Art of Japanese Calligraphy: Getting Started with Shodō

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Learn about the ancient Japanese art of calligraphy & get beginner tips

Co-authored by Samantha Fulton, BA

Last Updated: August 10, 2026 Fact Checked

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What is shodō?

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Script Styles

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Required Tools

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Learning Basic Techniques

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History

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If you need an overview to get started with shodō, the artistic practice of Japanese calligraphy, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together this guide to tell you the basics of this ancient Japanese art form, so you’ll have the tools you need to start learning. Keep reading for a comprehensive list of necessary materials, tips for getting started, and more!

Understanding Shodō (Japanese Calligraphy)

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An illustration of the different styles of Japanese calligraphy (shodō).

Shodō is the ancient Japanese practice of artistic handwriting. It is both an artistic and aesthetic practice, focused on beauty and mind-body connection. The essential tools, or four treasures of the study, are brush, ink, inkstone, and paper. There are five major script styles:

Tensho (篆書): Seal script
Reisho (隷書): Clerical script
Kaisho (楷書): Standard script
Gyosho (行書): Semi-cursive script
Sosho (草書): Cursive script

Section 1 of 5:

What is Japanese calligraphy (shodō)?

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Japanese calligraphy is the ancient practice of artistic handwriting. Shodō is a way of understanding form, movement, rhythm, and expression through your brush. It combines diverse brush and ink techniques with spiritual concentration and inner stillness. It was developed in the 5th century in Japan, and its main focuses are simplicity, beauty, and mind-body connection.^{[1]
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- The word shodō is a combination of the Kanji characters SHO 書 (to write, writing) and DO 道 (the path, the way, or the tao).
- Mastering shodō involves applying the elements of art, line, shape, and space. It takes lots of practice, connection with your inner self, and mushin (無心), the state of no-mind.
- Keep reading to learn about the 5 major styles of shodō, Tensho (篆書), Reisho (隷書), Kaisho (楷書), Gyosho (行書), and Sosho (草書)!

Section 2 of 5:

5 Major Styles of Japanese Calligraphy

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This is one of the oldest, most formal styles of Japanese calligraphy. Tensho seeks to preserve ancient form and formal balance. It has rounded lines and a balanced structure. This style is closely connected with traditional seals, inscriptions, and formal writing.^{[2]
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Reisho is known for its broad forms, horizontal balance, and calm sense of strength. It has notably wider proportions and measured movement marks, making it a more readable form of writing. It maintains a strong historical form, but marks the transition toward writing as a more practical and organized practice.^{[3]
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Kaisho (楷書): Standard Script This is the most clear and structured styles of Japanese calligraphy. Strokes are written distinctly and provide structure and balance to each character. Each stroke has a clear beginning, direction, and ending. Kaisho focuses on pressure, direction, proportion, and pause rather than speed.^{[4]
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- Note: Kaisho is often the first style beginners study.
Gyosho strikes a balance between readability and movement. Brush strokes for this style move with more connection and rhythm, giving characters more of a continuous movement than with Kaisho. There are also less noticeable pauses between strokes.^{[5]
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Sosho is the most fluid and abbreviated of the five major styles. Characters are simplified and connected, making it difficult to read. However, its beauty is meant to be in its rhythm, speed, and expressive brush movement. It is also known as grass script for its flowing, organic movement.https://www.osaka-calligrapIhy.com/five-styles-of-japanese-calligraphy

Section 3 of 5:

What tools do you need for shodō?

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The four essential materials are brush, ink, inkstone, and paper. These items are called the bunou shihou (文房四宝), or “four treasures of the study.” If you’re an absolute beginner, start with these four essentials and then slowly add additional materials to your collection. Here’s a complete list of shodō utensils:
- Fude (筆) / Brushes
- Sumi (墨) / Ink sticks
- Suzuri (硯) / Inkstones
- Kami (紙) / Calligraphy paper
- Bokuju (墨汁) / Liquid ink
- Bunchin (文鎮) / Paperweight
- Fude oki (筆置) / Brush holders
- Mizusashi (水差し) / Waterwell
- Shitajiki (下敷き) / Desk pad
- Obon (お盆) / Tray

