About the EGAKU Program
Q：I’m a bit nervous as I have no artistic talent – can I still participate?
A：Yes – please rest assured, even those who have minimal art experience or feel that they struggle with art will be able to enjoy the EGAKU Program and take away something from the experience. Some participants even find that their ideas about art are transformed by their experience of EGAKU – join a course to find out for yourself.
Q：What are “open sessions”?
A：Open sessions are regular EGAKU sessions run by White Ship, Inc. which are open to the public. Open sessions are held in-person at our Tokyo gallery, 9201 Gallery and online.
To attend our open sessions enroll in one of our EGAKU Courses.
Upcoming session dates here >> https://egaku.co/en/schedule/
Q：I’m attending a gallery session - do I need to bring anything with me?
A：All participants must bring their EGAKU Art Kit to the session. If you don’t own an EGAKU Art Kit, you can buy one here. If you place your order close to the session date and we are unable to ship you your goods, we will prepare the goods for pickup on the day at the session venue. If you forget to bring your art kit, you can purchase one at the venue.
Q：Are there any important notices about attending the gallery sessions?
A：Please find below important notices about attending the in-person gallery sessions:
・All participants must bring their EGAKU Art Kit to the session. If you do not have one you can purchase one here.
・Gallery sessions are open to both Japanese and English speakers. The program is conducted in Japanese with English interpretation support.
・ Participants who attend the session without their EGAKU Art Kit, can purchase one on the day at the venue.
・ Due to the nature of the program, you cannot participate as an observer.
・Due to the nature of the program, it is not possible to join halfway through a session or to leave before the end of the session. Participants arriving 15 minutes after the session start time, will be treated as no-shows and will have their reservation automatically cancelled – in this case, your session slot will be forfeited and cannot be rescheduled.
・If you are no longer able to attend a session you have reserved, you can change your reservation on MY PAGE until 23:59 JST the day prior to the reserved session date. If you are unsure when you intend to participate, you can change your reservation status to “Pending.”
・For same day cancellations please contact us at info@whiteship.net.
・Read our Program terms to learn more about our cancellation policy and art materials.
・During the course of the program, we will take photographs and occasionally take video footage for our internal records. If you would rather not be photographed or videoed, please inform a member of staff on the day.
・ Once the session has reached capacity, all further reservations will be waitlisted. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Q：I’ve registered for an online session is there anything I need to prepare?
A：Please confirm the requirements for participation in an online session below:
・You will need to prepare an EGAKU Art Kit by your reserved session date.
・PC or tablet device (do not use a smartphone) equipped with a webcam, microphone and speakers
・Due to the nature of the program, we request that participants have their webcam switched on during the session.
・Zoom webconferencing app installed on your PC or tablet device.
・Stable internet connection. (Do not use mobile phone tethering or public wifi)
Q：Are there any important notices regarding attending the online sessions?
A：Yes, please read the important notices below:
・All online programs will be in English unless otherwise indicated. Please note the program Online session (Japanese only) is conducted in Japanese with no English interpretation.
・Dates and times for all online programs are indicated in Japan Standard Time (JST).
・We recommend downloading and installing the Microsoft Lens app to your smartphone, you will need this app to take a photo of your artwork in the program.
・If you are unable to receive delivery of the art materials in time for your session date, please change your reservation by 23:59 JST the day prior to the session date from MY PAGE.
・Recordings (video or audio) or taking photos or screenshots etc. during the session is strictly prohibited.
・ Due to the nature of the program, partial participation of a session, observing a session is not permitted.
・Participants joining 15 minutes after the session start time will be treated as no-shows and will have their reservation automatically cancelled – in this case, your session slot will be forfeited and cannot be rescheduled.
・If you are no longer able to attend a session you have reserved, you can change your reservation on MY PAGE until 23:59 JST the day prior to the reserved session date. If you are unsure when you intend to participate, you can change your reservation status to “Pending.”
・In the event of a same day cancellation kindly contact us at info@whiteship.net.
・Read our Program terms to learn more about our cancellation policy and art materials.
Q：Do you run sessions for teams and organizations?
