Kaizen Gala 2025
A Captivating Evening of Japanese Arts & Culture
8th Anniversary Kaizen Celebration
By Japanese Arts Foundation
Join us in celebrating Japanese culture and the spirit of Kaizen as we help build a new cultural landmark and honor the past.
Thursday, November 6 · 6 - 10pm CST
Join us for a captivating evening in support of the Japanese Arts Foundation and our mission to provide access to vibrant Japanese programming for all of Chicago and beyond. This event is more than just a celebration—it’s an investment in our communities that embodies the spirit of Kaizen, the philosophy of continuous improvement.
Step into the International Museum of Surgical Science for a night of fine Japanese cuisine, spirits, and artistic performances. We are thrilled to feature a special, one-night-only Gyotaku exhibition, which includes a rare collection of seldom-seen pieces and a live demonstration of the traditional Japanese art of fish printing.
In addition, Omar Francis Sensei will perform a tea ceremony, and you can get hands-on with a Kokedama succulent crafting activity to create your own unique moss ball planter to take home. As a sweet treat, enjoy seasonal wagashi (Japanese confectionery) from Wagashi Studio.
Your ticket supports our mission to invest in cultural landmarks, both new and old—from creating a new space to honor the Japanese community at the John Kelly Park Project in Lakeview, to continuing traditions at the historic Osaka Garden in Jackson Park.
Featuring culinary partners: Gaijin, Kamehachi, 2-D Restaurant, Beam-Suntory, Breakthru Beverage, Sapporo-Stone Brewing, Chicago Tea House, Kyoto Black Coffee, Wagashi Studio, and more!
Can't make it in person? You can still participate in our virtual silent auction for a chance to win incredible gifts from our partners and supporters.
This event is generously sponsored and supported by Byline Bank, the International Museum of Surgical Science, the Japanese Culture Center, and Morgan Stanley.
A Unique Gala Experience
Join us to celebrate a special evening benefiting the Japanese Arts Foundation and the International Museum of Surgical Science, some of our city’s foremost cultural institutions. This year, the museum will honor Japanese Arts Foundation Resident Artist, Mami Takahashi, in the celebration of her newest exhibition, Kintsugi: Healing through Japanese Art. Proceeds from this event support the International Museum of Surgical Science’s continued impact as a medical research, conservation, and education leader in Chicago and around the world. Proceeds also support the Japanese Arts Foundation’s mission of creating inclusive and equitable opportunity, education, and support of Japanese arts thriving in Chicago’s diverse community and beyond.
Performances and activations by:
City Pop ft. DJ Van Paugam: https://www.vanpaugam.com/
Shodo ft. Oda-sensei: https://hekiunoda.com/
And a pop-up photo booth!
Food and Drinks by:
House of Suntory
Gaijin by Chef Paul Virant
Chef Gene Kato of Momotaro
Vine Connections
Konbini & Kanpai
2-D Restaurant
Chef by Request