Section 4 of 5:

Getting Started with Shodō

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Master your brush hold. This affects the shape of characters and the quality of your lines. There are brush grips that calligraphers have developed throughout history to create the most beautiful characters possible. Learn these two basic brush holds:^{[6]
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- Tankou-hou (単鉤法) / one-hook method: Hold the brush in the middle with your thumb, index, and middle fingers, hooking the brush with only your index finger.
- Soukou-hou (双鉤法) / double-hook method: Hold the brush in the middle with your thumb, index, and middle fingers, hooking the brush with your index finger and middle finger.
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Learn the basic brush strokes. Practice some basic strokes to start getting acquainted with the feel of the brush and the different brush movements. Start by repeating the basic movements before moving on to actual characters. Here are some fundamental brush strokes to try:^{[7]
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- Ten (点) / Dot: Approach the paper at a 45° angle using controlled pressure, and then deliberately lift the brush off the page. It should look like a raindrop.
- Yokoga (横画) / Horizontal line: Approach with the same 45° angle and carry the brush across the page in a continuous line, lifting the brush from the page in a definitive fashion.
- Tatega (縦画) / Vertical line: Use the same technique as the horizontal line, instead moving from top to bottom. Focus on maintaining steady pressure and control.
- Ore (折れ) / Corner: Combine the horizontal and vertical line into a continuous movement.
- Harai (払い) / Sweep: Sweep the brush in one direction. Rather than using a firm stop, gradually lift the brush from the page to taper the stroke.
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Try rinsho (臨書), or calligraphic copying. As with all artistic practices, replicating the work of the masters can prove useful for shodō. Find works of Japanese calligraphy online or in books, and replicate the characters on your own. Consistent practice copying characters from masterpieces will help you hone your skills.^{[8]
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- Who are the famous Japanese calligraphers? Historic calligraphy masters include Kūkai and Hon’ami Kōetsu, as well as contemporary artists like Hiroshi Wada or Akemi Lucas. Check out their work for inspiration!
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Consider taking a class or attending a workshop. If you want to improve your calligraphy skills with a little extra guidance, try taking a class! Just like any other artistic pursuit, having a little extra help can work wonders. Try checking out a shodō class online or in-person.
- Japan Society in New York City offers classes online and in-person.
- Seisho Calligraphy is owned by calligraphy master Baikei Uehira and offers online classes, as well as in-person classes of varying lengths in Osaka, Japan.

Section 5 of 5:

The History of Shodō

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The origins of shodō are rooted in the Han dynasty in China. Basic forms were developed in China in 220 CE, and it entered Japan in the sixth century CE through transcription of Buddhist sutras (foundational scriptures). Chinese characters were modified for the Japanese language and came to be known as kanji, symbols used to represent words.^{[9]
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- Is Chinese calligraphy the same as Japanese calligraphy? While the two artforms are closely connected, Chinese and Japanese calligraphy are not the same. The main difference is that Japanese combines kanji and the phonetic writing systems, hiragana and katakana, while Chinese calligraphy uses hanzi characters.^{[10]
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In the Heian period (794 - 1195 CE), shodō was associated with knowledge. This was considered the golden age of Japanese calligraphy. The long stretch of peace and stability in this era allowed the arts to flourish. During this time, shodō was not only seen as an artform, but also a way to express one’s education and refinement. Shodō could convey knowledge, thoughtfulness, and respect, in addition to beauty.^{[11]
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Shodō has been intertwined with Zen Buddhism for centuries. Historical figures like Kukai, a prominent Buddhist priest, made significant contributions to Zen calligraphy. He’s revered as one of the “Three Brushes of Japan,” along with Emperor Saga and Tachibana no Hayanari. The three calligraphers shaped Japanese calligraphy with their works embodying elegance, strength, and individuality.^{[12]
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- After the Heian period, Zen monks were the primary practitioners of shodō, since turbulent times led to a decrease in the role of the arts.
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During the Edo period (1603-1808), shodō became woven into daily life. Since Japan was in another stable period, the arts flourished again—Japanese calligraphy was no longer confined to temples or elite circles. Standardized education made literacy and calligraphy more accessible than ever.^{[13]
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