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Women's Group Spring 2012 Class BookletWomen's Group Fall 2011 Classes
The Women's Group offers a wide range of dynamic, enriching classes and courses on a variety of subjects, from Japanese culture and language to cooking and painting. Class registration is open to all Club Members 18 and over (not just Women's Group members), both men and women.
To register, potential students must have their Membership cards and Women's Group members should have a current (2011-12) sticker. Non-Women's Group members will be charged an additional ¥3,500 per class.
Students who register online will receive a confirmation e-mail from the Women's Group Office. If you do not receive one, please contact the Women's Group Office.
- It is the responsibility of students to check the location and date(s) of their classes. Full details are listed below.
- Children are not permitted in classes. The Club offers childcare facilities at the Childcare Center, but students are responsible for making their own arrangements. A childcare discount is available for Women's Group members.
- For more information on the selection of Women's Group fall classes, please download the classes booklet or contact the Women's Group Office at 03-4588-0691.
- If you have difficulties signing up online, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation deadlines are included with the class details below.
- Students will not be reimbursed for cancellations made after these dates.
- All cancellations must be made in person at the Member Services Desk or Women's Group Office or in writing via email.
- Telephone, fax or postal cancellations are not accepted.
Blue and White Kimono Quilting
In this 6-session quilting class with a Japanese twist, students handcraft a lap- or baby-sized quilt from blue and white summer kimono (yukata) fabric. A collector of Japanese material for more than 20 years, instructor Dianne Conroy calls this take on a traditional pastime "a celebration of Japanese fabric."Instructor: Dianne Conroy
Sept 29-Dec1
Thu 1-3 pm
Off-site
¥15,000 (materials: ¥10,000)
Cancel by Sept 21
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Japanese Shodo Calligraphy
A cornerstone of traditional Japanese culture, calligraphy, or shodo, has been practiced for centuries. Using sumi ink and fude brushes, students learn how to write Japanese and Chinese poems while enhancing their understanding of the local culture.Instructor: Yuriko Nakamura
Sept 29-Dec 1
Thu 1-3 pm
Women's Group Classroom's (B1)
¥18,000 (materials: ¥9,000)
Cancel by Sept 21
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Chabako Table Decorating - 40kg
Create a one-of-a-kind coffee table by learning how to cover a 40-kilogram tea box with traditional Japanese handmade washi paper. The finished piece makes for a stylish piece of furniture and memento of Japan.Instructor: Rita Uetsuka
Sept 26
Mon 10:30 am-3 pm
Off-site
¥6,000 (materials: ¥7,000)
Cancel by Sept 15
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Oct 3
Mon 10:30 am-3 pm
Off-site
¥6,000 (materials: ¥7,000)
Cancel by Sept 26
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Sogetsu Festive Ikebana
Fans of flower arranging learn about the 83-year-old Sogetsu School of ikebana while creating their own festive floral table arrangement in a class that should appeal to novices and those with some experience alike.Instructor:Noriko Matsudaira
Nov 10
Thu 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Women's Group Classroom's (B1)
¥48,000 (materials: ¥3,000 ~ ¥3,500 per class )
Cancel by Nov 2
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Painting on Porcelain
French artist Florence Roca teaches students how to create beautiful hand-painted porcelain pieces demonstrating technical points and painting techniques, motifs and color.Instructor:Florence Roca