A：Yes we do. Learn more about our corporate solutions here.
Q：Do I have to participate in consecutive sessions?
A：No, you don’t have to participate in consecutive sessions. However, in these open EGAKU sessions participants have the chance to experience different EGAKU themes every month which reflect the seasons and changing rhythms throughout the year, so we recommend that you take the opportunity to enjoy the annual program.
Q：What’s the difference between an online session and gallery session?
A：Learn more about the different program formats here.
Q：My first session was online – do I have to stick to the online format for the remainder of the course?
A：No. If you want to join a gallery session you can do so, so long as there are seats available. You can choose your preferred format for each of your course sessions.
Q：What is Online session (Japanese only)?
A：Our Online sessions are conducted in English, however we also run online sessions which are conducted in Japanese which are listed as Online session (Japanese only).
Q：Can I attend a session from outside Japan?
A：Yes, participants from outside Japan are welcome to join our online sessions. However, when you purchase an EGAKU Art Kit you will need to pay an additional international shipping fee. After you have placed your order, we will email you with further information about the international shipping fee and payment instructions. Please note all online sessions are indicated in Japan Standard Time.
Q：I don’t speak Japanese, can I join a gallery session?
A：Yes, English speakers are welcome to join our gallery sessions. The session itself will be conducted in Japanese but a member of staff will provide English interpretation support and English worksheets will also be provided.
Q：What is the EGAKU Art Kit?
A：The EGAKU Art Kit is a set of art materials which has been created exclusively for the EGAKU Program and is designed to empower participants to unleash their creativity. Learn more about the EGAKU Art Kit.
Q：Can children attend EGAKU open sessions?
A： Our EGAKU open sessions are open to children aged 12 (7th Grade) and above. We occasionally hold special EGAKU sessions which are also open to elementary school age children – we will notify past program participants of such upcoming events.
Q：I have a 3-year old child, can I bring my child along to the EGAKU gallery session?
A：We are currently unable to offer participants child-care facilities on our premises and request that participants do not bring their children to the gallery sessions. The EGAKU Program is designed as an introspective, mindful experience in which participants have the space and time to focus on themselves.
Q：I’m thinking of signing up for the gallery session – is it possible to attend in a wheelchair?
A：Participants using wheelchairs have attended our in-person gallery sessions in the past, however, although the building in which we are located has an elevator, the bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible. For more information about wheelchair accessibility and gallery facilities, we recommend contacting us before registering for a course.
Q：I have hearing difficulties, is it possible to attend a gallery session?
A：Participants with hearing difficulties have attended our gallery sessions in the past, however, we are aware that the program experience may be impacted by the nature and degree of the hearing difficulties experienced by an individual and recommend that you get in touch with our team before registering for a course.
Q：I want to join today’s EGAKU open session but I don’t have an EGAKU Art Kit – can I attend the session?
A：If you’re attending an open session at our gallery, you can purchase an EGAKU Art Kit from our online store for pick-up at the gallery. Unfortunately, for online sessions, you will have to receive your EGAKU Art Kit before the session date so if you don’t have an EGAKU Art Kit to hand, then you will not be able to attend today’s online session. For more information read: Q：Are there any important notices regarding attending the online sessions?
Q：I’m registered for a course - how do I check how many sessions I have left?
A ：Log into your EGAKU Portal account and go to MY PAGE – under your profile photo you will be able to check the course you’re registered for, and the number of sessions you have already attended. For example, if you’re registered for the EGAKU BASIC Course, and you have attended 1 session, you have 2 sessions left, the following text will be displayed under “EGAKU BASIC”: “ENROLLED / 1 ATTENDED.”
Q：Will my clothes get dirty during the session?
A：You will use pastels in the EGAKU Program. The pastels in the EGAKU Art Kit do not contain oil and the pastel powder can be easily washed off without staining your clothes. If you’re coming to a gallery session straight from work, there is no need for a change of clothes. However, we suggest that you avoid wearing any clothes you want to keep clean and spotless.
