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!

  • Introductory Ikenobo Ikebana Workshop (In-Person)

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: FEB 8Time: 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 […]

  • Valentine’s Day Nerikiri: Hearts and the Thread of Destiny

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Nerikiri (Japanese sweets wagashi) making workshopValentine's Day Nerikiri: Hearts and the Thread of DestinyEnroll now for our special Wagashi workshop, dedicated to the theme of Valentine's Day!This class offers a perfect opportunity to prepare a thoughtful, handmade gift for your loved ones. We will focus on two beautiful and meaningful designs:Heart: Nerikiri shaped like a […]

  • Family Winter Origami Workshop – Fold a Heart-Shaped Gift Box!

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Join us for a warm, creative session and craft something meaningful for yourself or someone you care about! Celebrate the season of love and creativity with our Family Valentine’s Day Origami Workshop, where we’ll be folding a charming heart-shaped box—perfect for holding small treats, notes, or gifts for someone special. Date: Feburary 5th, 2026 Time: […]

  • Bonsai Workshop

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    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 […]

  • Introduction to Japanese Tea Ceremony / Chanoyu

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Introduction to Japanese Tea Ceremony The Japanese Culture Center is excited to announce the next introductory course on Chanoyu/Tea Ceremony! General Information: Class Dates : Fridays - January 23, January 30, February 6, & February 13 7:00 pm – 8:30pm $120 per student Business casual attire and white socks are required 4 students maximum Introductory […]

  • Butoh Dance Workshop

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    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 […]

  • Ikebana Ohara Ryu [1 Day Workshop]

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    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 […]

  • Kintsugi for Beginners

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-6:00 pm on Friday, 1/16Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese lacquer / Urushi art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. Urushi is the natural resin collected from the lacquer tree. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break […]

  • Family New Year Origami Workshop – Fold Your Own Lucky Cat!

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Get ready to welcome the New Year with cute origami lucky cats and family fun - let's fold some good luck together!🐾 Family New Year Origami Workshop - Fold Your Own Lucky Cat! 🐱✨Start the new year with creativity, good fortune, and a touch of charm!Join us for a special New Year's Origami Workshop where […]

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  • Ikebana Ohara Ryu [3-Week Session]

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Join us for an in-person 3-week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an Ohara Ryu 3-week Ikebana Session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Dates: January 10, 17, & 24Sign up for an immersive experience for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner eager to discover the art […]

  • Butoh Dance Workshop

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    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 […]

  • E-Tegami Eraser Stamp Workshop

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Come and learn how to carve your own signature stamp!CLASS DESCRIPTION:Come and learn how to carve your own signature stamp!E-tegami translates literally to “picture letter,” (e=picture, tegami= letter) and entails the process of designing, drawing, and sending a postcard. The final step in this process is figuring out where to place your signature. In Japan […]

  • Introductory Ikenobo Ikebana Workshop (In-Person)

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: DEC 7Time: 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 […]

  • Next Steps in Kintsugi: Repairing Personal Ceramics

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Continue your Kintsugi journey in this hands-on, intermediate-level workshop designed for those who have completed "Kintsugi for Beginners."In this 3-hour session, students will deepen their experience with the modern Kintsugi method using ceramic adhesive and epoxy putty. Unlike the beginner class—where each participant practices on a simple plate provided—this workshop offers the opportunity to repair […]

  • Japanese Language Beginner Course (Session 8)

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Continue learning the basics of the Japanese language with the next 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 7 of […]

  • Japanese Language Intermediate Course (Session 16)

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Continue learning the basics of the Japanese language with the next in person intermediate 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 12 of […]

  • Japanese Language Intro Course (Session 4)

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Continue learning the basics of the Japanese language with the next in person intro 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 4 of […]

  • Japanese Language Beginner Course (Session 8)

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Continue learning the basics of the Japanese language with the next 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 6 of […]

  • Proof of the Man – Film Screening + Kissaten DJ Set Experience

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Attend a film screening of Proof of the Man, followed by a Kissaten experience & vinyl DJ set. Coffee, Tea, and Snacks ProvidedSaturday, November 29th 2-6PM.Cost: $30As part of the Shikago Foundation project, we are screening Proof of the Man at the Japanese Culture Center for a limited audience.A short discussion will proceed, and follow […]

  • Butoh Dance Workshop

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    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 […]

  • 2025 Nerikiri – Autumn Chrysanthemum & Seasonal Motif

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Nerikiri (Japanese sweets wagashi) making workshop2025 Nerikiri – Autumn Chrysanthemum & Seasonal MotifAs we welcome the beauty of autumn in 2025, we will celebrate the season with a special wagashi workshop. This time, we will make Nerikiri inspired by kiku (chrysanthemum), a flower that beautifully represents the elegance and depth of the Japanese autumn.In addition […]

  • Bonsai Workshop

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    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 […]