Sept 30-Dec 2
Fri 9 am-12 pm
Off Site
¥90,000
Cancel by Sept 22
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Ichiyo Ikebana School
Renowned for its more open style of flower arranging, Ichiyo is one of modern schools of ikebana. Taught by Akihiro Kasuya, the third-generation headmaster of the Ichiyo School, this class teaches students the essence of thiJapanese cultural art form.Instructor: Akihiro Kasuya
Sept 30-Nov 30
Wed 10 am-12 pm
Women's Group Classrooms B1
¥17,500 (materials: ¥1,260 per class)
Cancel by Sept 20
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Scrap Book Making
Learn how to organize, protect and display priceless memories in an easy and fun way that everyone can do! Instructor Denise Kennerly shares her creative secrets in a class that promises to be an enjoyable investment in every student's family history..Instructor: Denise Kennerly
Class 1
Spet 26
10 am-12 pm
Off Site
¥2,500
Cancel by Sept 15
Class 2
Oct 11
10 am-12 pm
Off Site
¥2,500
Cancel by Oct 3
Class 3
Nov 10
10 am-12 pm
Off Site
¥2,500
Cancel by Nov 2
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Ohara Ikebana School I
Ikebana's Ohara School was founded in 1912 by Unshin Ohara, who introduced the flat type of vase to the art form, as well as the radical moribana arrangement. This school of ikebana is now one of the most popular, and students in this class study a variety of styles and arrangements and a short history of ikebana.Instructor: Keiko Kunitomo
Sept 30 ~ Oct 28
Fri 11:30 am-1 pm
Women's Group Classrooms B1
¥10,000 (materials: ¥1,050 per class)
Cancel by Sept 22
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Ohara Ikebana School II
Ikebana's Ohara School was founded in 1912 by Unshin Ohara, who introduced the flat type of vase to the art form, as well as the radical moribana arrangement. This school of ikebana is now one of the most popular, and students in this class study a variety of styles and arrangements and a short history of ikebana.Instructor: Keiko Kunitomo
Nov 4~25
Fri 11:30 am-1 pm
Women's Group Classrooms B1
¥10,000 (materials: ¥1,050 per class)
Cancel by Oct 27
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Ohara Ikebana School - Christmas
Ikebana's Ohara School was founded in 1912 by Unshin Ohara, who introduced the flat type of vase to the art form, as well as the radical moribana arrangement. This school of ikebana is now one of the most popular, and students in this class will create a beautiful festive arrangement for the holidays .Instructor: Keiko Kunitomo
Dec 2
Fri 11:30 am-1 pm
Women's Group Classrooms B1
¥2,500 (materials: ¥2,800 per class)
Cancel by Nov 25
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Sogetsu Ikebana School
Establishing the Sogetsu School in 1927, Sofu Teshigahara was renowned for his strikingly original work. Subsequent school heads also made their own marks on the world of ikebana. Students in this class begin with basic styles before moving onto freer arrangements.Instructor: Noriko Matsudaira
Sept 29 ~ Dec 1
Thu 10-11 am
Women's Group Classrooms B1
¥15,000 (materials: ¥1,500 per class; ¥1,575 for textbook; ¥1,460 for flower holder; ¥2,630 for scissors)
Cancel by Sept 21
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Nov 16 ~ 30
Wed 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Women's Group Classrooms B1
¥4,000 (materials: ¥500 per class; ¥1,000 for cutting board, knife and paper)
Cancel by Nov 9
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Washi Doll Making
Students create a beautiful 24cm doll from Chiramen washi apaper in this one day class for all levels of artisitc ability and experience.Instructor: Rita Uetsuka
Oct 31
Mon 10:30 am-2:30 pm
Off Site
¥5,000 (materials: ¥5,000)
Cancel by Oct 24
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Japanese Silk Embroidery
