AOI YAMAGUCHI CALLIGRAPHY

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  • NEW YEAR CALLIGRAPHY “KAKIZOME” WORKSHOP 2026

    NEW YEAR CALLIGRAPHY “KAKIZOME” WORKSHOP 2026

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    NEW YEAR CALLIGRAPHY “KAKIZOME” WORKSHOPS 2026

    Happy New Year! I‘m offering New Year Calligraphy “Kakizome” Workshops in my studio, Atelier Towa again this year. Kakizome (書き初め) is the term for the first calligraphy writing of the new year, traditionally performed on the second day of January. This event is also called 吉書 (kissho: good luck calligraphy), 初硯 (hatsu-suzuri: first ink well) and 試筆 (shi-hitsu: challenge writing).

    Traditionally, water called “wakamizu” (若水) used to make the Sumi ink for Kakizome must be the one taken from the well on the New Year’s day, which is believed to be pure and holy. Wishing for a good luck for the year, we write Kakizome facing towards “ehou” (恵方), the fortunate direction for the year based on the local zodiac. People write auspicious kanji characters or a short poetry, such as haiku or tanka, or their favorite characters that symbolize one’s wishes for the New Year.

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    Experience Kakizome (New Year Calligraphy), a traditional Japanese practice that welcomes the New Year through mindful brushwork and intention. In this calm, hands-on workshop designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, you will create fresh sumi ink using an ink stick and wakamizu, and write meaningful words traditionally chosen to set intentions for the year ahead from a curated list.
    Participants will learn:
    • How to hold and control the brush
    • Cultivating balance between mind and body
    • The structure and meaning of Japanese characters
    • Basic brush techniques and the expressive nature of sumi ink
    The instructor will guide you through live demonstrations followed by hands-on practice. You will complete a final Kakizome artwork on yatsugiri gasen-shi paper and take home your finished calligraphy pieces, an ink stick, and an artwork folder.

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    Water will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring water saved on New Year’s Day (wakamizu) if available.

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  • ONLINE SILENT AUCTION IN SUPPORT OF NIPPON KOBO

    ONLINE SILENT AUCTION IN SUPPORT OF NIPPON KOBO

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    ONLINE SILENT AUCTION “MA” IN SUPPORT OF NIPPON KOBO

    Selected works from the live performance at Nippon Kobo Vol.2 — Ma (間): The Space Between All Things, held at the Gray Area Grand Theater in San Francisco on November 2nd, are available on an online silent auction in support of Nippon Kobo. 7 artworks in total were written live accompanied by live chamber music, performing “Ryoanji” by John Cage and a word-premier of Hiroya Miura’s original composition for the collaboration “Awai -interstice-.”

    As one of the artists in this unfolding tapestry, I cherished every moment of creating together—each gesture, each sound, each shared breath. Once again, I was deeply moved by the Bay Area’s generous embrace of Japanese contemporary culture and music, and by Haruka Fujii’s unwavering devotion to shaping Nippon Kobo: a haven, a heartbeat, a community for contemporary Japanese art and music.

    I feel called to give back however I can—to help sustain these luminous efforts and the beautiful space they create in the world. We warmly invite you to join our auction and help support our community. Your participation truly makes a difference.

    Bidding runs from December 10, 9am PST to December 22nd, 9am PST on
    www.ateliertowa.com.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”ACCESS THE AUCTION” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”black” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1768749385035{background-color: #FFFFFF !important;border-color: #FFFFFF !important;}” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fateliertowa.com%2Fpages%2Fauction-nippon-kobo-ma” el_class=”btn btn-mod btn-gray btn-round product_type_simple”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/qPsBSwz-VvM?si=j3RpvdQOmE9gR2l9″ align=”center” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • ATELIER TOWA OPEN STUDIO + SEASONAL CALLIGRAPHY AND TEA

    ATELIER TOWA OPEN STUDIO + SEASONAL CALLIGRAPHY AND TEA

    [vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image_link=”yes” image=”8621″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fateliertowa.myflodesk.com%2Fopenstudio-ateliertowa-2025″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_special_text]ATELIER TOWA OPEN STUDIO & HOLIDAY ART SALES, SEASONAL CALLIGRAPHY AND TEA[/rs_special_text][rs_space height=”25px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Join us for the open studio and holiday art sales at Atelier Towa, the studio of Aoi Yamaguchi Calligraphy in Los Angeles!