Single EGAKU Session (for experienced participants only)
Q：I’ve participated in an EGAKU session in the past in a corporate training session at my company, however, I’ve never participated in an open EGAKU session before. Am I still eligible to purchase the Single EGAKU Session?
A：Yes, you are eligible to purchase the Single EGAKU Session. Kindly provide as much information as possible on the details of the EGAKU session you attended including program name, place, date etc. in the note section of the “Checkout” page.
Q：I can’t find the note section – where is it?
A：After clicking the “Checkout” button you will be directed to the “Checkout” page. Enter the requested supplemental information in the section “Add a note for the seller.”
EGAKU Gift Package
Q：I’ve participated in an EGAKU session before as part of my company’s training program, can I purchase the EGAKU Gift Package?
A：The purchase of EGAKU Gift Package is limited to individuals who have participated in our open sessions. This product is not available for purchase to individuals who have participated in EGAKU in the past at your company, school or university.
Learn more about our open sessions and courses here .
Q：I’ve participated in the open sessions before, however, the person I want to gift has never participated in EGAKU and does not have an egaku.co account. Are they eligible to receive the EGAKU Gift Package?
A：Yes they can receive the EGAKU Gift Package. Our team will create an account on our EGAKU Portal for the gift recipient and will email them their account details. We will also email the gift recipient information on how to receive their gift and shipping of their EGAKU Art Kit .
Q: Is there an expiry date to the EGAKU Gift Package?
A：The EGAKU Gift Package includes the program fee for one EGAKU open session for use within a year from the date we inform the gift recipient of their gift. The gift recipient will be informed of this and they will also receive a monthly email reminder notifying them of upcoming open sessions they can register for.
Q：Are there any age restrictions for recipients of the EGAKU Gift Package?
A：Participants of EGAKU open sessions must be 12 years old or above, accordingly recipients of the EGAKU Gift Package must also meet this minimum age requirement. Related question: Q：Can children attend EGAKU open sessions?
Q：Is there a limit on the number of EGAKU Gift Packages I can purchase?
A：No, you can purchase as many EGAKU Gift Packages as you want.
Q：Can I send the EGAKU Gift Package to a recipient who lives outside Japan?
A：Yes the EGAKU Gift Package can be purchased for recipients living outside Japan. However, shipping destinations outside Japan will be subject to an additional international shipping fee. Furthermore, any customs or import duties related to international shipping are the responsibility of the purchaser. After you have completed your purchase from our online shop, we will email you separately with information about the additional international shipping fee. The EGAKU Art Kit will be shipped to the recipient after completion of payment of the additional shipping fee. Please note that due to international shipping restrictions, the fixative spray is not included in the EGAKU Art Kit for international shipping addresses. Although you can participate in EGAKU without a fixative spray, participants can use hairspray (unscented if possible) as a substitute. Learn more about the fixative spray here.
Registration, Payment and Cancellation
Q：Can I invite a friend to join a session?
A： Of course! Your friend can register for a course from egaku.co. Alternatively you can gift your friend an EGAKU experience by purchasing an EGAKU Gift Package which consists of program fee for one EGAKU open session and an EGAKU Art Kit.
Learn more about the EGAKU Gift Package (product details and purchase page) >>
Q：How do I pay for the course?
A：Register for a course from the egaku.co website, and complete your payment for the course by credit card (Visa/MasterCard/American Express).
Q：I can no longer make the session I reserved, what should I do?
A：If you can no longer make a session you’ve reserved, you can change your reservation from MY PAGE on the egaku.co website until 23:59 JST the day before the session. Log into your egaku.co account and go to MY PAGE you will see your reserved sessions at the top of the page, change your reservation by clicking “Change date.” You can select a convenient date or even change your reservation to “Pending.” You cannot cancel your reservation, for more information read our Program terms.
Q：Can I cancel my reservation on the day of the session?
A：If you cancel your reservation on the day of the session or fail to show up for the session your reservation will be counted as a no-show and you will not be able to reschedule the session. Changes to reservations can be made any time until 23:59 JST the day before the session date from your MY PAGE on the egaku.co website.
Q：Can I join the program after it has started or leave before the end of the session?
