Yokohama International Choir – Join the Yokohama International Choir, led by professional jazz singer Sheryl Bridgewater. Explore diverse musical genres, harmonize with fellow singers, and perform songs from around the world.        

This class is held in English.
Cost: 3,500 yen per class (includes class and brunch).         

Held on the first Saturday of every month starting in February 2025.
10:00am - 11:30am
Dates and Class Content
・February 1, 2025:  Vocal Gymnastics Part 1
Find your own unique voice through exploration of breathing techniques, pitch accuracy, pitch muscle memory and head/chest voice exploration. Award winning singer Greg Jasperse said: “If you can’t hear it, you can’t sing it. Once we hear it, we can sing it until the cows come home.”
・March 1, 2025: Vocal Gymnastics Part 2
What have you discovered about your unique voice? Continue to find your own unique voice through lyric articulation of vowels/consonants, vocal range, vibrato and vocal health.
・April 5, 2025: Together in Harmony 
Simple harmonic flow. Discover beautiful sounds through harmonies of thirds and practice moving together in a rhythmic flow. Know the melody well, and its relationship to the harmony.
・May 3, 2025: Explore   
What’s your song style? What kind of music do you listen to?Which song style fits your vocal range, vocal timbre and natural rhythmic flow. 
・June 7, 2025: What’s your story?  
Sing it.  Grammy winning singer, Alan Harris said: “When you deliver a story your audience will always be with you.” Award winning singer Dee Daniels said: “Creating images in your mind.”
・July 5, 2025: Medley Flowing Together – Part 1 
Explore medleys by famous groups. Students will learn one song from the medley. 
・August 2, 2025: Medley Flowing Together - Part 2
Let’s learn a medley from a famous group – “The Stylistics.” Students will learn how to stylistically flow from one song to the next in a medley. 
・September 6, 2025: Let’s Change Things and Make It Better – Improvisation – Part 1
Improvisation includes: rhythmic, vocal and lyric changes.
・October 4, 2025: Let’s Change Things and Make It Better – Improvisation – Part 2
Improvisation includes: Vocal scatting - use the shape of the melody. Take one phrase at a time after learning the melody.
・November 1, 2025: Performance - What’s it all about? 
Explore performance techniques, microphone techniques and dance routines.
・December 6, 2025:  Final Performance 
“The Stylistics” Medley performance as the Yokohama International Choir and student song presentations at 7artscafe.
    

To reserve your space for any or all classes, please register here.
Deadline for registration is one week before. 

Sheryl Bridgewater is a versatile vocalist known for her captivating performances
in jazz, blues, R&B, and gospel. With a radiant mezzo-soprano voice and a flair for improvisation, she brings passion and creativity to every show. Sheryl has performed internationally, including in the Caribbean, New York, and cities across Japan.
Her career began in the late 1970s as a keyboardist for groups like The Stylistics and The Cleftones. A graduate of Lawrence University’s Conservatory of Music, she has studied with renowned musicians like Mary Lou Williams and Maxayn Lewis.
 Sheryl also has acting credits and has toured extensively in Japan.  www.bridgewatersings.com

Japanese Calligraphy – Experience the beauty of Japanese calligraphy with master artist Kumiko Hamilton. Learn brush techniques and kanji principles in a hands-on setting, creating elegant characters as you appreciate this timeless art form. Kumiko encourages all participants to freely express and enjoy thinking that calligraphy is an artform. 

This class is held in English and Japanese.
Cost: 3,500 yen per class (includes class, materials and brunch).             

