The Schoolchildren of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Grind Calligraphy

«The Way of the Writing» is what the word «calligraphy» means in Oriental languages. This way was followed by the fifth-graders of Gymnasium #1 of the town of Yuzhno-Sahalinsk.

«Around one hundred fifty pupils from the primary division, fifth and tenth grades of our gymnasium study the Japanese language. We do our best to set up calligraphy master classes for them on an annual basis, for calligraphy is an integral part of Japanese culture,» Ivan Gusin, the gymnasium foreign languages teacher explained.

For the third time already, the master classes are conducted by Ishimura Keiko, teacher of the Children’s Music School #1.

«I’ve been passing this art onto Russian children since 2006, and I must say it’s a pretty fascinating process. It’s sometimes a bit too complicated for them though. The key is to tune the kids into the right mood. If a person is tense or disconcerted she won’t be able to convey the right meaning into the characters,» Ishimura Keiko commented.

Around twenty pupils got down to work. The kids were taught the elements of hieroglyphic writing. Brush and ink in hand, they learned the rules of writing of five basic elements that occur in all Japanese characters. At the end of the class, they managed to paint such hieroglyphs as «eternity», «friendship», and «happiness» practically on their own.

The Schoolchildren of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Grind Calligraphy