A：Due to the nature of the program, partial program participation is not permitted. Participants arriving 15 minutes after the session start time, will be treated as no-shows and their reservation will be automatically forfeited. Read more about our terms for program participation here.
Q：I’ve registered for the TOTSUKITOKA Course, do I have to attend a session every month?
A：TOTSUKITOKA participants do not need to attend a session every month, we recommend participants attend ten sessions at a pace that suits their lifestyle. If your plans change you can change your reservation from MY PAGE by 23:59 JST the day prior to the session. Please note same day cancellations are not accepted, and will be counted as an attendance.
Q ：If I end up moving abroad for an extended period of time, or take a break for health reasons, can I put my course enrollment on hold?
A：Yes, even if you end up putting your attendance on hold for an extended period of time, you will be eligible to attend a total of 3 sessions for the EGAKU BASIC course, and 10 sessions for the TOTSUKITOKA course.
Q：Tell me more about your cancellation policy.
A：Read more about our cancellation policy here.
Q：What is egaku.co?
A：egaku.co (EGAKU Portal) is a course management website for EGAKU programs operated by White Ship, Inc. Participants can register for a course, book and manage sessions, upload artworks and manage worksheets.
EGAKU Art Materials
Q：What is the EGAKU Art Kit?
A：The EGAKU Art Kit is a set of art materials that is mandatory for participation in EGAKU. The contents of the kit are: ①EGAKU Pastels ②Set of 12 sheets of EGAKU Color Paper ③EGAKU Frame ④Fixative spray. If you are running low on art supplies you can purchase additional materials here.
We ask that participants residing outside Japan read this information carefully.
Q：What are EGAKU Pastels?
A：EGAKU Pastels is a set of 10 artist’s quality pastels comprised of a rich palette of colors, and eraser which have been developed specifically for EGAKU. The hardness and consistency of these pastels is between commercially sold hard and soft pastels, and can be easily blended together and applied on paper. These pastels were jointly developed with Nihon Rikagaku Industry over three years and were officially launched in 2021.
Q：I have a set of pastels which I bought in a shop. Can I use these rather than purchasing a set of EGAKU Pastels?
A：There are many different types of pastels sold by various manufacturers around the world. The EGAKU Pastels have been carefully designed to empower participants of EGAKU to unleash their creativity – the hardness, color, number of colors have been carefully curated and are an integral part of the EGAKU experience. All participants are required to use EGAKU Pastels in EGAKU sessions.
Q：I have a set of pastels in a small plastic case from an EGAKU session I attended in previously. Can I use these or do I have to purchase the EGAKU Pastels?
A：If these are pastels you have used in a previous EGAKU session, you can continue using these pastels.
Q：What is the EGAKU Frame?
A：Framing your work and then viewing your framed EGAKU work is an important part of the EGAKU experience. The EGAKU Frame has been developed to allow participants to frame their work easily and beautifully, without the fuss of the standard framing process. One EGAKU Frame is included in the EGAKU Art Kit and can be reused by removing your previous artwork and inserting your new artwork during the session.
Q: Can I purchase another EGAKU Frame?
A：Yes, EGAKU Frames are available for purchase at our online shop. The EGAKU Frame can be reused by replacing your previous EGAKU artwork with your new artwork during the session, however, we do recommend purchasing an additional EGAKU Frame if your existing one is a looking a little worn. You can also purchase additional frames to use to display your EGAKU artworks at home or in the office.
Q：Can I insert the EGAKU Frame in a wooden frame?
A： Yes! In addition to using the EGAKU Frame as a standalone frame, it also functions as a picture mount which can be inserted into a wooden or plastic frame of your choosing (frame to fit 8 x 10in size).
Q：I have a wooden frame which I previously used in an EGAKU session, can I use this or do I have to purchase an EGAKU Frame?
A：Participants joining our online sessions do not need to purchase an EGAKU Frame and can use the wooden frame from a previous EGAKU session. If you plan to reuse your wooden frame during the online session, please remove your previous EGAKU artwork from the picture mount beforehand so that you are ready to replace it with your new artwork during the session. Participants joining our in-person session at our gallery in Tokyo will require an EGAKU Frame for the group work and will need to purchase an EGAKU Frame if they do not have one.