Held on the second Saturday of every month starting in February 2025.
10:00am - 11:30am
Dates and Class Content
・February 8, 2025:  Plum Blossoms of Early Spring
Discover the beauty of plum blossoms (ume), a symbol of resilience and renewal in Japanese culture. Learn to create elegant brushstrokes that capture the essence of this iconic flower.”
・March 8, 2025: Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day)
Celebrate Girls’ Day with calligraphy inspired by traditional dolls and wishes for health and happiness. Practice writing words of protection and prosperity in soft, flowing characters.
・April 12, 2025: Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)
Embrace the fleeting beauty of sakura season. Learn brush techniques to express the delicacy of cherry blossoms, symbolizing the transient nature of life.
・May 10, 2025: Koinobori (Carp Streamers)
Dive into the vibrant spirit of Children’s Day with calligraphy themed around koinobori, the colorful carp streamers. Practice dynamic strokes to reflect strength and determination. 
・June 14, 2025: Rainy Season (Tsuyu)
Celebrate the beauty of tsuyu (the rainy season) with calligraphy inspired by hydrangeas and gentle raindrops. Master soft, rounded brushstrokes for a calming aesthetic.
・July 12, 2025:  Tanabata (Star Festival)
Explore the magic of Tanabata by creating calligraphy inspired by wishes and stars. Learn flowing strokes to evoke the romance of this ancient celestial celebration.
・August 9, 2025:  Summer Festivals (Natsu Matsuri)
Capture the energy of summer festivals with bold and lively calligraphy. Themes include fireworks (hanabi) and traditional festival dances.
・September 13, 2025:  Moon-Viewing (Tsukimi)
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with calligraphy inspired by the harvest moon. Practice smooth and balanced strokes to reflect the serenity of this tradition.
・October 11, 2025:  Autumn Leaves (Momiji)
Immerse yourself in the vivid colors of autumn by creating calligraphy themed around momiji (maple leaves). Focus on rich, textured brushwork to reflect nature’s vibrancy.
・November 8, 2025:  Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3 Festival)
Honor this special celebration for children with calligraphy expressing gratitude and blessings. Learn to write traditional words of growth and happiness.
・December 13, 2025:   New Year’s Preparations (Shogatsu)
Prepare for the New Year with calligraphy focusing on words like “harmony” and “prosperity.” Practice clean, deliberate strokes to symbolize fresh beginnings.  

To reserve your space for any or all classes, please register here.
Deadline for registration is one week before. 

Kumiko Hamilton spent many years in the world of advertising as a designer and art director, and during that time she encountered modern Japanese calligraphy, an “art of the moment”. Kumiko was attracted to the sheer depth of its impermanent, monotone world, and began to study the art in earnest. She is continuously searching for her own unique means of expression, her creative voice. She is also attempting to merge the modern, dream-like sound of the thirteen-stringed koto and seventeen- stringed koto, which she’s been playing since she was four, with calligraphy works that convey a contemporary feeling. Instructor, Sogen Calligraphy Association.
www.kumikohamilton.com

Japanese Language Class – Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Japanese language with expert instructors from Chabashila Japanese Language School. This interactive class offers a comprehensive foundation in essential vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills, designed to help you build confidence and fluency. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your Japanese, this class will empower you to communicate effectively and navigate everyday situations with ease. Join us to unlock new possibilities and elevate your language skills to the next level!

Cost: 3,500 yen per class (includes class and brunch).

Held on the third Saturday of every month starting in February 2025.
10:00am - 11:30am
Dates and Class Content
・February 15, 2025: Social Stars: Building Connections with Ease
Dive into the basics of socializing in Japanese! From introducing yourself to engaging in simple conversations, this session covers essential phrases to help you connect with others at social events or everyday encounters. By the end, you'll be well on your way to becoming a social star, effortlessly building connections in Japanese-speaking settings.
・March 15, 2025: Dine & Connect: Navigating Restaurants and Bars Together
Get ready to boost your dining experiences in Japanese! Learn basic phrases for ordering meals, asking about the menu, and engaging in restaurant conversations. This session equips you with the foundational language skills needed for enjoyable culinary adventures. Navigate restaurants and bars with confidence, connecting with locals through shared meals.
・April 19, 2025: City Explorers: Mastering Public Transportation 
Unlock the basics of seamless travel in Japan! This session focuses on fundamental Japanese phrases related to public transportation, including buying tickets, asking for directions, and traveling by taxi. Feel at ease navigating the bustling cities of Yokohama, making your way through various transportation modes like a beginner explorer.
・May 17, 2025: Adventure Planners: Booking Fun Experiences   
Embark on your Japanese adventure with language skills for booking and planning enjoyable activities. Learn how to express preferences, inquire about available options, and confidently organize simple experiences. Ensure your time in Japan is filled with beginner-friendly and memorable moments.
・June 21, 2025: Smart Shoppers: A Beginner's Guide to Knowledgeable Spending 
Dive into the basics of shopping in Japan! This session covers simple phrases for asking aboutproducts, inquiring about locations, discussing costs, and understanding payment methods. Become a smart shopper, navigating Japanese markets and stores with confidence, and making informed beginner-level purchasing decisions.
・July 19, 2025: Social Skills Exploration: Inviting and Declining with Ease 
Explore basic social skills in Japanese, focusing on inviting friends over and politely declining invitations. Learn language for expressing warm invitations to your home, planning simple social gatherings, and deepening connections. Equally important, acquire beginner-level language skills to decline invitations with courtesy, ensuring your interactions are marked by warmth and consideration.
・August 16, 2025: Polite Requests: Navigating Simple Social Interactions
Politeness is key in Japanese culture, and this session introduces you to the basics of making polite requests. From asking for assistance to expressing needs in a courteous manner, you will develop beginner-level language skills to navigate simple social interactions with grace and respect.
・September 20, 2025: Travel Essentials: Getting Around with Confidence
Prepare for a smooth journey through Japan by learning essential phrases for traveling. This session focuses on common travel situations such as checking in at hotels, asking for directions, and using transportation apps. Whether you’re navigating bustling streets or exploring quiet neighborhoods, you’ll gain the language skills to confidently get around Japan.
・October 18, 2025: Festivals and Celebrations: Joining in the Fun
Discover the rich traditions of Japanese festivals and celebrations in this class. Learn how to participate in cultural events, from attending seasonal festivals to expressing congratulations and good wishes. This session will equip you with the language to fully enjoy Japan's lively seasonal celebrations, making you feel like a part of the community.
・November 15, 2025: Everyday Essentials: Shopping and Bargaining
Sharpen your shopping skills and learn how to navigate local markets and stores. This class covers vocabulary and phrases for making purchases, asking for discounts, and understanding product details. Whether you're browsing in a department store or hunting for a deal in a local shop, you'll leave with the confidence to engage in basic shopping interactions.
・December 20, 2025: Year-End Traditions: Expressing Gratitude and Good Wishes 
As the year draws to a close, learn how to express gratitude and well wishes in Japanese. This session introduces important end-of-year customs, from giving New Year's cards (nengajo) to expressing thankfulness for the past year. Whether you're thanking colleagues, friends, or family, you'll learn how to navigate year-end social interactions with ease and politeness.
         

