Japanese Calligraphy and Poetry in Transition E-Book

Hermann Candahashi

• Herausgeber: tredition
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 255

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

Japanese Calligraphy and Poetry in Transition – The Wonderful World of Brush and Poetry Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Japanese calligraphy and poetry! This book combines the timeless beauty of Japanese calligraphy with the profound poetry of traditional haiku and tanka. Learn how calligraphy and poetry have changed over the centuries and discover the connection between aesthetic elegance, meditative art, and poetic expressiveness. Once again, the author Hermann Candahashi proves himself to be a connoisseur of Japanese culture and rightly enjoys a name with international renown. Perfect for calligraphy lovers, Japan fans, and poetry enthusiasts. Inspiring insights into Japanese art, culture, and the history of writing. Zen and Writing - A harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Ideal for meditation, mindfulness, and creative inspiration. Whether you are an artist, a calligraphy lover, or simply fascinated by Japanese culture, this book will transport you in an accessible way to a world full of poetry, harmony, and artistic brushstrokes. Be inspired and discover the beauty of Japanese calligraphy in a philosophical way! Yours, Hermann Candahashi

Leseprobe

Japanese calligraphy and poetry in transition

The wonderful world of brushes and poetry

© 2025 Hermann Candahashi

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tredition GmbH, Heinz-Beusen-Stieg 5, 22926 Ahrensburg, Germany

Das Werk, einschließlich seiner Teile, ist urheberrechtlich geschützt. Für die Inhalte ist der Autor verantwortlich. Jede Verwertung ist ohne seine Zustimmung unzulässig. Die Publikation und Verbreitung erfolgen im Auftrag des Autors, zu erreichen unter: tredition GmbH, Abteilung "Impressumservice", Heinz-Beusen-Stieg 5,

22926 Ahrensburg, Deutschland.

Japanese calligraphy and poetry in transition

The wonderful world of brushes and poetry

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction: The Soul of Japan in Art and Words

Brush and Ink: The Basics of Calligraphy

Calligraphy - Tools & Styles

Calligraphy and Zen - inseparably linked

The connection between poetry and calligraphy

Masterpieces and Masters of Calligraphy and Poetry

Analysis of exemplary works and their significance

Traditional Poetry as a Window to the Japanese Soul

Western and Japanese Poetry – The Difference

The role of poetry in the imperial court and in samurai culture

Calligraphy and Poetry in Modernity

Calligraphy as a therapeutic and creative practice

Practical exercises and inspiration for beginners

Closing Remarks

Glossary

Also published by me:

Preface

In our time, there are few arts as timeless and calming as Japanese calligraphy and poetry. Both art forms offer not only a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural history, but also a way to find inner peace and express emotions in subtle yet powerful ways.

Japanese calligraphy, or shodo ("the way of writing"), is much more than writing characters. It is a meditative practice in which every brushstroke has meaning. The artist transfers his inner world to the paper, with balance, rhythm and aesthetics playing a central role. Each stroke is unique, and no work can ever be reproduced exactly, as it is influenced by the mood and energy of the moment.

Similarly, Japanese poetry reflects the depth and beauty of the human soul. Haiku and tanka, the two most well-known forms of traditional Japanese poetry, are succinct and powerful, capturing fleeting moments and complex feelings in a few lines, often with a connection to nature and the transience of life.

The combination of these two arts - calligraphy and poetry - forms a symbiosis of visual and literary beauty. A poem becomes a work that can be both read and viewed through its artistic representation in ink. The words and strokes speak to us together and reveal the essence of harmony and simplicity that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

This book is not intended to be a guide to practical exercises. There are already countless good and excellent online courses, books and video tutorials on this subject. Rather, I would like to discover the philosophical and spiritual world of Japanese calligraphy and poetry with you. It begins with a historical overview, introducing the reader to the philosophical and cultural foundations that underlie these arts. But also short practical exercises that give beginners the opportunity to experience the meditative practice of calligraphy and the art of writing haiku for themselves.

Whether you are a lover of Japanese culture, an artist looking for inspiration or simply a curious mind, this book invites you to follow the path of brushstroke and poetry. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Shodo and Haiku and discover the beauty that emerges when ink meets paper and words become images.

The art of calligraphy and the poetry of Japan share an unmistakable bond that has grown over centuries and is a deep reflection of Japanese culture and aesthetics. This book is an invitation to immerse yourself in this fascinating world characterized by the harmony between writing and word.

