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.
SERIES At A Glance
Schedule
Varies - See below for dates & times
In-Person
On-Campus
Cost
Varies - See below for details & discounts!
What will you gain?
Dreaming of Summer in Japan: A Yukata & Purikura Experience
Sat., April 11, 2026, 10:00-11:30 am
FREE but registration required
UW-Stout Memorial Student Center - Northwoods
Step into summer in Japan—no passport required. In this lively 1.5-hour experience, you'll learn about the yukata, a traditional lightweight summer garment worn at festivals and fireworks celebrations, and discover how it became a beloved seasonal attire throughout its long history. You'll have the chance to try on a yukata yourself, then capture the moment in true Japanese style with a purikura-inspired photo booth. You'll round out the celebration of summer by learning a seasonal festival dance. Registration required due to limited number of yukata: 13 adults and 4 youth (minimum age 6). All materials provided but please wear open-neck or V-neck shirts so you can wear yukatas over them, and also bring your mobile phone so you can capture a purikura-style photo.
- Explore the history behind the yukata and try on and style a yukata yourself.
- Experience the fun of purikura by creating your own kawaii (cute) photo while dressed in the yukata and seeing how this photo booth trend reflects modern Japanese youth culture.
- Perform a traditional summer festival dance, putting your new cultural knowledge into action.
- Connect and reflect on what you've learned by sharing how Japanese summer traditions compare to celebrations in your own community.
Savoring Japan: A Sushi-Making Experience
Thurs, May 7, 2026, 6:00-7:30 pm
$25 Discounted Rate | $30 Regular - Details below
Step into a daidokoro (台所)—kitchen—on UW-Stout’s campus to learn about and enjoy sushi. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore the history and cultural significance of sushi while learning how traditional Japanese sushi rolls are made. Your instructor will demonstrate the rolling technique using a bamboo mat before guiding you step-by-step as you create your own sushi rolls with a variety of ingredients, including fresh vegetables. You’ll enjoy tasting your creations and will take home the bamboo sushi mat used in class so you can continue making sushi in your own kitchen. Youth (age 6 and up) are welcome but must be registered and accompanied by a parent or guardian. All materials provided.
- Hear about the history of Japanese sushi-making as you watch a demonstration to make it
- Practice rolling your own sushi roll with a makisu (巻きす), a special bamboo mat, under the guidance of your instructor
- Walk away with delicious leftovers (if any!) and the bamboo mat and share your sushi-making skills with family or friends
REGISTRATION NOT YET OPEN - CHECK BACK SOON!
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
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. Youth (age 6 and up) are welcome but must be registered and accompanied by a parent or guardian. All materials provided.
- 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
REGISTRATION NOT YET OPEN - CHECK BACK SOON!
Who should enroll?
These classes are open to adults, as well as youth (age 6+) as long as they are registered and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Some classes have limited number of spots for adults and youth, which is 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
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.
- 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.
Keiko Morikawa
Hailing from Nara, Japan, Keiko is the Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator based at UW-Stout through summer 2027. In this role, Keiko leads Japanese cultural events, workshops, and presentations on campus and in the surrounding community and region. Class topics span longstanding Japanese traditions like origami, calligraphy, archery, tea ceremonies, cooking, and storytelling to modern cultural phenomena like games, anime, and popular movie-makers like Studio Ghibli.
- APRIL 11, 2026 - Dreaming of Summer in Japan: A Yukata & Purikura Experience: Memorial Student Center (building #45 in the Campus Map below) - Northwoods room, which is on the ground floor; Lot 18 is the nearest to this location
- MAY 2026 -Savoring Japan: A Sushi-Making Experience: To be announced
- JUNE 2026 - Creating with Brush and Ink: A Japanese Calligraphy Experience: To be announced
Important Note:
Parking is free in all commuter lots after 4 pm on weekdays and on weekends (except reserved spaces).