To reserve your space for any or all classes, please register here.
Deadline for registration is one week before. 

Yokohama History – Discover the rich history of Yokohama with historian Glenn Scoggins. From its days as a bustling port city to its current status as a modern metropolis, this class offers an in-depth look at Yokohama’s cultural evolution. This class is held in English.

Cost: 3,500 yen per class (includes class and brunch).

Held on the fourth Saturday of every month starting in February 2025.
10:00am - 11:30am
Dates and Class Content
・February 22, 2025: Landmarks of Yokohama
Who were the architects who designed the city’s most famous buildings? Learn about the Japanese and foreign architects whose designs created Yokohama’s distinctive cityscape. 
・March 22, 2025: Gone but Not Forgotten 
Japan’s railway system began in Yokohama in 1872. Since then, some once-busy railways and stations have vanished, victims of natural disasters, war, and modernization.
・April 26, 2025: Spires and Chimes on the Hilltops 
Why are there so many different churches in Yokohama? Even before Christianity was legalized in 1873, different religious groups built churches and schools in Yamate-chō.
・May 24, 2025: Yoshida Shinden: You are in it!   
From swamp to farmland to the heart of the city, Yoshida Shinden has mirrored the growth of Yokohama.
・June 28, 2025: Who Built Yokohama?  
Pioneering engineers built the urban infrastructure 150 years ago, in Japan’s first modern city. Today we still rely on their vision and efforts.
・July 26, 2025: Yokohama’s Four Foreign Cemeteries 
The Foreign Cemetery in Yamate is a well-known tourist attraction. This graveyard (and three others) reflect the history of the city and its citizens, of all nationalities.
・August 23, 2025: Nogeyama and Momijizaka: Cultural Core of Yokohama 
A short hike uphill from 7artscafe, you’ll find temples, shrines, libraries, and a major concert hall, as well as verdant parks, beautiful views, and Yokohama’s most famous zoo.
・September 27, 2025: Yokohama Before and After the Great Kantō Earthquake 
Yokohama was changed forever at 11:58 am on September 1st, 1923. We’ll compare and contrast its culture and appearance, in search of traces of the pre-1923 city that survived the disaster.
・October 25, 2025: Yokohama's Waterfront: Past, Present, Future 
Explore how Yokohama’s waterfront has evolved from a busy port of trade to a modern leisure and cultural hub, shaping the city’s identity over the centuries.
・November 22, 2025: The Hidden Green Spaces of Yokohama
Yokohama is known for its bustling cityscape, but many serene parks and gardens are tucked away in unexpected places. Discover the natural beauty that balances the urban environment.
・December 27, 2025: The Influence of Foreign Trade on Yokohama’s Culture  
Since the opening of the port in 1859, Yokohama’s international trade has influenced everything from fashion to cuisine. This discussion explores the cultural exchange that shaped the city’s development.
          

To reserve your space for any or all classes, please register here.
Deadline for registration is one week before.