuru) Sculpt irresistible creatures from a handful of fluff! Learn how to sculpt using wool with a barbed felting needle to make 3-D figures. Needle felting does not involve wetting fibers; it is a free form craft. Topics include: Materials: - needle - foam - wool fibers Basic Techniques: - needling - rolling…
Introduction to Japanese Tea Ceremony / Chanoyu
The Japanese Culture Center in Chicago is excited announce the next 4 Week Course on Chanoyu/Tea Ceremony for 2019! *Space EXTREMELY is limited, please do not hesitate in registering. General Information:• Classes will start Saturday, October 5th, 2019 through October 26th. • Saturdays 10:00 am – 12:00 pm • $100 per student • Business casual attire and white socks are requiredIntroductory Chanoyu 1This four week course focuses on step-by-step instruction of the foundation skills required to make a simple bowl of matcha. By the end…