    Selected art pieces from new collections, giclee prints and small printed goods will be available for sale with holiday discount! With a purchase of prints or original art, you will be invited to experience Seasonal Calligraphy and Tea tasting, in collaboration with a tea specialist Trang Tran. Treat yourself and your loved ones with a nourishing and inspiring calligraphy and tea experience in this winter season.[/vc_column_text][rs_space height=”25px”][rs_space height=”25px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_special_text tag=”h4″]

    ATELIER TOWA
    OPEN STUDIO & HOLIDAY ART SALES
    + SEASONAL CALLIGRAPHY AND TEA

    SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025
    11AM – 4PM

    ATELIER TOWA
    West Adams district, Los Angeles

    [/rs_special_text][vc_btn title=”RSVP” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”black” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1764807401532{background-color: #FFFFFF !important;border-color: #FFFFFF !important;}” el_class=”btn btn-mod btn-gray btn-round product_type_simple” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fateliertowa.myflodesk.com%2Fopenstudio-ateliertowa-2025″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image=”8627″ margin_top=”15px” margin_bottom=”15px”][vc_column_text]New prints are available. Above:『創』Create Anew (2025)[/vc_column_text][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image=”8624″ margin_top=”15px” margin_bottom=”15px”][rs_space height=”25px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][rs_special_text tag=”h4″]SEASONAL CALLIGRAPHY AND TEA
    WINTER:
    Wood, Fire and Earth    [/rs_special_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Atelier Towa is excited to offer a “Seasonal Calligraphy and Tea” tasting in collaboration with a tea specialist, Trang Tran. Upon a purchase of a print or original art during the open studio, you will receive a ticket to join the experience at the iron bark eucalyptus table with the floor-seating in the intimate and meditative tatami floor corner.

    For this winter season, we selected 木(Wood), 火 (Fire), and 土 (Earth) from the Five Elements to pair with selected teas and sweet refreshments. Tea of your choice will be brewed by Trang and offered to you with a delicate calligraphy art print on special washi paper by Aoi Yamaguchi, each symbolizing the Element. Depending on the tier of your art purchase, the ticket you will receive shows how many Elements you can choose to experience.

    Guests are welcome to take the Element prints home as souvenirs from the experience.

    Sessions offered at:
    11:30 – / 12:30 – / 13:30 – / 14:30- / 15:30-
    Capacity per session is up to 8 guests.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][rs_image_block align=”align-right” image=”8639″ margin_bottom=”15px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][symple_divider margin_top=”25px” margin_bottom=”25px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][rs_special_text tag=”h4″]Tea Specialist[/rs_special_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Trang Tran (she/they) is diving deeper into the world of tea and through the journey cultivating connection to her body, mind, and spirit. She believes the ritual of tea deepens our relationship with Nature, helps us slow down and bring our attention back into a space of mindfulness, grounds us in gratitude and embraces the existence of our beings. She’s currently studying chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony) at Urasenke Tea School and hosting various tea experiences. She wishes to share insights and create meaningful connections with others.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][rs_image_block align=”align-right” image=”8631″ margin_bottom=”15px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][symple_divider margin_top=”25px” margin_bottom=”45px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • CALLIGRATON at 1000 CRANES: Asian Wordless Theater Festival in Estonia

    CALLIGRATON at 1000 CRANES: Asian Wordless Theater Festival in Estonia

    [vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image=”8590″][rs_space height=”15px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_special_text tag=”h2″]CALLIGRATON at 1000 Cranes: Asian Wordless Theater Festival in Estonia[/rs_special_text][vc_column_text]CALLIGRATON is coming to Estonia! I’m excited to announce that my new collaborative performance with Schnitt, called CALLIGRATON, is going to be part of 1000 Cranes: Asian Wordless Theater Festival in Estonia, held in two cities; Tallin on Monday, November 17, and Tartu on Tuesday, November 18. We look forward to performing CALLIGRATON first time in Europe, and see you all in Estonia![/vc_column_text][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image=”8587″][rs_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]

