Enjoy a Free-Flowing/Relaxed Calligraphy Session with Setsuhi Shiraishi in a Traditional Tatami Room

A New World of Calligraphy and Improvisational Art Led by Setsuhi Shiraishi

This exclusive Wabunka experience offers the chance to learn calligraphy from master calligrapher Setsuhi Shiraishi at the traditional Japanese performing arts parlor, Tsunokami. Shiraishi began studying calligraphy at a young age and became a certified master at 22. Her work with musicians led her to explore the improvisational side of calligraphy, turning it from a static practice into a dynamic, multidimensional art. Through live performances that engage all five senses, she creates an immersive atmosphere that captivates audiences.

Shiraishi actively collaborates with other industries, expanding her unique artistic vision

Shiraishi’s talent is also recognized globally. She wrote the concept "Enjin" (circle formation) for the Japanese national team’s uniforms at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and contributed to space design and lectures at TEAM JAPAN HOUSE for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her evolving take on Japanese traditions ensures a truly extraordinary experience.

Shiraishi’s work brings ink to life, giving it a sense of movement and purpose

Calligraphy Experience in Yotsuya Arakicho, a Former Geisha District

Yotsuya Arakicho, once a thriving geisha district in Tokyo, sets the scene for this experience at Tsunokami. This venue features a full-scale cypress stage with a curtain and hosts events that showcase Japanese traditional culture and classical performing arts, keeping ozashiki (geisha gatherings) culture alive today.

Tsunokami offers a quintessential Japanese setting, complete with a cypress stage and a calming fragrance

The name "Tsunokami" traces back to the Edo period (1603–1868), when the area was home to Matsudaira Settsunokami Yoshiyuki’s upper residence. Locals, including Arakicho geisha, shortened "Settsunokami" to "Tsunokami Geisha." Spending time in this space, so steeped in Japanese history and aesthetic, offers a deeply restorative experience for those who appreciate traditional Japan.

Basic Lessons in Creating Calligraphy

The experience starts with an introduction to calligraphy tools, their history, and their role in modern life. You’ll learn about the essential tools—brush, ink, inkstone, and paper—along with their materials, types, and unique characteristics. The lecture also covers the history of calligraphy, from its origins in China to its evolution in Japan today.

In Japan, calligraphy is often part of daily life, like writing a newborn’s name with a brush

Next, you’ll grind solid ink by hand, using an inkstone to create authentic ink. This meditative process, accompanied by the faint scent of ink, helps calm the mind. In Japan, the saying "good ink comes from patient and gentle hands," reflects the belief that slow, gentle grinding yields the best results.

Grind slowly and let the calming process relax your mind

Begin your practice with the kanji numeral "一" (one). Shiraishi will demonstrate proper brush handling, arm movement, ink application, and brush technique. Listen closely to the subtle sound of the brush on washi paper in the quiet, serene setting. In calligraphy, a calm mind is key to creating beautiful work.

Enjoy the tactile harmony of brush, ink, and paper

Create Your Own Calligraphy with a Single Kanji Character

Next, you'll create your own calligraphy piece by expressing a favorite kanji character. If you're unsure, Shiraishi can suggest a simple character for beginners or even provide a model. With her guidance, even beginners can confidently try their hand at creating a unique work.

Shiraishi provides a model, so you can create with confidence, even if you’re a beginner

Hold the brush with gentle tension and focus on the empty space in front of you. Shiraishi encourages you to write without fear of mistakes. While "Shuji" focuses on stroke order and technique, "Shodo" is about expressing your emotions and personality through the characters. Embrace the expression that arises from this moment, guided by your senses and feelings.

Put your heart into each stroke and write carefully

Applying enough ink to the brush is key. Too little ink creates resistance between the paper and brush, making it harder to write. "Well-applied ink results in ‘moist’ calligraphy," says Shiraishi. Enjoy the rich, glossy black of the ink as you write, and by the end, you’ll feel a natural sense of accomplishment.

Shiraishi offers gentle guidance and support as you create your work

A Peaceful Space to Learn Traditional Arts

At the end of the experience, enjoy tea and reflect on your work with Shiraishi. Relax and feel free to ask her any questions about calligraphy, or take photos of your creation.

Shiraishi’s approachable nature makes it easy to ask even the smallest questions

"I want to highlight the strengths in your work that you may not see," says Shiraishi. Even beginner-level works have wonderful qualities, and her encouragement helps build your confidence in expression. This experience offers a unique opportunity to engage with traditional calligraphy in a relaxed yet meaningful way. Why not share a moment with Shiraishi that sharpens your senses and sparks your creativity?

The beauty of calligraphy lies in how the shades of ink gradually evolve, changing the work's impression over time