Japanese Calligraphy Unveiled

The art of Japanese calligraphy has started its own unique history in Japan since the arrival of Chinese characters around the 1st century AD with a dramatic development after the introduction of Buddhism in the 6th century. With the blend of Chinese characters together with uniquely Japanese characters (hira-gana and kata-kana that were developed from Chinese characters over the years) this creative art can express visual and spiritual beauty as it reflects the cultural history of its own. Shodo, the Way of Japanese calligraphy is widely practiced and enjoyed in today’s everyday life of Japan.

Yoko Takenami started to learn calligraphy at the age of 7 in Japan. Acquired master of calligraphy degree (shihan) from Zen-Sho-Gei, one of the major nationwide calligraphy institutions in 1990. Continuing learning with guidance of Kakko Nishii and Shisen Bota. In 2004, Simple Art of Japanese Calligraphy was published by Cico Books, now translated into French and German.

Japanese calligraphy unveiled

Source: Grimaldi Forum