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!
Join Gyotaku instructor, Robert Chenoweth for a 2-hour fish printing class where you will make prints of real fish & octopus to take home!Join us for Gyotaku - Fish Ink Printing!Date: Sat MAR 28, 2026Time: 3:30 PMLocation: Japanese Culture CenterCome and learn the traditional Japanese art of Gyotaku (魚拓 -ink rubbing of a fish; (making […]
Study the art of bonsai at the Japanese Culture Center!Novice Bonsai 102Take your bonsai journey to the next level with our Bonsai 102 Novice Workshop, a deeper dive into the design, form, and science behind this living art. Hosted at your favorite local breweries and coffee shops, this elevated experience is perfect for returning students […]
Join us for a Japanese bookbinding & temple stamp book (Goshuinchō) WorkshopExplore 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 the Goshuinchō, […]
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 […]
Introduction to Japanese Tea CeremonyThe 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 studentBusiness casual attire and white socks are required4 students maximumIntroductory to ChanoyuThis four week course focuses on step-by-step […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
Join us for an in-person 4-week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome. Join us for an Ohara Ryu 4-week Ikebana session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome. Dates: Saturdays 5/2, 5/9, 5/23, 5/30 10:00-11:30am Sign up for an immersive experience for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner eager […]
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 us to […]
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 Wabi […]
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 Japanese woodblock […]
Join us for a fun Suminagashi - Ink Marbling Workshop where you can learn the ancient Japanese art of paper marbling!Suminagashi - Ink Marbling WorkshopJoin 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 […]
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 a Japanese bookbinding & temple stamp book (Goshuinchō) WorkshopExplore 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 the Goshuinchō, […]
Join us for a Japanese bookbinding & temple stamp book (Goshuinchō) WorkshopExplore 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 the Goshuinchō, […]
Experience the Beauty of Early Summer in Japan: Hydrangea NerikiriJune 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 […]
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 […]
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 Wabi […]