Learn Calligraphy to Create Postcards with Seasonal Kanji, Guided by Calligrapher Kasetsu

Kasetsu Infuses Each Character with History and Emotion

Calligrapher Kasetsu is active in both Japan and abroad. Her interest in kanji characters began after discovering a kanji dictionary by Shizuka Shirakawa, a scholar of Chinese literature, which sparked a fascination with their origins and meanings. Kasetsu’s works are the result of careful research into each character’s history. Her avant-garde, dynamic style integrates traditional and contemporary art, gaining attention from both worlds.

Deepen your understanding of kanji characters with Kasetsu’s insights

Kasetsu’s calligraphy focuses on expressing the heart. More than just the beauty of the characters, she aims to capture the historical context and emotions behind each piece. Through her workshop, she hopes to give guests the space to reflect on their own thoughts and values.

Each writer brings their own individual style to the same character

In this experience, you'll express a seasonal word using a single kanji and create an A5-sized washi card. Kasetsu reflects on the value of giving words as a gift, saying, "In today’s digital world, we often don’t take the time to deeply consider others. I hope this experience offers a moment of calm reflection that’s hard to find in everyday life." Discover the deep, artistic charm of calligraphy through the eyes of a master with a refined sensibility.

Experience premium tools like ink, inkstones, and brushes

Paper Tree Offers a Wide Range of High-Quality Products

The experience takes place at Paper Tree, a specialty stationery store in Kudanshita, Tokyo. The store aims to foster warm connections through paper products and the art of handwriting. It offers a wide selection of high-quality, beautifully crafted items, including custom stationery, products from renowned European and American brands and designers, and greeting cards.

The store features a peaceful atelier space

The materials for this experience are some of Paper Tree's finest. The postcards are made from handmade washi paper from Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, one of Japan's three major washi-making regions. You'll also receive envelopes made from "biotope," a material often used by Kasetsu. "It has the texture of washi paper with the elegance of Western paper," she says of its appeal.

Washi paper has distinct textures on each side; choose whichever side you prefer for writing

Discover the Origins of Kanji and Learn How to Use Brushes and Ink

In this hands-on experience, you’ll write seasonal kanji chosen by Kasetsu on handmade washi paper to create a special card. Kasetsu will start by explaining the characters and tools you’ll be using. Kanji, which originated over 3,000 years ago in ancient China, began as pictograms, and Kasetsu will share the stories behind them. The envelope colors, inspired by the ancient Chinese theory of Yin and Yang and the five elements, represent the four seasons—blue for spring, red for summer, white for autumn, and black for winter.

Kasetsu will provide a detailed explanation using her favorite dictionary

You’ll create two cards—one to keep as a memento and the other to give to a loved one with a letter (or you can take it home without writing one). You'll have the option to use a sumi ink stick or Paper Tree's original liquid ink. In calligraphy, the writer’s state of mind is said to be reflected in the characters, and the soothing sound of grinding an ink stick along with the fluid movements help calm the mind. On the other hand, liquid ink’s ease of use makes it accessible to everyone.

Choose from various brushes with different hair types and lengths

Watch as Kasetsu demonstrates and then try your hand at writing with a brush. You'll have the chance to test different types: soft brushes made from bird feathers or goat hair, balanced brushes made from monkey or weasel hair, and firmer ones made from deer hair. Once you pick your brush, experiment with the speed of your strokes, the amount of ink, and the pressure you apply to find the style that suits you best.

Kasetsu will carefully guide you on how to hold and use the brush

Relax and Write Characters With Your Loved Ones in Mind

After practicing, take a moment to center yourself and write the kanji on the actual paper. As you move the brush, reflect on the origins of the characters and the person you’re creating the piece for.

Grinding the ink helps you regain your composure

Traditionally, calligraphy involves copying a model, but Kasetsu believes it's more important to express the emotions, images, and feelings within. Writing is a brief act, but the process of reflecting on how to convey emotions like love, respect, and gratitude through each stroke creates an irreplaceable experience.

Relax and let your brush move freely

Finally, stamp your work to mark its completion. Even though everyone writes the same characters, each piece has a unique feel. The beauty of calligraphy lies in its simplicity and the distinct individuality it reveals.

This original seal, resembling an "ensō," symbolizes enlightenment in Zen thought

The Value of Sharing Words with One Person

After the calligraphy experience, relax with Kyoto tea and sweets selected by Kasetsu. Enjoy a letter-writing session and chat with Kasetsu. There's a postbox nearby where you can mail your letter, and you can also buy an optional frame to display your work at home.

A heartfelt piece evokes memories and emotions from your travels

In today’s digital age, where it’s easy to send messages to many people, Kasetsu finds special meaning in giving handwritten notes. Experience the calming effect of calligraphy and use it to convey your feelings to someone special. We hope you enjoy this refreshing experience.

Words written from the heart will bring you closer to your loved ones