What is Japanese Calligraphy?

Japanese Calligraphy is a traditional Japanese artistic writing.
It’s called Shodo(書道) or Shuji（習字）in Japanese.

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Shuji (習字) literally means “learning how to write letters”.
Shuji focuses on practicing writing skills.

Shodo(書道) literally means “the way of writing “.
We can say Shodo is one of the Japanese arts and a form of Zen.

Histrical background

Like many other Japanese traditions, Shodo originated from the medieval Chinese dynasties of Tang and Sui.

During the 6th and 7th century, Chinese Buddhist monks came to Japan to convert people to their religion, and to find enthusiasts of their beautiful writing style, as well.

It took no time for this simple and elegant style of calligraphic writing to make deep impression on the nobles of Japan and it even fascinated the Emperor himself.

Although Shodo is no longer a common way of writing nowadays, people consider Shodo as one of the most symbolic arts of Japan.

Even today, primary school and junior high school children in Japan are learning Shodo as a compulsory subject.

What are the benefits of learning Shodo?

Shodo is famous for being one Zen practices. Another famous Zen practice is the Japanese tea ceremony (茶道:Sado), another is Japanese flower arranging（華道:Kado), and many martial arts like Karate, Judo and Kendo.

These Zen practices make us concentrate on what our bodies do while learning new skills and give us the opportunity to experience mindfulness.

Learning Shodo as a Zen practice will bring peace and calm to our busy life.
It’s a form of active meditation, and is also highly recognized as a good way to improve motor skills.

Our Calligraphy Classes

Yu&Mie Partners proudly offers 2 kinds of Japanese Calligraphy Classes at City Beach and Ardross.

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