Q：What is the set of 12 sheets of EGAKU Color Paper?
A：This is a set of 12 sheets of color paper for pastel painting, specially cut to specifications for the EGAKU program. The EGAKU color paper has been designed to allow people of all backgrounds including those who lack confidence in their artistic abilities to enjoy and immerse themselves fully in the program.
Q：I only have three sheets of EGAKU Color Paper left - do I need to purchase a new set of paper?
A: You can participate in an EGAKU session as long as you have one sheet of EGAKU color paper. You can savor the creative challenge of creating a work within the constraints of choosing from a limited number of options, alternatively you may want to participate with a complete set of paper. At the end of the day it’s up to your personal preference – take whatever approach works for you.
Q：Do I have to use EGAKU Color Paper?
A：First time participants are required to purchase an EGAKU Art Kit, and you can use the EGAKU Color Paper included in this kit. Experienced EGAKU participants who have on hand fine paper suitable for use with pastels, such as feltmarked fine paper, MERMAID paper, can use this paper by cutting it into a 155x155mm square sheet.
Q：I’ve used up the fixative spray. Where can I buy the fixative spray? (Japan residents only)
A：Fixative sprays can be purchased from art supply stores such as Sekaido or Amazon Japan. We recommend participants use the Holbein Spray Fixative which are available in a range of sizes:https://webshop.sekaido.co.jp/product/A000288
Q：I live outside Japan, can I purchase a bottle of fixative spray?
A：Unfortunately, the particular brand of fixative we use in EGAKU is not available outside Japan and due to international shipping restrictions this product cannot be shipped internationally. Although you can participate in EGAKU without a fixative spray, participants can use hairspray (unscented if possible) as a substitute.
Q：Can I purchase EGAKU art materials from outside Japan?
A：Yes, you can. Please note shipping destinations outsides Japan will be subject to an additional international shipping fee. Furthermore, any customs or import duties related to international shipping are the responsibility of the purchaser. After you have completed your purchase from our online shop, we will email you separately with information about the additional international shipping fee. Your goods will be shipped to you once you have completed payment for the additional shipping fee. Please note that due to international shipping restrictions, the fixative spray is not included in the EGAKU Art Kit for international shipping addresses. Although you can participate in EGAKU without a fixative spray, participants can use hairspray (unscented if possible) as a substitute. Learn more about the fixative spray here.
Q：I want to gift EGAKU art materials to a friend – is this possible?
A：The EGAKU art materials have been designed exclusively for use in the EGAKU Program, therefore it is not possible to solely purchase the art materials without enrolling for a course. However, if you would like to share the EGAKU experience with friends and loved ones, you can purchase the EGAKU Gift Package for them – a gift set which includes 1 EGAKU session fee and an EGAKU Art Kit. The EGAKU Gift Package is only available for purchase by those who have participated in EGAKU before, or individuals currently enrolled in an EGAKU course.
Learn more about the EGAKU Gift Package (product details and purchase page) >>
Q：I’ve never participated in EGAKU before, can I buy EGAKU art materials without registering for a course?
A：EGAKU art materials have been created exclusively for participants of EGAKU, please purchase your EGAKU art materials after registering for a course.
Q： Can I purchase EGAKU art materials to do EGAKU with a group of friends?
A：EGAKU art materials have been created exclusively for participants of EGAKU, therefore EGAKU art materials are not available for purchase to those who have never participated in EGAKU before. If you would like to plan and run an EGAKU session with friends and all participants meet the following conditions: i) they have participated in EGAKU at least once, ii) everyone has their own EGAKU Art Kit, contact us at info@whiteship.net to enquire for further details.
Q：I’m running short of some EGAKU art materials - can I purchase additional art supplies at the gallery session?
A：Yes you can. We ask that you arrive a little earlier than the session start time to complete your purchase. Payment is by credit card from our online shop, so please have your smartphone to hand to complete payment. Cash payments are not accepted.