From the very first brushstroke on the delicate paper, a dimension opens up in which the movement of the hand, the intensity of the ink and the depth of expression meet. This connection is more than mere representation; it is the expression of a way of life, a philosophy that has its roots in the Japanese term "Shibumi" - simple, subtle elegance.

As I began to explore the connection between calligraphy and poetry, I quickly realized that these art forms can be viewed not only as cultural expressions, but also as mirrors of a deeper understanding of time, space, and human existence. Calligraphy is not just writing; it is movement, emotion, and reflection. Poetry is not just text; it is sound, rhythm, and resonance. Together, they create a web that is both timeless and distinctively Japanese.

I have two goals in this book: first, to shed light on the cultural and historical foundations of these art forms in order to create a solid understanding of their development and meaning. Second, to show through stories and observations how this connection comes to life in practice.

The chapters of this book are designed to offer both a philosophical and spiritual perspective, but also to convey the magic of experience and observation. The journey takes us through the centuries, from the first Chinese influences through the heyday of the Heian period to the present day, in which calligraphy and poetry are finding new forms of expression.

I hope that this book not only imparts new knowledge to you, but also offers an emotional and aesthetic experience. The connection between calligraphy and poetry is not just a topic - it is an experience that speaks to you with every line, every stroke and every silence in between.

Yours, Hermann Candahashi

Introduction: The Soul of Japan in Art and Words

Japan, a country of astonishing diversity, presents itself in a fascinating symbiosis of tradition and modernity. The soul of this country finds expression in a rich cultural heritage that has manifested itself over centuries in art, literature and language. But what exactly makes up the soul of Japan? How is it reflected in art, and how can the stories it tells be understood through words? In this chapter, I invite you to discover the multi-layered facets of the Japanese soul through a journey into the world of aesthetics and cultural expressions.

Japanese art is more than just a collection of images, objects and buildings. It is a window into the heart of a people who maintain a deep connection to nature, the transience of life and the beauty of the inconspicuous. From the delicate ink painting of the Muromachi period to the pop culture of modern manga and anime, an artistic continuity is revealed that harmoniously combines tradition and innovation. This interplay between old and new is characteristic of Japanese aesthetics and can hardly be summed up in a few words. Nevertheless, it is possible to gain access to the deeper cultural structures by looking at the works of art and literary texts.

Let's start with a central concept that appears again and again in Japanese art and literature: Wabi-Sabi. This philosophy, which focuses on the acceptance of transience and imperfection, is present in all areas of Japanese life. Wabi-Sabi is not only an aesthetic attitude, but also a reflection of Japan's cultural values. In art, it finds expression in the fragility of ceramics, the monochrome landscape paintings and the poetry of haikus. A famous example is Matsuo Basho's haiku:

An old pond

A frog jumps into it

The sound of the water.

With just a few words, Basho captures the essence of the moment and leaves room for reflection and interpretation. This haiku symbolizes the simplicity and depth that characterizes Japanese art. It shows how art and words can reveal the soul of Japan: through minimalism, subtlety and a deep connection to nature.

Another element that shapes the soul of Japan is the connection between spirituality and art. The religious traditions of Shinto and Buddhism have had a significant influence on the country's artistic expressions. Shinto, the original religion of Japan, celebrates the sacredness of nature and the presence of kami, divine beings, in all things. This idea is reflected in the architecture of Shinto shrines, which are characterized by simplicity and harmony with their surroundings. One example of this is the Ise Shrine, whose timeless beauty is preserved through ritual renewal every twenty years. This ritual, which has been practiced for centuries, embodies the idea of transience and renewal that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Zen Buddhism has also played a significant role in the development of Japanese art. The meditative practice of Zen is reflected in garden art, calligraphy and the tea ceremony. A Zen garden like the Ryoan-ji in Kyoto is a place of contemplation, where the arrangement of stones and gravel creates a space for inner peace and reflection. The art of Zen teaches us to linger in the moment and recognize the beauty of simplicity.

Japanese literature, another key to the soul of the country, is rich in stories that explore the human condition in all its facets. From the epic "Genji Monogatari" of the Heian period to the modern works of Haruki Murakami, Japanese literature reveals a remarkable sensitivity to man's inner conflicts and longings. The tales of Genji, the "Shining Prince", not only provide insight into courtly life in the 11th century, but also shed light on timeless themes such as love, loss and transience. These themes are echoed in modern literature, which often addresses the fractures and contradictions of modern life.

