Japanese Culture Center

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 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…

The July classes are on June 7, 14, and 21st. 

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…

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…

Bring your gently used tennis balls to help orphaned pets!

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…

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…

This four week course is an introduction to Buddhism

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 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…

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 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…

An introduction to Yoga Nidra, a state of deep intentional relaxation, in which we are fully aware yet totally relaxed.

Explore the theory and practice of Mantra, Japa and Kirtan!

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,…

Ready to continue your studies in Nihongo/Japanese Language after completing the Introduction to Japanese Language course? Keep building upon the skills you've learned in the next class in our Japanese Language course series. You will use the second portion of the textbook you received in the Introduction to Japanese Language course, and therefore no new materials are required. This is a good class for those who already know hiragana and katakana. GENERAL INFO: ‣ Price ⇰ $120.00‣ Starts ⇰ Saturday, August…

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,…

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,…

Ready to continue your studies in Nihongo/Japanese Language after completing the Introduction to Japanese Language course? Keep building upon the skills you've learned in the next class in our Japanese Language course series. You will use the second portion of the textbook you received in the Introduction to Japanese Language course, and therefore no new materials are required. This is a good class for those who already know hiragana and katakana. GENERAL INFO: ‣ Price ⇰ $120.00‣ Starts ⇰ Saturday, August…

Ready to continue your studies in Nihongo/Japanese Language after completing the Intermediate Japanese Language course? Keep building upon the skills you've learned in the last class in our Japanese Language course series. This class is recommended for students who have completed both the Introductory and Intermediate Japanese Language courses.  GENERAL INFO: ‣ Price ⇰ $120.00‣ Starts ⇰ Saturday, August 24th ‣ Duration ⇰ Six weeks (one hour every Saturday)‣ Instructor ⇰ Meiko Fujii Sensei Please note exact class dates: 8/24, 8/31, 9/7,…

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…

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…

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…

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: …

We will introduce participants to the practice of Reiki and will provide the opportunity to experience some of its elements.

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** Instructor Bio: Pamela Martinez has been teaching, studying andpracticing the ancient art of…