The art of silk embroidery has flourished in Japan since its introduction from China more than 1,000 years ago. Students enjoy crafting silk works of art while learning traditional techniques of embroidery.Instructor: Shizuka Kusano
Sept 27-Nov 15
Tue 1:30-3:30 pm
Women's Group Classrooms B1
¥8,000 (materials: from ¥7,000 )
Cancel by Sept 16
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Silver Clay Jewelry Making
First discovered in Japan, silver clay can be molded and baked into pure silver. In this dynamic class, students learn how to mold this clay and coat it with enamel paints to create unique and brilliant jewelry.Instructor: Kazuko Inomata
Sept 28
Wed 1-4 pm
Women's Group Classrooms B1
¥5,000 (materials: ¥3,000)
Cancel by Sept 20
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Washi Egg and Box Making
Washi paper-covered egg shells make for beautiful decorations and Christmas tree ornaments. Learn how to create these stunning oval pieces, as well as how to get the same impressive effect with boxes. Pasting, erasing creases and varnishing are all mastered in this class.Instructor: Tokuko Tanaka
Nov 4
Fri 1-4:30 pm
Women's Group Classrooms B1
¥4,500 (materials: ¥1,800)
Cancel by Oct 26
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Lamp & Shade Making
In this innovative class, students put together their own 65-centimeter-tall lamps and shades. Besides adding a Japanese twist to the shade with a coating of traditional washi paper, students learn how to ensure it works electrically.Instructor: Rita Uetsuka
Oct 24
Mon 10:30 am-2 pm
Off-site
¥5,000 (materials: ¥9,500)
Cancel by Oct 17
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Silk Necklace Making
In this 2-hour class, students learn will make 2 necklaces, one using a recycled silk tie and another using kimono cloth, both decorated with wooden beads. Very elegant and light as a feather! Please bring a silk tie and fabric scissors to class.Instructor: Mariko Yoshino
Oct 31
Mon 1-3 pm
Women's Group Classrooms B1
¥2,000 (materials: ¥3,000)
Cancel by Oct 24
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Oct 17
Mon 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Off-site
¥3,500 (materials: ¥1,000)
Cancel by Oct 7
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Drawing and Oil Painting
Through the classes Drawing; Beginning Oil Painting I: Starting a Painting; Beginning Oil Painting II: The Color Wheel (Color Theory I); Intermediate Oil Painting I: The Color Triangle (Color Theory II); and Intermediate Oil Painting II: Painting Techniques, students can pick up invaluable artistic tips and learn how to create their own masterpieces.Instructor: Carolyn Dong
Sept 28~Dec 14
Wed 1-4 pm
Women's Group Classrooms (B1)
¥22,500 (drawing materials: ¥9,500; oil materials: ¥22,500)
Cancel by Sept 20
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Japanese Sumi-e Painting
Sumi-e, or ink painting, is an ancient Asian art form. Students in this class learn how to create different types of brush stroke, first in traditional black ink and then in color.Instructor: Shoko Ohta and Suiko Ohta
Sumi-e I
Sept 27 - Nov 29
Tue 9-11 am
Women's Group Classrooms B1
¥36,000 (materials: ¥18,500)
Cancel by Sept 16
Sumi-e II
Sept 27 - Nov 29
Tue 11 am-1 pm
Women's Group Classrooms B1
¥36,000 (materials: ¥18,500)
Cancel by Sept 16
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Tsuribina Mobile Making
Traditionally displayed for Children's Day in Japan, tsuribina are handcrafted, kimono-fabric decorations. In these Classes students will make special, winter holiday-themed tsuribina or a crane-themed tsuribana symbolising long life and peace. Students should each bring a pair of scissors.Instructor: Mariko Yoshino
Winter Holiday Tsuribana
Sept 26 - Oct 17
Mon 1-3:30 pm
Women's Group Classrooms B1
¥9,000 (materials: ¥8,000)
Cancel by Sept 15
Crane Tsuribana
Oct 24
Mon 1-3:30 pm