The combination of art and words in Japan is an invitation to see the world with different eyes. It asks us to pause and recognize the beauty in the moment. This attitude is still relevant today, in a world that is often characterized by hecticness and superficiality. Japanese art reminds us that true beauty often lies in the inconspicuous things that we overlook in everyday life.

By looking at the art and literature of Japan, we enter into a dialogue with a culture that is deeply rooted in nature and spirituality. We discover an aesthetic that celebrates transience and imperfection and invites us to experience life in all its depth. This journey into the soul of Japan is an enrichment that teaches us to see the world with new eyes and to understand art as a bridge between cultures and times.

The Japanese aesthetic is revealed not only in the established forms of art and literature, but also in the everyday rituals and objects that shape the culture. The ceremony of tea, known as chanoyu, is an excellent example of how art, spirituality and everyday life merge. The room in which the tea ceremony takes place is usually simple, with minimal decoration and a focus on natural materials. But it is precisely in this simplicity that there is an incomparable elegance. Every detail - from the choice of the tea bowl to the arrangement of the utensils - is carefully considered to create a sense of harmony.

This pursuit of perfection in imperfection, which captures the essence of wabi-sabi, is also evident in Japanese craftsmanship. Kintsugi, the art of repairing broken pottery with gold, is a perfect emblem of this philosophy. Rather than hiding the cracks, they are highlighted to celebrate the history and beauty of the object. This concept teaches us that vulnerability and breakage are part of life and have their own value.

In addition to physical art, nature itself plays a significant role in Japanese culture. The ever-changing seasons are a central part of Japanese life and are often thematized in art and literature. The cherry blossom festival Hanami, which celebrates the short-lived bloom of the sakura, is an example of consciously celebrating the transience of life. The sakura represents not only beauty, but also the awareness that everything in life is fleeting. This motif runs like a thread through the cultural expressions of Japan.

Japanese architecture also reflects this connection to nature. Traditional houses, known as machiya, are designed to invite light, air, and the surrounding nature into the living space. Materials such as wood and paper enhance the feeling of lightness and transparency, while sliding doors, known as fusuma, allow for flexible room design. This form of architecture is a symbol of the pursuit of harmony between man and the environment, a theme that is becoming increasingly important in the modern world.

But the soul of Japan is not only reflected in the quiet, contemplative aspects of the culture. The dynamic energy of the modern Japanese art scene also has its roots in this deep cultural connection to the past. Artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Takashi Murakami have interpreted traditional aesthetics in new, provocative ways and brought them into the global art scene. Their works, which often captivate with bright colors and surrealist motifs, are proof that Japanese art continues to build a bridge between the past and the future.

Overall, Japanese culture is a mosaic in which every element - be it art, literature, architecture or nature - tells its own story. These stories invite us to pause, reflect and look at the world from a new perspective. They teach us that true beauty often lies in the subtle, fleeting moments of life and that art and words have the power to reveal the soul of a people. But let's delve deeper.

History of Calligraphy:

From Kanji to Hiragana

The art of calligraphy in Japan tells a story that goes far beyond the purely aesthetic. It is a living connection between culture, writing and identity that has developed over thousands of years. Its origins reach deep into Chinese culture, but Japan has shaped its own distinctive way of expression. The journey from the complex, angular kanji to the gentle curves of hiragana is a story of adaptation, emancipation and creativity.

It all began more than a thousand years ago when the characters from ancient China found their way to Japan. It was a time of cultural exchange when Japan began to adopt Chinese ideas and technology. But the introduction of Chinese writing was more than just a technical advance; it was the beginning of a cultural revolution. The kanji - those fascinating, often multi-layered characters - became a tool for shaping ideas, concepts and ultimately art.

But the kanji were a challenge from the start. Their complexity and close ties to the Chinese language made them difficult to access for Japanese culture. Japanese and Chinese differ fundamentally in their grammar, structure and sound formation. Nevertheless, Japanese scholars mastered the art of adapting the kanji for their own language. They created systems such as the kanbun, a method of making Chinese texts readable in Japanese. It was an intellectual achievement that laid the foundation for the Japanese written language.

But the real transformation began in the Heian period, the era of cultural flowering that lasted from the 8th to the 12th century. During this period, a need developed for a written form that better reflected the flow of Japanese language while supporting growing literary creativity. Thus came the kana syllabary scripts: hiragana and katakana.

