The art of Japanese calligraphy 書道

Shodo, the way of Japanese writing

In Japan, there are many "Ways" (道): kadô 花道 ( the art of flower arrangement ), sadô 茶道 ( the tea ceremony ), or even, perhaps the best known in the West, budô, 武道: martial arts. A "Way" is even integrated into the French language: judo (柔道) of course!

These different practices are above all considered as a means of achieving a harmony that aims at the maximum exploitation of human capacities. This harmony is achieved through the coordination of body and mind in action.

As far as Japanese calligraphy is concerned, the product of "the way of writing" is not limited to beautiful work, it is also the expression of the calligrapher's inner spirit, of his being. We will remember this Japanese proverb: " If your brush is straight, the spirit will be straight ". The Japanese not only believe that brushstrokes can convey the weaknesses of the mind, but also that the mind can be improved by copying exemplary calligraphy.

Japanese writing

Japanese writing has its origins in sinograms or kanji (漢字). These Chinese characters were introduced to Japan around the 5th century AD. Nowadays, the Japanese still use these sinograms but also two syllabaries, hiragana, and katakana, simplified forms of Chinese characters. Each of these syllabaries is composed of 46 characters.

• Read also: Everything you need to know about Japanese writing

Japanese calligraphy, therefore, stages these different characters, in various styles: fluid brushstrokes or - on the contrary - angular.

Japanese calligraphy tools

Japanese calligraphy requires the " four treasures" of paper, brush, inkstick, and inkstone. If the first two "treasures" are not unknown to you, it is perhaps not the same for the last two.

In Asia, to produce ink for the art of calligraphy, the ink stick is rubbed on the rough inkstone, on which a little water has been poured beforehand. Ink sticks for calligraphy are black, but there are also other colors for the art of painting.

• Read also: Matcha ink calligraphy

Where to see Japanese calligraphy?

In Japan, writing and calligraphy are everywhere. To admire the most beautiful pieces, the better and to visit museums and temples.

In Tokyo, there are several museums for calligraphy enthusiasts to visit :

Taito Japanese Calligraphy Museum

A large collection of Japanese (and Chinese) calligraphy, was collected by Fusetsu Nakamura (1866-1943), a Western-style painter and Oriental calligrapher. The museum houses around 16,000 varied pieces, all marked with inscriptions or calligraphy, whether bronzes, stelae, parchments, statues, etc.

Useful information :

Adult price 500 yen ($3.75/3.25€)

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm  

Address: 2-10-4 Negishi, Taito-ku, Tokyo

The Tokyo National Museum

As a major cultural institution in the country, the Tokyo National Museum is of course home to some exceptional pieces of calligraphy. The main building which houses the permanent collection, therefore, presents many national treasures, the oldest dating from the 8th century.

Useful information :  

Adult price 1000 yen ($7.50/6.50€)

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 5 pm, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Address: 13-9 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Mitsuo Aida Museum

This small museum is located in the Tokyo International Forum and is entirely dedicated to the contemporary calligrapher and poet Mitsuo Aida (1924 - 1991).

Useful information :  

Adult price 800 yen ($7/6.25€)

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am. to 5:30 pm

Address: Tokyo International Forum B1, 3-5-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo