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!
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 […]
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 – April 10, April 17, April 24 & May 1. 7:30 pm – 9pm $120 per student Business casual attire and white socks are required 4 students maximum Introductory […]
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 […]
Learn to fold Cherry Blossom Origami!Fold delicate cherry blossoms that capture the lightness of spring. Create a small cluster or arrangement using soft, seasonal papers. A calming, creative session that results in something subtle, elegant, and perfect for gifting or display.
Join us for a Japanese bookbinding & temple stamp book (Goshuinchō) Workshop Explore 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 […]
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, 2026 Time: 3:30 PM Location: Japanese Culture Center Come and learn the traditional Japanese art of Gyotaku (魚拓 -ink […]
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 for Beginners 6:30-9pm on Friday, 3/20Kintsugi 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 rather […]
Fold tulip blossoms in a vase!Let’s grow a paper garden that never wilts: an elegant origami tulip with a leafy stem, ready to bloom solo in a cube vase or multiply into a cheerful bouquet.Date: MAR 19th, 2026Time: 5:30-7PMLocation: Japan Culture CenterSkill Level: Great for beginners and upThese everlasting flowers are charming on work desks, […]
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 […]
Join us for an in-person 2-week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Join us for an Ohara Ryu 2-week Ikebana Session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.Dates: March 14, & 21Sign up for an immersive experience for Ikebana enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner eager to discover the art of […]
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 two classic binding techniques—Yotsume Toji (four-hole binding) and Kikkō Toji (tortoise-shell binding)—methods that have been used for centuries for notebooks, manuscripts, and artist books in Japan.The workshop […]
A family friendly event to celebrate girls, featuring ikebana, tea ceremony, origami, and more!Hinamatsuri: Girl’s Day CelebrationSunday, March 8, 1:00-4:00 pmJapanese Culture Center2940 N Lincoln Avenue, #2, Chicago, IL 60657$35 per person – Kids 4+ and Adults (includes all Japanese culture stations + ikebana, Japanese sweet and 1 reserved seat to observe a tea ceremony […]
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 […]
Learn 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!This course uses the textbook and workbook from Genki 1Third Edition. Please be sure to […]
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 for Beginners 3:30-6:00 pm on SAT, 2/21Kintsugi 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 […]
Come and learn the art of Sashiko with Ide-sensei!CLASS DESCRIPTION: Join artist mai ide, a visual artist based in Portland, OR, for a relaxing day of Sashiko stitching — not just to learn a technique, but to explore cultural significance. This workshop invites you into the world of traditional Japanese mending, where each stitch carries […]
Reiki, Japanese Healing Art – an introductionReiki, Japanese Healing Art – an introductionReiki is a traditional Japanese healing method developed in the 1920s by Usui Mikao. Its formal name, Shin Shin Kaizen Usui Reiki Ryōhō, translates to “The Usui Healing Method for Improving Body, Mind, and Heart.” Today, Reiki is practiced globally as a system that supports overall well-being […]
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, FEB 15Class Dates: Feb. 15, Feb. […]
Come and learn the seasonal art of e-tegami! Come and learn how to carve your own e-tegami signature stamp and design a Valentine stamp e-tegami! CLASS DESCRIPTION: 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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: […]
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 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 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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]