    SCHNITT + AOI YAMAGUCHI
    CALLIGRATON

    at Aasia Sõnatu Teatri Festival ”1000 Kurge”

    Monday, November 17, 2025 | 19:30 – 20:30 | Sakala 3 teatrimaja, Tallinn  Sakala 3, Tallinn, Harjumaa
    Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 19:00 – 20:00 | Heino Elleri Muusikakooli Tubina saal  Lossi 15, Tartu, Tartumaa

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_btn title=”LEARN MORE” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”black” css=”.vc_custom_1763309645190{background-color: #FFFFFF !important;border-color: #FFFFFF !important;}” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.birdname.ee%2F1000-cranes-1|title:reserve%20tickets” el_class=”btn btn-mod btn-gray btn-round product_type_simple”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_btn title=”Reserve Tickets” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”black” css=”.vc_custom_1763309656673{background-color: #FFFFFF !important;border-color: #FFFFFF !important;}” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.piletilevi.ee%2Fen%2Fseries%2FKFFVDADVAS%2Faasia-sonatu-teatri-festival-1000-kurge|title:reserve%20tickets” el_class=”btn btn-mod btn-gray btn-round product_type_simple”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_space height=”15px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • LIVE CALLIGRAPHY PERFORMANCE WITH CHAMBER MUSIC AT NIPPON KOBO IN SAN FRANCISCO

    LIVE CALLIGRAPHY PERFORMANCE WITH CHAMBER MUSIC AT NIPPON KOBO IN SAN FRANCISCO

    [vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image_link=”yes” image=”8566″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nipponkobo.org%2F”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_special_text]LIVE CALLIGRAPHY PERFORMANCE WITH CHAMBER MUSIC FOR NIPPON KOBO IN SAN FRANCISCO[/rs_special_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I’m excited to announce my upcoming performance at Nippon Kobo in collaboration with chamber music, original composition by Hiroya Miura, at Gray Area Grand Theater in San Francisco on November 2nd, 2025.

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    Nippon Kobo Vol.2 ~ Ma (間): The Space Between All Things ~

    From Grammy Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble associate artistic director Haruka Fujii and Academy Award-nominated animator Dice Tsutsumi comes Nippon Kobo, an immersive cultural experience of contemporary Japanese music and culture. Join us at our second season opening event: an evening of chamber music and calligraphy with a program centered around the theme of Ma, the Japanese aesthetic of space between all things.

    After a successful inaugural year 2024-2025 full of creativity, conversation, and smiles over three sold-out events, Nippon Kobo is excited to announce Nippon Kobo Vol.2: Ma ~ Space between all things ~, the flagship event opening Nippon Kobo’s second performing arts season on November 2nd, 2025. This event will showcase a chamber music program by Japanese composers, real-time calligraphy performance by Aoi Yamaguchi, and a special talk by Myriam Sas – (Professor of Comparative Literature and Film & Media at the University of California, Berkeley). The program also spotlights the world premiere performance of a new work by Hiroya Miura for chamber ensemble and calligrapher. Along with leading Japanese artists, local musicians, creators, and entrepreneurs, we look forward to sharing the Japanese aesthetic of Ma.

    Nippon Kobo was founded by a small group of passionate, award-winning artists from the San Francisco Bay Area who believe that in-person artistic and cultural collaborations are vital to a healthy community. Nippon Kobo is an event series that brings together diverse artists, creators, entrepreneurs, and the local community through collaborations that combine chamber music with contemporary Japanese culture, including art and food. The organization’s mission is to build a new community where people meet, learn, and experience cross-cultural dialogue through curated music concerts paired with contemporary Japanese art and culture.