Women's Group Classrooms B1
¥3,000
Cancel by Oct 17
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Christmas Cookie making
From parchment cones to royal icing, students will learn a range of ways to turn ordinary cookies into delicious works of festive art. Sweet tooths can expect to decorate five or six different cookies.Instructor: Ikuyo Hosoda
Nov 14
Mon 10 am-12 pm
Off-site
¥4,000 (materials included)
Cancel by Nov 7
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Traditional Japanese Food
Learn how to make a Bento boxed lunch, a part of everyday Japanese life. Students experiment with simple, easy to prepare items such as gyoza, mabo-dofu (spicy tofu and ground pork), okonomiyaki and yakisoba before tucking into lunch.Instructors: Noriko Tada and Kari Hyer
Sept 30 - Nov 18
Fri 10 am-12:30 pm
Off-site
¥18,000
Cancel by Sept 22
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Experiencing Japanese Flavours
Exploring spices, herbs and ingredients that make up some popular Japanese dishes, students learn how to put together a complete meal, before sitting down to taste it for themselves.Instructor: Hema Parekh
Sept 27 - Oct 11
Tue 10:30 am-1 pm
Off-site
¥15,000 per class (¥1,500 materials)
Cancel by Sept 16
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Indian Vegetarian Cooking
Entertain the Indian way! Find out how to prepare some delicious and healthy subcontinent dishes from Hema Parekh, the author of a number of cookbooks on Indian cuisine. The menu for this class includes lentil kebab, samosas with tamarind chutney and onion relish, chana masala, gobi aloo subzi, and cucumber raita.Instructor: Hema Parekh
Sept 28 - Oct 12
Wed 10:30 am-1 pm
Off-site
¥15,000 ( ¥1,500 materials)
Cancel by Sept 20
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Halloween Cookie Making
From parchment cones to royal icing, students will learn a range of ways to turn ordinary cookies into delicious works of ghoulish art. Sweet tooths can expect to decorate five or six different cookies.Instructor: Ikuyo hosoda
Oct 17
Mon 10 am-12 pm
Off-site
¥4,000 (materials included)
Cancel by Oct 7
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Weight Watchers indian Cooking
Learn how to prepare some delicious and healthy dishes using spices and substitution ingredients without compromising the flavour.Hema Parekh, the author of a number of cookbooks on Indian cuisine, guides students through a menu of tomato gravy, lentil soup, dal, chapati muthias (steamed dumplings) and more.Instructor: Hema Parekh
Sept 30 - Oct 7
Fri 10:30 am-1 pm
Off-site
¥15,000 ( ¥1,500 materials)
Cancel by Sept 22
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Edible Christmas Wreath Making
Nuts drizzled in white chocolate need we say more! Students craft a delightful, edible Christmas wreath for a tasty additon to the tree or festive dinner table.Instructor: Noriko Tada/Kari Hyer
Dec 2
Fri 10 am-12:30 pm
Off-site
¥5,000
Cancel by Nov 25
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Chinese Cooking
Iron Chef celebrity guest, author of 2 dozen cook books and a TAC member since 1952, Mrs. Ma shares her knowledge of Chinese food as she guides students through the creation of a four course Chinese lunch in these 3 unique sessions..Instructor: Nancy Ma
Menus are subject to change without notice.
Session I
Sweet and Sour Vegetable Salad, Green Beans (Bian dou xia mi), Chicken and Cashew, Assorted Fried Rice, Almond Jelly Dessert.
Sept 26
mon 11 am-2 pm
Off-site
¥8,500 ( ¥2,000 materials)
Cancel by Sept 16
Session II
Spring Delicacies, Broccoli and Garlic, Fried Beef with Green Peppers, Mango Pudding.
Oct 3
Mon 11 am-2 pm
Off-site
¥8,500 ( ¥2,000 materials)
Cancel by Sept 26
Session III
Sweet and Sour Soup, Shao Mai - steamed crab and meat dumplings , Hot and spice tofu (Ma pou Dofu), Steamed fish with ginger and onions, Coconut Rice ball.
