【History】 What is Japanese calligraphy called?

Japanese calligraphy is called "shodo（書道）" or "shuji（習字）".

So what are some of the differences between the two?

Aren't they both the same? If you think so, check out the rest of this article!

◆Sho ‐ dō 〔‐ dau〕【書道】

How to read：shodo

An art that attempts to express the beauty of calligraphy with the writing brush. Developed in China since ancient times. Shodo was introduced to Japan and developed in its own unique way in conjunction with the creation of so-kana during the Heian period (794-1185), giving rise to such schools as the Sezonji, Jimyoin, Teika, and Syoren-in styles.

◆Shūji 〔shifu ‐ 〕【習字】

How to read：shuji

Practice writing letters correctly and beautifully. Originally, a field of Japanese language in elementary and junior high school. Nowadays, it is called shosha, and is taught with a hard brush and a writing brush.

                                                               ＜weblio＞

I see.

So calligraphy is more like art. On the other hand, calligraphy has a strong learning element.

I guess you could say that shodo is more like shodo > shuji.

Shodo is a higher grade of shodo than shuji. That is the impression I have.

By the way, with a hard brush and a writing brush, a hard brush was such as ballpoint pens, fountain pens, and other pens with a hard tip. A writing brush is just a brush.

So, in calligraphy, you have only one choice of brush, whereas in calligraphy, you have a variety of tools that can be used.

It is not only the meaning of the words, but also the tools used that differ.

Calligraphy was originally derived from China.

Not only the writing of letters, but also the techniques of brush and ink making and Japanese paper, Washi, making were transmitted, and in Japan, calligraphy (being able to write using a brush) seems to have spread to the general public as a form of education.

So why did calligraphy emerge?

Wasn't calligraphy sufficient?

Its origins date back to the postwar period.

In 1947, the General Headquarters of the Allied Forces (GHQ) ordered the abolition of writing with a brush in elementary and junior high schools. Only "hard brush writing" in Japanese language classes remained.

＜(See the report of the "Research and Study Project on Lifestyle and Culture (Calligraphy)" in 2020.

What a surprise! It seems that the name was changed because calligraphy was forbidden, and the school managed to revive it. It is said that calligraphy was first introduced in the fourth grade of elementary school by calligrapher Harumi Toyomichi and others.

Since then - up to the present day, Japanese elementary and junior high schools can handle calligraphy up to junior high school, and high schools can handle calligraphy from senior high school.

In reality, however, I think that many Japanese people are not really aware of either "shodo" or "shuji".

Once you do a search on "calligraphy" and "calligraphy"...the information is mixed.

There may be people who are doing calligraphy even if they are younger than high school age (*my children are in calligraphy).

So which is the best place to start if you want to learn Japanese calligraphy?

In terms of basics, I would say "shuji".

If you are confident that you know what you are doing, please contact ！！！！ If you are confident, you may want to start with "Shodo".

The important thing is not to follow rules and customs, but to have a free mind!