     

    Nippon Kobo Vol.2 ~ Ma (間): The Space Between All Things ~
    Chamber Music + Calligraphy

    Sunday, November 2nd, 2025
    4:00pm – 6:30pm

    Grey Area Grand Theater
    2665 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, map

    General Admission: $65 including selected beverage tasting
    VIP Admission: $100 reserved front table seating, including selected beverage tasting

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  • CALLIGRATON: SCHNITT + AOI YAMAGUCHI “CALLIGRATON” WORLD PREMIRE IN SINGAPORE

    CALLIGRATON: SCHNITT + AOI YAMAGUCHI “CALLIGRATON” WORLD PREMIRE IN SINGAPORE

    [vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_special_text]CALLIGRATON: SCHNITT + AOI YAMAGUCHI
    WORLD PREMIER PERFORMANCE AT ASIA-EUROPE CULTURAL FESTIVAL IN SINGAPORE[/rs_special_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image=”8544″ margin_bottom=”25px”][vc_column_text]

    Calligraton is a live performance by the duo Schnitt—Amelie Duchow and Marco Monfardini—in collaboration with Japanese calligrapher Aoi Yamaguchi, exploring the subtle and profound dialogue between sound and the art of shodō. In this work, two seemingly distant expressive forms—electronic composition and Japanese calligraphy—intersect in a shared language of gesture, rhythm, and presence. Yamaguchi’s brush moves across Japanese gasen paper in a disciplined dance that merges posture, breath, and the energy of each mark. Each stroke is both decisive and delicate, carrying the invisible movement that sustains the visible line, while Schnitt’s electronic sounds respond with rarefied, dense textures, resonating with the pace, flow, and intensity of the calligraphic gesture.

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    The performance unfolds in a series of movements, each pairing live sound with calligraphic creation, allowing neither element to dominate but rather to exist in continuous dialogue. The rhythm of writing and sound intertwine, revealing analogies between brush and digital gesture, emptiness and fullness, silence and resonance.

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    In Calligraton, the act of writing becomes a living performance, a meditation on presence, discipline, and creative interaction. The work invites viewers to witness the invisible energy behind each mark, to sense the intimate relationship between movement and sound, and to experience the space where time, gesture, and technology converge in a delicate, living harmony.

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    ASIA-EUROPE CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2025 EDITION
    CLOSING CURTAIN

    CALLIGRATON
    by SCHNITT + AOI YAMAGUCHI

    11 October, 2025
    Stamford Arts Centre, Blackbox, Singapore

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  • ZEN AND SHO: JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY COURSE FOR RETURNING STUDENTS September Session

    ZEN AND SHO: JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY COURSE FOR RETURNING STUDENTS September Session

    [vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image_link=”yes” image=”8531″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fateliertowa.myflodesk.com%2Fzenandsho-september25″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_special_text]ZEN AND SHO:
    JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY COURSE FOR RETURNING STUDENTS | SEPTEMBER 2025[/rs_special_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In this monthly series, we will introduce new Zen phrases each month and practice in calligraphy either in Standard Script (楷書: Kaisho) or Regular Script (行書: Gyosho) of your choice based on your skill level. Zen-Go (禅語), or Zen phrases, are words and phrases that concisely express Zen truths. Many of them are derived from Zen classics, anecdotes, and scriptures of high-ranking Zen Buddhist monks. We will take a close look at the meaning of the selected Zen phrase, and instill the teaching into your mind to look deeper into your inner-self. You will learn not only the technical aspect of the calligraphy scripts, but also the unique characteristics of the historical masters who have shaped these beautiful scripts and writing styles, while embracing the philosophy of Zen that inspire the way of life.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][rs_special_text tag=”h4″]

    SEPTEMBER SESSION

    長月の会

    SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2025
    10:30AM – 12:30PM PST

    atelier towa
    West Adams, Los angeles

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  • 『心花』-Tokimeki- for TATCHA

    『心花』-Tokimeki- for TATCHA

    [vc_row][vc_column][rs_special_text]『心花』-Tokimeki- for TATCHA[/rs_special_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I had a pleasure to work on a commission for TATCHA, a Japanese-inspired, American skincare brand that focuses on traditional Japanese beauty wisdom and ingredients. I wrote “心花” (Tokimeki) for a video content, in support of their May Moisturizers campaign – where they are promoting and celebrating the Dewy Skin Cream as a rich comforting glow, and our Water Cream as a burst of joy.  “心花” (Tokimeki) means fluttering in Japanese. I have worked with TATCHA for multiple projects for many years, and I cherish this another wonderful opportunity to have worked on this special large-scale piece.

    You can watch the full video from here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”watch the video on instagram” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”inverse” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FDKSrioBz6sx%2F”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • INTRODUCTION TO SHODO: JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY COURSE FOR FIRST-TIME BEGINNERS FALL 2025

    INTRODUCTION TO SHODO: JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY COURSE FOR FIRST-TIME BEGINNERS FALL 2025

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    INTRODUCTION TO SHODO: JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR FIRST-TIME BEGINNERS | FALL SESSIONS 2025

    [/rs_special_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The dates for Fall Sessions of Introduction to Shodo, our in-person Japanese calligraphy course for first-time beginners, are announced! We look forward to welcoming you.

    Learn the Basics of Brushworks through the Meditative Process of Shodo

    In this 5-day course of hands-on workshop designed for first-time youth & adult beginners, get an intimate exploration of fundamental Japanese calligraphy brushwork, and find balance within yourself through meditative calligraphy process. The workshop begins with the basics: an introduction to a brief history of Japanese calligraphy, Japanese writing system and calligraphy styles, proper use of the calligraphy tools, posture and manners. Participants will be practicing Kanji on hanshi calligraphy paper, with in-depth lectures on basic brushwork, focusing on the formal Regular Script called Kaisho (楷書). By the end of the course, you will complete learning the The Eight Principles of Yong: 8 most common strokes in regular script. We will work on creating a final piece, and focus on the balance between mind and body. You will be familiar with your own brush, and learn how to be present in the moment physically and spiritually stroke by stroke.

    FALL SESSIONS 2025
    5-day Course
    IN-PERSON

    Session 1: SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2025
    Session 2: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2025
    Session 3: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025
    Session 4: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2025
    Session 5: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025

    10:30am – 12:30pm PST

    atelier towa
    West Adams District, Los Angles
    address provided upon registration

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  • ZEN AND SHO: JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY COURSE FOR RETURNING STUDENTS SPRING SESSIONS 2025

    ZEN AND SHO: JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY COURSE FOR RETURNING STUDENTS SPRING SESSIONS 2025

    [vc_row][vc_column][rs_image_block align=”align-center” image=”8451″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][rs_special_text]A JOURNEY TO SHODO “ZEN AND SHO”:
    JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY COURSE FOR RETURNING STUDENTS | SPRING SESSIONS 2025 STARTING IN MARCH[/rs_special_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I’m excited to unveil the new series of Japanese calligraphy course for returning students who wish to continue practicing on regular basis to improve brushwork skills, as well as to develop mindfulness, starting this Spring. Titled as “Zen and Sho“, this course explores the world of Zen philosophy to practice shodo.

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    Shodo is one of the “lifelong studies (生涯学習)” — you can spend your entire life practicing, deepening your knowledge, improving your skill, and essentially pursuing your own style and expressions. These all lead to cultivation of the mind and enrichment of your life. If you enjoy practicing Japanese calligraphy and you would like to practice regularly, both to improve your brush work skills and also develop mindfulness, join our unique classes designed for returning students.

    In this monthly series, we will introduce new Zen phrases each month and practice in calligraphy either in Standard Script (楷書: Kaisho) or Regular Script (行書: Gyosho) of your choice based on your skill level. Zen-Go (禅語), or Zen phrases, are words and phrases that concisely express Zen truths. Many of them are derived from Zen classics, anecdotes, and scriptures of high-ranking Zen Buddhist monks. We will take a close look at the meaning of the selected Zen phrase, and instill the teaching into your mind to look deeper into your inner-self. You will learn not only the technical aspect of the calligraphy scripts, but also the unique characteristics of the historical masters who have shaped these beautiful scripts and writing styles, while embracing the philosophy of Zen that inspire the way of life.

    * * Prerequisite: This workshop is designed to accommodate adult beginners and intermediate level, who have completed our Introduction to Shodo: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop for First-time Beginners, or who have taken at least 3 of our workshops by Aoi Yamaguchi, or for those who have a beginner level of experience with Japanese calligraphy in Japan or by other calligraphy schools.

     

    弥生の会
    MARCH SESSIONS

    SUNDAYS, MARCH 9 & 30, 2025
    10:30AM – 12:00PM PST

    at atelier towa
    West Adams, Los angeles

    $150

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