Oct 17
Mon 11 am-2 pm
Off-site
¥8,500 ( ¥2,000 materials)
Cancel by Oct 7
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Classical Japanese Dance
Deepen your understanding of traditional Japanese culture and the classical arts though this five-week program. Students will learn how to dress in a kimono, the basic movements of Nihon buyo and how to dance with a fan, before performing a short dance piece.Instructor: Kazuko Ishihara
Sept 29-Dec 1
Thu 1:30-4 pm
Off-site
¥15,000 (kimono rental available)
Cancel by Sept 21
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Azabu Art Tour
This 1-day walking tour explores the art scene around Hiroo and Azabu Juban, offering first-hand experiences of some of the unique talents of Japanese artists from ceramics to fabrics.Instructor: Lara Chho
Oct 26
Wed 11 am-3 pm
Off-site
¥4,500 (includes lunch)
Cancel by Oct 19
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Explore Kichijoji Tour
This 1-day walking tour explores the unique shopping experience offered by this West Tokyo neighborhood, rated for many years by Japanese housewives as one of Kanto's most desirable neighborhood to live in.Instructor: Lara Chho
Nov 2
Wed 10 am-2 pm
Off-site
¥4,500 (includes lunch)
Cancel by Oct 26
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Japanese Chinaware Lecture
Explore the fascinating world of Japanese pottery, its history and different ceramic styles. The lecture includes slides and actual examples of pottery.Instructor: Toshiko Kanai
Oct 12
Wed 11:30 am-1 pm
Women's Group Classrooms (B1)
¥3,000
Cancel by Oct 4
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Japanese Chinaware Tajimi Visit
Enjoy a day exploring the wares and kilns of "China street ", Tajimi, Nagoya, famous for its magnificent variety of pottery and porcelain.Instructor: Toshiko Kanai
Nov 11
Wed 10:30 am-4 pm
Off-site
¥5,000 (plus ¥23,000 transport and lunch ¥1,000, students to meet in Nagoya)
Cancel by Nov 4
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Touring Kyoto and Beyond
Kyoto native Yuriko Hirayama shares the history and beauty of her hometown and offers tips on how to make the most of a trip to the ancient capital. The class also covers day trips to such popular spots as Nara, Himeji, Hiroshima, Ise and Takayama.Instructor: Yuriko Hirayama
Oct 12
Wed 10am-12 pm
Women's Group Classroom (B1)
¥3,500
Cancel byOct 4
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Touring Tokyo and Beyond
For those people hosting friends or family, this class offers advice on how to make your explorations and explanations of Tokyo more enjoyable. Attendees receive an information-packed, 80-page guide to the city.Instructor: Yuriko Hirayama
Oct 18 & 25
Tue 10 am-12 pm
Women's Group Classroom (B1)
¥7,000
Cancel by Oct 11
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Mitake Valley Tour
Venture beyond Tokyo's western reaches to the stunning Mitake Valley. This rejuvenating trip includes a visit to the Gyokudo Museum, lunch at a riverside restaurant and a stroll through the lush surroundings of Mitake Valley.Instructor: Yuriko Hirayama
Nov 11
Fri 9 am-4 pm
Off-site
¥3,000 (plus transport, lunch and admission)
Cancel by Nov 4
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Kamakura Lecture
Learn about the fascinating history and cultural significance of Kamakura, Japan's ancient capital. This introductory session to the Kanagawa Prefecture city's sights is the perfect primer for Yuriko Hirayama's Kamakura tour.Instructor: Yuriko Hirayama
Nov 1
Tue 10 am-12 pm
Women's Group Classrooms (B1)
¥2,500
Cancel by Oct 25
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Japanese Tea Ceremony as a Guest
The first session of this two-part class on tea ceremony includes a history of the highly ritualized tradition, as well as an explanation of tea ceremony etiquette and utensils. The second part allows students to practice what they learned at a mock ceremony.Instructor: Yuriko Hirayama
Oct 27 and Nov 10
Thu 10 am-12 am
Women's Group Classrooms (B1)/Offsite
¥6,000
Cancel by Oct 20
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Kamakura Tour
Just an hour south of Tokyo, Kamakura is a charming cultural gem, full of shrines, temples and intriguing shops. This full-day walking tour takes in delightful temples and gardens at the peak of their autumn hues.Instructor: Yuriko Hirayama
Nov 15
Tue 9am- 4pm
Off-site
¥3,000 (plus transport and lunch)
Cancel by Nov 8
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Jindai Temple Tour
