Shodo - Japanese Calligraphy

Calligraphy (shodo: the way of writing) is the art of writing beautifully. Most Japanese children learn calligraphy in their elementary schools. Although taught to children, tt is a popular hobby among adults too. Unlike the strokes of Roman letters, the strokes of Japanese characters have to be drawn in the correct order rather than arbitrarily. When you learn Chinese characters, you draw one stroke after the other. This is called the square (Kaisho) style of writing kanji. This style of writing kanji however is rarely used in everyday life. Instead, there are two faster styles of writing in which the kanji become a little less legible, similar to when writing Roman letters in a fast way. These two styles are called semi cursive (gyosho) and cursive (sosho). Depending on the style used, calligraphy artists can create beautiful results that look like works of art.

Interested in taking a calligraphy class while in Japan? With Japan Deluxe Tours flexible and affordable range of day-trips and custom add-on's, partake in a calligraphy class during your Japan Tour's free day in Tokyo. You can also add a calligraphy museum and other great Japanese arts & craft locations to your vacation for a comprehensive art tour through the city!