  • Advanced Kintsugi: Traditional Method (4-Week Course)

    Advanced Kintsugi: Traditional Method (4-Week Course)
    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    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 […]

  • Kintsugi for Beginners

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-5:30 pm on Saturday, 11/8Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese lacquer / Urushi art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. Urushi is the natural resin collected from the lacquer tree. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break […]

  • Autumn E-tegami Workshop: Apples and Pears

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Come and learn the seasonal art of e-tegami!CLASS DESCRIPTION: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 slow down and mindfully contemplate our […]

  • Ikebana Ohara Ryu [2 Week In Person Class] [November]

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Join us for an in-person an Ohara Ryu Ikebana class! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an in-person 2 Week Ohara Ryu Ikebana class! 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 […]

  • Halloween Origami Workshop (JCC)

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    A night of spooky halloween themed origami to get into the spirit of the season!Join Yamamoto Sensei for a fun night of Halloween themed origami! Together, we will fold pumpkins, ghosts and more spooky season favorites!A variety of paper will be provided. Space is extremely limited at this event so register quickly! This event will […]

  • Butoh Dance Workshop

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    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 […]

  • Autumn E-tegami Workshop: Spooky Gourds

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Come and learn the seasonal art of e-tegami!CLASS DESCRIPTION: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 slow down and mindfully contemplate our […]

  • Japanese Language Intermediate Course (Session 15)

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Continue learning the basics of the Japanese language with the next in person intermediate 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 11 of […]

  • Japanese Language Intro Course (Session 3)

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Continue learning the basics of the Japanese language with the next in person intro 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 3 of […]

  • Japanese Language Beginner Course (Session 7)

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Continue learning the basics of the Japanese language with the next 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 6 of […]

  • Kintsugi for Beginners

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-5:30 pm on Saturday, 10/4Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese lacquer / Urushi art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. Urushi is the natural resin collected from the lacquer tree. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break […]

  • Introduction to Ikebana Flower Arrangement: 6 Week Class

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    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, SEP 28 Class Dates: Sept. 28, Oct. 5, Oct. 19, Oct. 26, Nov. 2, & Nov. 9   NO […]

  • Gyotaku – Fish Rubbing

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    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 Apr 05 2025Time: 3:30 PMLocation: Japanese Culture CenterCome and learn the traditional Japanese art of Gyotaku (魚拓 -ink rubbing of a fish; (making […]

  • Butoh Dance Workshop

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    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 […]

  • Suminagashi – Japanese Paper Marbling Workshop

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Join artist Pamela Martinez for a 2 hour introduction to Suminagashi Japanese paper marbling and heart shaped stencils!Suminagashi translated means floating black ink. It is the ancient meditative Japanese practice of gently floating pigments on the surface of water with a brush and then capturing the mono print image on an absorbent paper. This exciting […]

  • Introductory Ikenobo Ikebana Workshop (In-Person)

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.Workshop InformationDate: SEP 14Time: 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 […]

  • Japanese Language Beginner Course (Session 6)

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Continue learning the basics of the Japanese language with the next 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 5 of […]

  • Japanese Language Intermediate Course (Session 14)

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Continue learning the basics of the Japanese language with the next in person intermediate 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 10 of […]

  • Japanese Language Intro Course (Session 2)

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Learn the basics of the Japanese language with this in person intro 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 textbook. […]

  • Japanese Language Beginner Course (Session 6)

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Continue learning the basics of the Japanese language with the next 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 5 of […]

  • Kintsugi for Beginners

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Join us for an in-person Kintsugi Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Kintsugi for Beginners 3:30-5:30 pm on Saturday, 9/6Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese lacquer / Urushi art form in which gold is used to repair broken ceramics. Urushi is the natural resin collected from the lacquer tree. The practice of Kintsugi highlights the break […]

  • Ikebana Ohara Ryu [3 Week In Person Class] [September]

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Join us for an in-person an Ohara Ryu Ikebana class! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an in-person 3 Week Ohara Ryu Ikebana class! 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 […]

  • Bonsai Workshop

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    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 […]

  • Ikebana Ohara Ryu [2 Week In Person Class] [August]

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Join us for an in-person an Ohara Ryu Ikebana class! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an in-person 2 Week Ohara Ryu Ikebana class! 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 […]

  • Summer E-tegami Workshop: Fruits and Flowers

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    Come and learn the seasonal art of e-tegami!CLASS DESCRIPTION: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 slow down and mindfully contemplate our […]

  • Introduction to Japanese Tea Ceremony / Chanoyu

    Japanese Culture Center 2940 North Lincoln Avenue, Unit 2, Chicago, IL, United States

    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 - August 8, August 15, & August 227:00 pm – 8:30pm$120 per studentBusiness casual attire and white socks are required4 students maximumIntroductory to ChanoyuThis three week course focuses on step-by-step instruction of […]