Last week, we had the pleasure of participating in a Japanese calligraphy experience tour, and it was truly extraordinary! We delved into the development of Japanese scripts, learned the proper way to hold the brush, and discovered how to beautifully write Japanese characters with a brush. Let me share this amazing experience with you in this blog!
Discovering the Art of Japanese Calligraphy: A Hands-On Experience
Our guide teacher for this session, Chihiro-san, was the same knowledgeable teacher who led us through the Sake tasting tour last time. We were immediately impressed by her skill as she demonstrated beautiful calligraphy using brush and ink. Chihiro-san is not only a talented calligrapher but also a kind and patient teacher. This time, we had three participants from Indonesia: Anden-san, Dyah-san, and Sun-san. Chihiro-san carefully guided us through the steps of writing Japanese characters—Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji—using traditional tools of ink and brush.
一期一会: Ichigo-Ichie ~ Once-in-a-lifetime encounter (hence should be cherished as such)
A Glimpse Into Japanese Culture
Chihiro-san began by teaching us the three key techniques for writing Japanese characters neatly with a brush: Tome (stop), Hane (jump), and Harae (sweep). Keeping these techniques in mind helps make the characters look beautiful. She also shared insights into the origins of Japanese Kanji and how they are formed. Although Chinese characters and Japanese Kanji are slightly different, Kanji was originally imported from China. We also learned about the creation of other Japanese scripts: Hiragana and Katakana.
Hands-on lesson with a personalized touch
Next, we practiced writing. Participants chose their favorite Japanese words and wrote them down. The words selected were “一期一会: Ichigo-Ichie,” “京都: Kyoto,” and “冬: Winter.” Chihiro-san provided a model for us to imitate, and everyone wrote with serious concentration. Calligraphy, or Shodō, is more than just writing—it embodies the Japanese spirit of precision, patience, and beauty. Our participants connected with this tradition on a deeper level, learning how each stroke can convey emotion and meaning.
Everyone was very focused while writing!
Chihiro-san also personalized the experience by giving each participant their name in Katakana and Kanji. For the Kanji names, we chose characters with similar pronunciations and positive meanings. For example, Anden is written as 安伝, meaning “conveying peace.”
The attention to detail and emphasis on technique made the experience both educational and meditative. We were deeply engaged and found the experience incredibly rewarding. This hands-on course lasts about 90 minutes. To join the tour, please see the details here.
A Visit to the Knife Sharpening Shop
After the calligraphy session, we walked across the street to visit the knife sharpening shop, Tsuneshin 常真, run by master craftsman Mr. Iwayama. Located across from Furukawa Shuzo, this store offers natural sharpening stones and kitchen knives for purchase.
Natural whetstones from the 250 million year old Cambrian stratum!
Other Interesting Experience tours at Furukawa Shuzō
In addition to this Calligraphy Tour, Furukawa Shuzō 古川趣蔵 also offers Japanese home cooking, sake tasting, and knife sharpening tours. For more information, please see below.
【SHIRAKAWA DEEP-DIVE into Japanese Food Culture】🤗
Thank you so much for reading this blog.
I hope you enjoyed it, and we look forward to seeing you in Kyoto!