Hiragana was the first written language developed explicitly for the Japanese language. It was based on simplified forms of the kanji and was initially used by women who did not have access to the formal education often associated with the kanji. The so-called "onnade" - the "women's script" - soon became a powerful medium for literary expression. Masterpieces such as "The Pillow Book" by Sei Shonagon or "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu were created in this script. They reflect not only the beauty of the language, but also the ability to depict complex emotions and thoughts with simple means.

Hiragana embodied the essence of Japanese aesthetics. Its soft, flowing lines contrasted with the strict, geometric shapes of the kanji. It was as if the script itself expressed what distinguished Japan from China - a sensitivity to the fleeting, the changeable, the subtle. The hiragana made it possible to freely shape one's own language and create an identity that went beyond cultural influences.

At the same time, katakana emerged, a written language consisting of fragments of kanji and initially used for pragmatic purposes such as notes and annotations. While hiragana found its way into literature and poetry, katakana served primarily for precision and clarity. Together, these two systems created a written language that was both functional and artistic.

But the art of Japanese calligraphy is more than just a story of the development of writing. It is a reflection of the cultural values that have shaped Japan over the centuries. Zen Buddhism, tea ceremony, ikebana - all of these cultural currents are reflected in the way characters are formed and depicted. Calligraphy became a spiritual practice that required concentration, discipline and a deep connection with one's own inner world.

A key moment in the history of Japanese calligraphy was the introduction of "Sho-do" - the "Way of Writing". This philosophy sees calligraphy not just as an art form, but as a way of life. Every brushstroke becomes an expression of soul and spirit. The emptiness of the paper symbolizes the unknown, the possibilities of life, while the ink and brush represent the moment of action. It is an art form that requires both technical skill and spiritual depth.

Over the centuries, Japanese calligraphy has been continually evolving, whether through contact with Western cultures or through the innovation of local artists. But it remains deeply rooted in traditional values. Even at a time when digital technologies are revolutionizing the way we write and communicate, calligraphy remains a living art form in Japan. It is a testament to the ability to combine old and new, tradition and innovation.

The journey from kanji to hiragana is more than just a linguistic or cultural development. It is a metaphor for the Japanese ability to absorb outside influences and transform them into something unique and their own. In every character, in every brushstroke, a story is reflected - the story of a country that found its identity through the art of writing.

The development of Japanese calligraphy did not stop after the introduction of kana scripts. Writing was not only a means of communication, but also a tool of aesthetics and self-expression. As techniques became more refined and education became more widespread, calligraphy developed into a universal art form that attracted attention from all levels of society.

In the Kamakura period, which followed the Heian period, Japanese calligraphy experienced a new wave of influences, particularly the spread of Zen Buddhism. Zen brought a new perspective to art and craft - focusing on the present moment. Calligraphers were inspired to see their work as an expression of the inner spirit, and this led to a fusion of art and meditation.

The practice of "Hitsuzendo", which translates as "the way of the brushstroke", became a significant concept in Zen calligraphy. This was about putting the spontaneity and power of the moment into the brushstroke. An aesthetic emerged that celebrated imperfection and naturalness. The idea of "Wabi-Sabi" - the beauty of imperfection - thus found its way into calligraphy. A seemingly irregular stroke, a bump in the ink, or an unusual line were not seen as mistakes, but as expressions of the artist's authenticity and humanity.

The Muromachi period (14th to 16th centuries) saw the culmination of the connection between Zen and calligraphy. It was an era in which calligraphy became part of a broader cultural expression alongside other art forms such as garden art and the tea ceremony. Masterpieces from this period show a depth and clarity that testify to mastery of the craft and deep spiritual insight.

The Edo period brought further changes. During the long period of peace and political stability under the Tokugawa government, education became accessible to a wider section of the population. This led to calligraphy developing further outside of elite circles. In schools, calligraphy became a central part of education, and the practice reached not only nobles and monks, but also merchants and farmers.

This period also saw the emergence of different schools and styles, each with their own techniques and philosophies. Some emphasized elegance and precision, while others emphasized expressiveness and originality. It was a time of diversity and innovation, during which calligraphy became an art form that was important both for everyday life and for high culture.

With the Meiji Restoration and the opening of Japan to the Western world, calligraphy underwent another transformation. The influence of Western ideas and technologies led to a debate about what role traditional calligraphy should play in an increasingly modern and globalized society. A tension was created between preserving tradition and adapting to new circumstances.

