Special Class “Calligraphy” for Japanese Language Students

Date & Time: Saturday, March 12, 2016 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Venue: Room 2, Abista

Participants: 26 in total (9 students and 17 teachers)

AIRA Japanese Language Class is held every Tuesday and Saturday. The students learn from volunteer teachers in groups according to their level. In the last class of the school year the Saturday Class students experienced Japanese calligraphy. Following the ordinary lesson in each group, today’s special class was held with all the students and the teachers. After self-introduction in a relaxed atmosphere enjoying some sweets, the “Calligraphy” class started.

First of all, Ms. Kawamata, one of the Saturday Class teachers, showed how to hold a brush, explained bunchin, paperweight, etc. to them, and demonstrated writing characters.

A set of calligraphy tools – brushes, writing paper, Indian ink, a paperweight and a calligraphy pad was prepared for each student. A sheet of paper with a list of eleven Chinese characters (人,友情,森,和,心, etc. ) written on it was also given to them.

The way of holding a brush is different from that of a pencil. It’s also different from how to hold chopsticks. For many of the students it was a new experience and they worked hard until they got used to it. In writing with a brush, a special attention is needed for brushstrokes such as writing the first touch on the paper, turning the brush, and finishing a stroke. After many practices with the help of the teachers, they finally wrote their favorite character and their name on a “shikishi”, large square card.

“Shodo”, calligraphy, is different from “Shuji”, penmanship. In calligraphy you don’t necessarily have to “write neatly.” You can express your own characters “beautifully.”The calligraphy works of the students from various countries were original and beautiful.

Calligraphy came to Japan from China, where it is taught as “shoho” at school. In China simplified Chinese characters are used. I’d like to know what kinds of characters are written in Chinese calligraphy.          (No. 15-24 Translated by Ch. Yamaguchi)