Are you interested in Japanese Kanji and Chinese characters? Come and learn the Samurai Shodo style of Japanese calligraphy and decorate your own handy fan! You don't need any prior Japanese language knowledge or calligraphy experience, as this class caters for absolute beginners.

Learn some new words, their brushstrokes, then have a practice, and finally apply them to a paper fan. Take your artwork home to use as a practical handy fan or as unique interior decoration. It also makes a lovely gift!

What will we cover?

Japanese writing has three types: Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji Chinese characters. In this Samurai Shodo Dynamic Calligraphy lesson, we will focus on Kanji.

This class includes:

A brief introduction to Japanese Calligraphy
A demonstration and instruction of drawing basics: artistic samurai-style brushwork
A chance to practice and learn your Kanji
Creation of your masterpiece on a handy fan

All materials provided and covered in the ticket price.

What should I bring?

Have a think beforehand about what word your would like to have translated into Japanese for you to draw onto your fan.
If you would like to draw your name (or someone else's) in Kanji, please email us when you purchase your ticket to give Yoshi time to prepare sample text for you, as it is a nuanced translation.
This class involves using black ink. We recommend wearing black or dark colour or old clothes in case of accidents.
Have a think about how to transport your fan home safely.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible Venue
Gender Neutral Bathrooms
Quiet Spaces
Discounted Early Bird Tickets
Free Tickets for First Nation Attendees
Auslan Interpreted Upon Request

Who will be teaching?

Yoshi (she/her) teaches diverse classes that each have a touch of Japan: Japanese calligraphy, Reiki, Japanese Needle Therapy, Japanese Massage and more!

Yoshi started practicing Shuji Japanese educational calligraphy 40 years ago as it is compulsory in Japanese primary education, teaching children how to write Japanese words properly and neatly. At high school, she loved Shodo (the artistic way of drawing with a brush and ink) but her other talent (athletics) stopped her from pursuing the way of Shodo.

In 2009, Yoshi resumed her Shodo journey and finally received a teaching certification of Artistic Shodo - which allows you to express your insights and emotions, rather than the Shuji form of educational shodo.

Yoshi has her own studio Chudo in the Block Arcade in Melbourne CBD, practicing and teaching traditional Japanese healthcare/healing arts.

Important info:

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Terms and conditions

FAQ

More about accessibility

Photo: Teacher's own work

Have a question or other ways we can assist with accessibility? Just shoot an email to Maddy (she/her) at melbourne@lanewaylearning.com.