About Japanese Calligraphy 書道 (Shodo)

Japanese calligraphy is closely related to Chinese calligraphy, since Japanese script uses the Chinese logographic system, and the Japanese have always admired the great calligraphers of Chinese history. Chinese logographs, or characters, are called kanji in Japanese.

 Japanese calligraphy is unique in that the writing system also uses a phonetic syllabary called kana, this mixture of kanji and kana gives Japanese script its special character. 

 The writing materials for both Chinese and Japanese calligraphy equipment is very similar and uses similar techniques although there are some subtle aesthetic differences. 

kaisho, gyousho, sousho 

Kanji is taught at three levels of learning from a beginner using a basic block style through intermediate, leading to a mastery of the form with a more individual style.

Yukiko will teach beginners in calligraphy kaisho, before studying gyousho and sousho. 

  Hentai-gana is an older form of phonetic Kana script dating from the Heian period. It was adapted from Kanji that has the same phoneme, it has since been developed further Kata-kana and superseded, but is still used for older scripts.

 Yukiko can teach this form of calligraphy but would start teaching with Kana. 

Kana calligraphy is split into two scripts Hira-gana used for Japanese origin words and Kata-kana used for foreign words. Hira-gana is delicate and light, and very difficult to master, it can be developed into a cursive script.

Hira-gana  is a highly respected form of calligraphy but few are qualified to teach it.