Shodo Workshop with Master Calligrapher Hekiun Oda

Thursday, October 4, 2018

5:30 - 7:00 pm

Japanese Culture Center

Join the Japan America Society's recipient of the 2018 Cultural Achievement award, and the Japanese Culture Center's Shodo Calligraphy instructor, Oda Hekiun for an evening exploring Japanese calligraphy!

The evening will include a brief introduction, demonstration, and history of shodo/Japanese calligraphy, and will also give participants the opportunity to learn hand to hand from from master calligrapher Hekiun Oda-sensei! Explore the unique and centering art of calligraphy, and even leave with a few works of your own.

Grab a ticket here.

Those who wish to continue in the art can speak with Oda-sensei about joining classes after the event.

No previous experience in calligraphy, or knowledge of the Japanese language required. All ages are are welcome.

The Speaker

Mr. Hekiun Oda began studying Shodo at the age of 5 under Goun Katsura, himself a master. Mr. Oda moved to Chicago in 1990, and has held exhibitions and demonstrations at venues, including the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Japanese Culture Center, UNIQLO, and McHenry County College.

In 2009, he established the Oda Japanese Calligraphy School and has taught over 100 students. Mr. Oda obtained a “Shihan” – the highest rank in Shodo – in Nov. 2011 from Genshinkai, an association of calligraphers in Japan.

For Oda Shihan, Shodo is a reflection of the calligrapher’s heart. He explores the beauty of this art form by re-imagining his encounters with life and nature in thin or thick lines and powerful or gentle strokes. Mr. Oda’s artist vision is to create beautiful works based on his solid shodo foundation and to share them with the public.

Ikebana on Halsted Fall Schedule

Do you feel the season changing? Let Ikebana reflect your mood for different seasons.

Ikebana on Halsted's class schedule:

• 09/08

• 10/13

• 11/10

• 12/08

Please send an email to ikebanaonhalsted@gmail.com to sign up.

Kimono Dressing Live

Monday, September 10, 2018

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Japanese Culture Center, 1016 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 6065

Chicago Wafu Club (シカゴ和風倶楽部) and the Japanese Culture Center present

Kimono Dressing Live!

The event features one of the best-known Kimono specialists, Mrs. Toshie Kasada, from the Hakubi Kyoto Kimono School in Japan. Mrs. Kasada will demonstrate how to dress different types of kimono in various ways. Participants will learn the basics of wearing kimonos and useful tips.

Kimonos will be provided by Tangerine Mountain Imports (みかん山), an importer of authentic vintage kimonos from Japan based in Schaumburg. They will bring various types of kimono to the event. The participants will have opportunity to browse through their collection.

Mrs. Kasada’s demonstration will be accompanied by beautiful Koto music played by acclaimed musician, Tokiko Kimura.

Refreshments will be served after the presentation, courtesy of Yoshi's Cafe! Participants will have a chance to talk with Mrs. Kasada and the members of Chicago Wafu Club at the reception. There will be a Tangerine Mountain Imports pop-up store where participants can purchase items from small accessories to kimonos used in Mrs. Kasada’s demonstration.

Purchase tickets to the event here. They're only $5!