The introduction of printing and later machine writing brought practical challenges. Nevertheless, calligraphy survived as an art form and was reinterpreted by a new generation of artists. The techniques were further refined, and the combination of writing and painting created new possibilities for expression. Some calligraphers experimented with abstract forms and modern media, while others stuck to classical principles.

Today, calligraphy is both a traditional and contemporary art form in Japan. It is taught in schools, exhibited in art galleries, and practiced in spiritual contexts. The importance of calligraphy extends far beyond Japan, as it is recognized worldwide as part of cultural heritage. Artists from all over the world study Japanese calligraphy, fascinated by its precision, expression, and deep philosophical foundation.

The history of Japanese calligraphy shows how a country discovers its identity through the art of writing. It is a journey marked not only by technical development, but also by spiritual and cultural transformations. In every stroke, curve, and empty space of the paper, a deeper truth is reflected - a connection between past, present, and future, between man and the universe.

The Beginnings: Kanji and Their Introduction to Japan

The origin and history of calligraphy in Japan are inextricably linked to the development of writing and its cultural significance. They tell a story of cultural exchange, adaptation, and the creation of a unique aesthetic identity. The arrival of Chinese characters, the kanji, marked a key turning point in Japanese history and laid the foundation for the art of calligraphy in Japan.

The Chinese script was brought to Japan around the 4th or 5th century AD, probably by Korean scholars and monks carrying Buddhist texts with them. During this early period, the Chinese script was not only a means of communication, but also a carrier of knowledge, religious practice, and administrative methods. The kanji were initially used in their original Chinese form, but the differences between the Chinese and Japanese languages posed significant challenges.

The Japanese language was a purely spoken language without its own writing system before the introduction of the kanji. Originally developed for Chinese, the kanji did not lend themselves easily to the syllabic structure of the Japanese language due to their logographic nature. Nevertheless, the Japanese adopted the kanji and developed creative methods to make them usable in their own language.

An important step in this process was the development of the so-called "kanbun" system, which involved marking Chinese texts with characters that instructed readers how to read and interpret the characters in Japanese grammar. This method made it possible to use Chinese texts directly in a Japanese context, which was of great importance in both religious and administrative areas.

The kanji remained the dominant writing system for centuries, but their complexity and the difficulties associated with adapting them to the Japanese language led to the development of the kana scripts: hiragana and katakana. These two syllabary scripts evolved from simplified forms of the kanji and served to better reflect the phonemic structure of the Japanese language.

Hiragana evolved primarily from cursive forms of kanji. The soft, curved lines of hiragana reflected the fluid nature of the Japanese language and were initially used primarily by women who did not have access to formal education aimed at using kanji. This so-called "onnade" - "women's writing" - soon found widespread use in literature, especially in the Heian period. Works such as "Genji Monogatari" by Murasaki Shikibu or "Makura no Soshi" by Sei Shonagon used hiragana to express the nuances and rhythm of the Japanese language.

Katakana, on the other hand, evolved from fragments of kanji and was originally used by Buddhist monks to annotate texts and represent precise phonetic values. Katakana was functional and clear, making it ideal for technical and scientific purposes. To this day, katakana is often used in the Japanese language for foreign words, technical terms and onomatopoeia.

With the spread of Zen Buddhism in Japan from the 12th century onwards, calligraphy took on a deeper spiritual dimension. Zen Buddhism emphasized simplicity, spontaneity and the direct expression of the spirit. These principles found their way into calligraphy and led to the development of a unique style that became known as "Hitsuzendo" or "The Way of the Brushstroke".

Zen calligraphy is characterized by its apparent simplicity, but behind each stroke lies intense concentration and a deep expression of inner clarity. Masters of Zen calligraphy such as Muso Soseki or Hakuin Ekaku left behind works that are both artistically and spiritually significant. A single, spontaneously placed stroke could convey an entire worldview.

Over the centuries, Japanese calligraphy developed into an art form with different styles and schools, each representing its own philosophies and techniques.

1. Kaisho (Block Script)

Kaisho is the most formal and clear style of calligraphy. Each stroke is placed precisely, and the characters are legible and symmetrical. This style is often taught in basic calligraphy classes and serves as a foundation for learning other styles.

2. Gyosho (Semi-cursive script)

This style is more fluid and less strict than Kaisho. Gyosho allows the calligrapher to introduce personal nuances and dynamics into the script while maintaining legibility. It is often used for literary works and personal correspondence.

3. Sosho (Cursive script)

Sosho is the freest and most expressive style of calligraphy. The characters flow into one another, and the lines are often oversimplified, which can make them difficult to read. This style is often used in Zen calligraphy because it reflects the artist's spontaneity and state of mind.

