The Japan Society

Video: Japanese Calligraphy Tutorial

Subject: Other Topics / Art & Design
Level: GCSE+ / Key Stage 3 / Key Stage 2
Age: 15+ years / 11-15 years / 7-11 years
Resource Type: Activities / Presentations / Lesson Plans / Worksheets / Videos

Every child in Japan must learn how to write kanji characters at school and practice writing them, but Japanese calligraphy (called shodo) is different; it's a form of art.

In this video, calligrapher Eiko Ishida covers the basics of Japanese calligraphy including types of scripts, equipment, basic strokes and kanji. Watch to learn more and have a go! Use regular paintbrushes with water-based paint, or request to borrow calligraphy sets

You can jump to specific sections of the video, using the links below.


Additional Resources

Presentation: Writing in Japanese (2MB)
Lesson Plan: Writing and Calligraphy in Japanese
Calligraphy Strokes Practice Worksheet
Kanji Practice Worksheet

Schools can borrow calligraphy equipment for free, visit our loan resources page for more details.