On August 23rd, in the height of summer in Nagoya, we held a Japanese Calligraphy Experience that immersed participants in the expressive world of shodo — the traditional art of brush and ink.

We were honored to welcome Ms. Riho, a calligraphy artist based in Aichi Prefecture, known for her dynamic and captivating live performances.

The session began with a powerful live demonstration.
Everyone was mesmerized by Ms. Riho’s bold, fluid brushstrokes as she wrote the word “Tanren” (training), filling the room with energy and focus.

After the performance, participants learned about the fascinating background of shodo and explored the tools of the art — brush, paper, ink, inkstone, and seal — experiencing their textures and even the subtle fragrance of freshly ground ink.

Through her stories, we discovered how sensitively professional calligraphers handle these materials, deepening our appreciation for the art’s precision and depth.

Then it was time for creative calligraphy!

Unlike traditional writing that focuses on beautiful form, this experience invited participants to express emotion and individuality through the brush — creating calligraphy as art.

Each person chose a meaningful word or phrase and practiced how to emphasize strokes, balance composition, and convey feeling.

With Ms. Riho’s personalized advice, participants refined their ideas through practice before completing their final piece on shikishi paper.

When everyone held up their finished works, the room was filled with smiles, pride, and a shared sense of artistic accomplishment！

It was a truly inspiring day of creativity and cultural connection through the art of Japanese calligraphy.

A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Riho and to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable experience✨