4. Kana Styles

Kana calligraphy is an art form specifically focused on the hiragana syllabary. It is known for its elegance and is often used for poetic texts such as tanka or haiku.

The development of Japanese calligraphy was closely linked to the pursuit of a cultural identity. While the kanji reflected the connection to Chinese culture, the kana scripts symbolized Japan's independence. The combination of these elements created a writing system that was both functional and artistic, embodying the duality of tradition and innovation.

Japanese calligraphy has undergone many transformations over the centuries, but it remains a living testament to Japan's cultural creativity. Whether in precise block letters, spontaneous Zen calligraphy, or the lyrical lines of kana, each stroke is an expression of history, spirit, and artistry.

Importance of calligraphy in Japanese culture

Known as "Shodo" ("The Way of Writing"), calligraphy has a profound meaning in Japanese culture that goes far beyond mere writing. It is an art form, a spiritual path, and an expression of cultural values. Over the centuries, calligraphy has established itself in Japan as an integral part of art, philosophy, education, and everyday life. Its meaning is complex, reflecting the connections between aesthetics, tradition, and individual expression.

Japanese calligraphy has long been considered one of the highest art forms. Unlike other art forms, its beauty lies in the simplicity and precision it demands. A single stroke can tell a story, and each character is a balancing act between form, rhythm and energy. The art of calligraphy combines visual aesthetics with linguistic expression, creating a unique connection between writing and art.

The importance of aesthetics in Japanese culture plays a central role here. Concepts such as "wabi-sabi" (the beauty of imperfection) and "ma" (the conscious use of emptiness and space) are omnipresent in calligraphy. A work of calligraphy is judged not only by the quality of the characters, but also by the interplay between the strokes, the balance of the layout and the use of the white paper as an active element. The space surrounding the characters is just as important as the characters themselves and contributes to the harmony of the entire work.

In Japanese culture, calligraphy is not only an art form, but also a spiritual practice. This connection is particularly strong in the context of Zen Buddhism, which came to Japan from China in the 12th century. For Zen masters, writing is an act of meditation, a moment in which the mind and body are completely focused on the present moment.

The practice of “Hitsuzendo” (“Way of the Brushstroke”) teaches that calligraphy is not only the result of technical perfection, but also an expression of the inner state of the calligrapher. A stroke made with uncertainty or restlessness can reveal the writer’s inner disharmony. Therefore, calligraphy is often seen as a means of self-knowledge and cultivating the mind. Many calligraphers speak of feeling a connection to their true self or even to the universe when writing. Zen calligraphy is characterized by spontaneity and simplicity. A well-known example is writing a single kanji character such as “Mu” (emptiness) on the paper with a single, powerful brushstroke. This act represents the essence of Zen thought: concentrating on the essential and letting go of unnecessary baggage.

In Japan, calligraphy has a long tradition as an important part of education. As early as the Heian period (794–1185), writing was considered a fundamental skill that had both practical and aesthetic dimensions. Over the centuries, calligraphy became an integral part of the school curriculum, and to this day Japanese children learn the art of beautiful writing in elementary school.

Learning calligraphy not only develops handwriting skills, but also patience, concentration, and a sense of aesthetics. The process of writing—carefully dipping the brush into the ink, consciously guiding the brush on the paper, and concentrating on each individual stroke—is considered a valuable life lesson. It teaches discipline, precision, and the ability to focus on the moment.

In traditional schools of calligraphy, students learn not only how to make the strokes, but also the underlying cultural and philosophical concepts. They are introduced to the meaning of each character and encouraged to bring their own personality to their work while respecting the principles of aesthetics.

Calligraphy also plays an important role in everyday life in Japanese culture. Holidays, religious ceremonies and family occasions provide opportunities where calligraphy plays a central role. A well-known example is the tradition of writing the "kakizome", the "first letter" of the year. On January 2nd, people sit together to write down their wishes or resolutions for the new year in the form of calligraphy. This act symbolizes a new beginning and is often accompanied by the hope that the written words will become reality.

Calligraphy also plays an important role in the tea ceremony, which is considered a symbol of Japanese aesthetics. A work of calligraphy that harmonizes with the season or the atmosphere of the meeting is often displayed in the "Tokonoma", a niche in the tea room. These pieces of writing are often poems or philosophical messages intended to inspire participants or to prepare them for the ritual.