Culture Classes
JASWDC’s culture classes are an opportunity to learn more about Japanese arts and culture, from traditional to modern. Below is a list of the culture classes that we currently offer, with a description and a link to more information and registration. If you have more questions about any of these classes, please feel free to call the JASWDC office.
While you may be working from home due to COVID-19 precautionary measures, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on JASWDC language and culture classes!
Our team is hard at work to deliver a range of online content and classes that you can access from the comfort of your own home. Here’s what you can expect in the coming weeks from the Japan-America Society of Washington DC:
Ouchigohan – Japanese Cooking Class with Table for Two
Enjoy cooking Japanese food from the comfort of your own kitchen!
JASWDC runs a monthly Japanese cooking class hosted on Zoom Meetings in partnership with Table for Two, The Japan Society of Boston, The Japan-America Society of Georgia, the Japan-America Society of Houston, and the Japan-America Society of Greater Philadelphia.
Recipes are chosen based on ingredients that are easily accessible and can be found in most pantries. During the class you will be able to enjoy cooking alongside our teacher in real time with the ability to ask questions and compare dishes.
If information is not on our website in the Upcoming Events section, please check with JASWDC for the next cooking class.
Weekly Nihongo
Weekly Nihongo videos (#WeeklyNihongo), posted each Friday on our Facebook page (@jas.wdc), are bite-sized Japanese language and culture lessons: our short posts and videos, planned and written by native Japanese speakers and advanced learners, are designed to teach you basic Japanese grammar and other aspects of the Japanese language.
We also want to share with you interesting and fun aspects of the Japanese language to help you better understand how it works in and out of Japan.
Shodo (Calligraphy) Classes
JASWDC’s shodo classes are for both beginners as well as more advanced students. Classes cover all the basics of Japanese calligraphy, from handling tools properly to brushstrokes and artistic techniques. Students can expect to form a foundation or grow their knowledge of calligraphy with projects, weekly kanji practices, and tips from an accomplished calligraphy expert.
The timing of the classes depends on the teacher’s availability. If information is not on our website in the Upcoming Events section, please check with JASWDC for the next Shodo class.
Temporarily Postponed Classes
Ikebana Class
Ikebana, which literally translates to “living flowers,” is the art of Japanese flower arrangement. There are over 1,000 schools of ikebana both in Japan and abroad, and it is considered a classic art form. Rather than simply arranging flowers to look pleasing, ikebana blends together philosophy, teachings of harmony and minimalism, and symbolism to create meaningful works.
The textbooks for the course are bilingual books from the Sogetsu school. Students can also obtain a certification in Ikebana from the Sogetsu school through completing the courses.
This course offers certification in the Sogetsu-style school of ikebana simply by attending and participating in the classes.
About the Instructor: Sachiko Ogata is a certified Sogetsu-style instructor with 35 years of teaching experience and more than 50 years of training in Japan. She served as Regional Director for the Sogetsu Ikebana League from 201o to 2014.
If information is not on our website in the Upcoming Events section, please check with JASWDC for the next ikebana class.
Monthly Kimono Class
Kimono is traditional clothing from Japan, which has been formed by harmonizing with nature and social surroundings throughout Japanese history. When wearing a kimono, one becomes a living sculpture. The kimono is very much praised worldwide for its beauty. The first time kimono learner will begin mastering yukata, the most fundamental kimono. Yukata is a casual summer kimono worn after taking a bath or at summer festivals. Please wear a V-neck top, slippery spandex pants, and have your hair up for the class. Please remove all jewelry. You can either bring your own set of kimono or rent one by requesting in advance. The class includes one follow up e-mail evaluation to your homework photos.
The timing of the classes depends on the teacher’s availability. If information is not on our website in the Upcoming Events section, please check with JASWDC for the next class.
Other Cultural Classes
Throughout the year JASWDC offers a variety of Japanese and American cultural activities, including learning activities. In the past, JASWDC has conducted sushi making workshops, kitsuke (kimono dressing) workshops, “Living in the USA” Seminars, sake and shochu workshops, and many other events. Please see our Upcoming Events page for special classes/workshops that may not be listed here.