Copy of Discovering Japan: Culture and Community Workshop Series

Experience Japanese traditions—past and present—through engaging community-based workshops that bring culture to life

Discovering Japan is a budget- and schedule-friendly series of short, in-person classes that bring the richness of Japanese culture directly to the UW-Stout campus and surrounding community. Some sessions are free, while others charge a modest registration fee for materials—but you’ll always leave with something meaningful in hand: a beautiful creation, a new skill, or a delicious treat to continue enjoying at home.

Led by Keiko Morikawa, Japan Outreach Initiative Coordinator at UW-Stout, each class is designed to be hands-on, welcoming, and engaging. You won’t just learn about Japanese traditions—you’ll experience them.

Register for one class that sparks your interest or immerse yourself by registering for all of them. When applicable, be sure to check for available discounts listed with each session.

Creating with Brush and Ink: A Japanese Calligraphy Experience

Thurs, June 11, 2026, 6:00-7:30 pm 

$25 Discounted Rate | $30 Regular - Details below

Register HERE.

Step into the world of shodō (書道,), the traditional Japanese art of brush and ink calligraphy. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn about the cultural meaning and long history of writing Japanese characters as your instructor introduces the essential tools, special paper, and foundational brush techniques used in this style of calligraphy. After a demonstration, you’ll practice forming characters with brush and ink, including writing your name in Japanese and choosing a favorite word or character to create as your final piece. The workshop offers a creative and mindful way to experience Japanese culture while exploring the beauty of written language.

Participants will take home their finished calligraphy as a keepsake. All materials provided. Youth (age 12 and up) are welcome but must be registered and accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registration required - class limited to 20 individuals.

• Understand the history, materials, and techniques behind this artistic writing style

• Practice the techniques yourself by writing your name and another word of your choosing

• Take home a beautiful keepsake to frame or give as a gift 

Steeping in Tradition: A Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience

Tues, July 14, 2026, 6:00-7:30 pm 

$25 Discounted Rate | $30 Regular

UW-Stout, Harvey Hall, Room 141

Register HERE.

Experience the quiet beauty of a Japanese tea ceremony, a tradition shaped by centuries of hospitality, mindfulness, and artistry. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn about the history and cultural significance of Japanese tea ceremonies as your instructor demonstrates how to prepare a bowl of matcha using traditional tools and techniques.

You’ll enjoy Japanese sweets as you practice making your own bowl of matcha under guided instruction, using a traditional bamboo tea whisk (茶筅). Along the way, you’ll gain insight into the thoughtful rituals and aesthetics that make tea ceremonies such meaningful parts of Japanese culture.

Participants will take home a traditional tea scoop (茶杓) so they can continue practicing and share their tea ceremony experience with family and friends. All materials are provided. Youth (age 12 and up) are welcome to attend but must be registered and accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Registration required - class limited to 18 individuals.

• Hear about the history of tea ceremonies as you watch a demonstration to make a bowl of matcha

• Enjoy Japanese sweets and practice making your own bowl of matcha with a tea whisk (茶筅), under the guidance of your instructor

• Walk away with a tea scoop (茶杓) and share your tea ceremony skills with family and friends

The Art of Giving in Japan: A Furoshiki Wrapping Experience

Tues, August 25, 2026, 6:00-7:30 pm 

$25 Discounted Rate | $30 Regular

UW-Stout, Harvey Hall, Room 140

Register HERE.

Step into the creative world of furoshiki (風呂敷), the traditional Japanese art of cloth wrapping, and discover how simple squares of fabric can be transformed into beautiful and functional designs. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn about the history and cultural significance of furoshiki as your instructor demonstrates a variety of traditional wrapping techniques used for carrying and presenting items.

You’ll practice wrapping bottles and boxes before creating your own reusable furoshiki bag to take home. Along the way, you’ll explore how furoshiki reflects Japanese values of presentation, care, and sustainability while gaining a practical skill you can continue using in everyday life. Participants will take home a beautiful furoshiki and start using their wrapping skills at home. All materials are provided. Youth (age 12 and up) are welcome to attend but must be registered and accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Registration required - class limited to 18 individuals.

• Learn about the history of furoshiki (風呂敷) as you watch a demonstration of how to wrap things with it

• Practice wrapping your own furoshiki for bottles and boxes and create a bag for yourself

• Walk away with a beautiful furoshiki and start using your wrapping skills at home!

Crafting Light: A Japanese Washi Paper Experience

Tues, Sept 8, 2026, 6:00-7:30 pm 

$25 Discounted Rate | $30 Regular

UW-Stout, Harvey Hall, Room 140

Register HERE.

Explore the delicate beauty of washi (和紙), traditional Japanese paper known for its craftsmanship, texture, and artistic significance, and discover how it has been used in Japanese culture for centuries.

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn about the history and cultural importance of washi paper as your instructor introduces the materials, patterns, and techniques used to create decorative pieces with it. You’ll explore a variety of colorful washi papers as you design and decorate your own candle holder, creating a unique piece that reflects your personal style. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into the role of washi in Japanese art and everyday life while enjoying a creative and relaxing cultural experience. Participants will take home their candle holder with an LED tea light to enjoy the beauty of washi at home. All materials are provided. Youth (age 12 and up) are welcome to attend but must be registered and accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Registration required - class limited to 18 individuals.

• Hear about the history of Japanese washi paper (和紙) and its significance in Japanese culture

• Decorate your own candle holder with washi paper, using various colors to create a unique piece just for you

• Take home your candle holder with a LED tea light to enjoy the beauty of washi at home

Who should enroll?

These classes are open to adults, as well as youth as long as they are registered and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian - please check above to verify the age range allowed for each class. Some classes have limited number of spots, which is also noted in the class information above. We particularly welcome community members to our campus! We are also happy to offer a discount to UW-Stout alumni, students and staff. 

What will it cost?

ONLY APPLIES TO CLASSES THAT HAVE A REGISTRATION FEE

• Early Bird Discount (available until 7 days prior to each class): $25 

• Stout Proud Discount (UW-Stout Faculty, Staff, Student, and Alumni Registration): $25

• Regular Registration: $30 

• Register HERE.

Important Notes: 

• Faculty/Staff/Students: Use your UW-Stout email when registering to receive discount.

• Alumni: Reach out to gieskingj@uwstout.edu to receive a discount code BEFORE completing the registration form.

• Parents/Guardians: This series is open to youth, but classes may differ in the allowed age range, so we encourage you to check the class information to verify. Youth must be registered and accompanied in the class by a parent or guardian.

• Waiting List: Some classes have a limited number of spots, so we encourage you to check the class information above and register as soon as possible! We will have a waiting list for each class and will notify you if a space opens up, in order of completed registration.

• FAQs: For information on Payment and Cancellation Policy, Disability Accommodations, and other issues, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.

More details available HERE.

From the UW-Stout website.