Students on this engaging trip to Jindai Temple in Chofu, Tokyo's second-oldest temple, will take in quaint shops and soba restaurants (Jindai soba was highly prized by the Tokugawa shogun), reminiscent of an Edo-era village, before strolling amid the flora and cherry blossoms of Jindai Botanical Garden.Instructor: Yuriko Hirayama
Oct 21
Fri 9:30 am-3 pm
Off-site
¥3,000 (plus transport and lunch)
Cancel by Oct 14
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Kimono Styling - Yukata
The Yamano Kimono Styling School has been teaching the fine art of kimono style and dress for almost a century and has schools both in Japan and abroad. Taught by Club Member Jane Yamano, this class focuses on the lightweight summer yukata.Instructor: Jane Yamano
Oct 27 - Nov 17
Thu 11 am-1 pm
Women's Group Classrooms (B1)
¥9,000
Cancel by Oct 20
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Furoshiki Wrapping
Using furoshiki, a cloth traditionally used to transport clothes, gifts and other goods, Yamada Sensei will demonstrate tsutsumi techniques by wrapping several objects of different shapes and sizes while students receive hands-on training in presenting gifts in an elegant fashion.Instructor: Etsuko Yamada
Nov 2
Thu 11 am-12:30 pm
Women's Group Classrooms (B1)
¥2,150
Cancel by Oct 26
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Ikebana Introduction Lecture
Students can enrich their knowledge of Japanese culture with this informative lecture and demonstration of Ikebana, the ancient art of floral arrangement.Instructor: Noriko Matsudaira
Oct 20
Thu 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Women's Group Classrooms (B1)
¥3,500
Cancel by Oct 13
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Hakusan Backstreets Tour
The little-known back lanes in one of Tokyo's oldest and hilliest neighborhoods unfold to reveal to participants - origami's headquarters, one of the city's smallest sweet shops and a Shogun's garden.Instructor: Kit Nagamura
Dec 2
Fri 10 am-3 pm
Off-site
¥5,000 (plus transport and lunch)
Cancel by Nov 25
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Setagaya Minka-En Tour
Students join author and journalist Kit Nagamura to explore Japanese farm house architecture throughthe ages and life in Edo Japan at an idyllic mini-village of traditional Edo period thatched roofed homes collected from all over Japan.Instructor: Kit Nagamura
Nov 23
Wed 10 am-3 pm
Off-site
¥5,000 (plus transport and lunch)
Cancel by Nov 16
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Shibamata Backstreets Tour
Taking to one of Tokyo's oldest backstreets, participants absorb the atmosphere of old-time Shitamachi - the old downtown heart of Tokyo, with this walking tour through Shibamata offering cultural glimpses of "pin kara kiri made" or "from the highest levels to the low" with nostalgic architecture, food surprises and more.Instructor: Kit Nagamura
Oct 7
Fri 10 am-3 pm
Off-site
¥5,000 (plus transport and lunch)
Cancel by Sept 30
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Advanced English Speaking
This intensive, four-week course is designed for students who would like to learn useful idioms and advanced vocabulary, as well as rhetorical markers for smoother conversations and effective communication. Short presentations and discussions give students the chance to have personalized coaching in pronunciation and usage.Instructor: Mona Toyama
Oct 11-Nov 15
Tue 1:30-3 pm
Women's Group Classrooms (B1)
¥25,000
Cancel by Oct 3
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Enjoy Japanese
Perfect for students who enjoy using Japanese in everyday conversations, this class teaches practical expressions and grammar points.Instructor: Miyako Usui
Sep 27-Nov 29
Tue 10-11:30 am
Women's Group Classroom 1
¥17,600
Cancel by Sep 16
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Speak Easy English Conversation
Improve your skills in speaking and understanding English. The aim of this fun and lively class is to enable upper intermediate and advanced students to speak English as naturally and confidently as possible. Students discuss interesting, relevant and often controversial topics through the use of newspaper articles, TV, film and music.Instructor: Gaby Sheldon
Sept 28 - Nov 30
Wed10-11:30 am
Women's Group Classrooms (B1)
¥15,400
Cancel by Sept 20
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Kanji For Survival
Students learn to master essential characters for everyday life, shop and getting around Japan..Instructor: Hitomi Hirayama
Oct 7 - Nov 11
Tue 10-11:30 am
Women's Group Classrooms (B1)
¥8,400
Cancel by Sept 30
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