Experience Calligraphy and Tea Ceremony in a Kyoto Tea Room – Japanese Culture as Introduced by Calligrapher Tyjun Nagayama

A Rising Star of Japanese Calligraphy Taking his Career and Works Abroad

Tyjun Nagayama is an Osaka-based calligrapher who has created works for the Shinto rites performed at Amanoiwato Shrine in Miyazaki Prefecture, famed for its role in the religious mythology of Japan as well as for the signage in the 2016 Arima Kinen horse racing event. In addition, he has held solo exhibitions across Japan as well as a calligraphy performance in Dubai to rave reviews.

Tyjun Nagayama creates works of calligraphy with his sharp sensibilities

Nagayama began calligraphy at the age of 4, taking up the pen name Tyjun at the age of 24. In 2013 he began doing live calligraphy performances. Placing great value in tradition, he strives for originality that maintains authenticity to the classics.

The Last Respite of Famed Poet Saigyo Hoshi in His Later Years

One of Japan’s most famous historical poets, Saigyo Hoshi (1118-1190) is said to have spent his time here at the end of his life. Saigyo-an subsequently fell into ruins, but thanks to the efforts of many historical conservationists it was restored in 1893. It has remained under the protection of the Hanawa family for generations. Current head of the family and tea ceremony master Chikuho Hanawa is your guide around the gardens and buildings.

Tour Saigyo-an’s interior with Chikuho Hanawa’s commentary

The Jomyo-an building was relocated from Daitokuji Shinju-an in northern Kyoto City. It is a simple, tasteful design featuring bamboo ceiling lining and a thatched roof. It stands in beautiful harmony with the surrounding seasonal garden, offering a delightful experience of traditional architecture and space.

Jomyo-an is tucked away in tranquility

Enter the World of Japanese Calligraphy in a Historic Space

Jomyo-an is the venue for this experience, which begins with a close-up look at Nagayama’s brush technique. Calligraphy has a central role in Japanese cultural traditions, and Nagayama works to always bear in mind and honor those traditions even as he innovates and expresses his own unique sensibilities. Get an intimate look at his work and the feelings poured into it, immersing yourself in its charm.

Nagayama’s brush techniques are sure to enliven your interest in calligraphy

When the demonstration is over, master of his art Nagayama will talk you through that art’s history and notable characteristics. Jomyo-an was also the site of patriotic studies by the Ishin Shishi, a group of political activists in the Edo Period (1603-1868) attempting to develop a better sense of the deeply moving power of Japan’s national culture. Here, even complete beginners can confidently learn how to handle calligraphic tools and manipulate a brush under masterful guidance.

Viewing Nagayama’s graceful brushstrokes and the work they produce are highlights of the experience

Inscribe the Aesthetics of Japan’s Seasons with Your Own Hand

In the actual calligraphy experience, you will write single characters inspired by seasonal waka, a classical form of short poetry unique to Japan’s literary tradition. Saigyo Hoshi composed many of these poems himself. Nagayama will select characters appropriate to the season from Saigyo Hoshi’s body of work, preparing model pieces for you to work off of. 

Write your single character piece working off of Nagayama’s model

After some practice tries on regular paper, write your final piece on high quality paperboard. Find the perfect pleasant tension and finesse in your brush strokes. Two pieces of paperboard will be be prepared per guest, so choose your best work and finish it with the Saigyo-an stamp.

Display your best work as a wall scroll

Experience Saigyo-an’s Eni-ryu Tea Ceremony

This plan offers a chance to enjoy not only calligraphy but tea ceremony with it, hanging your own work as the traditional wall scroll centerpiece of the tea room’s alcove in Jomyo-an. Hanawa conducts a buke sado tea ceremony according to the style of the Eni School, which he founded. Buke sado, which literally means “samurai clan tea ceremony” and is the style performed among samurai families since the Edo period, is characterized by dignified and dramatic movements.

The noble spirit of a samurai is conveyed in his distinguished posture and movements

Lovely seasonal tea sweets prepared by famous traditional confectioneries in Kyoto complete the experience, often custom-ordered by Hanawa’s wife.

Enjoy delicious tea while viewing your work displayed

In the world of tea ceremony, the expression “ichiza konryu” refers to the idea that the ceremony is an emergent creation of both the host and the guests together. In this experience, you can help to create a momentary space of comfort and relaxation together with Nagayama and Hanawa. Ponder the history of Saigyo-an and Kyoto itself, enjoying a leisurely chat and the soothing sounds of the ceremony and views of the garden.  

A Precious Chance to Acquaint Yourself Better with Both Calligraphy and Tea Ceremony

Saigyo Hoshi had a profound influence on the cultural development of Japan, and Saigyo-an is a place associated with him and his legacy, making it a truly perfect setting for the precious chance to learn calligraphy from a globally active Japanese calligrapher. “Rare is the opportunity even in Japan to experience calligraphy in a historic setting like Saigyo-an,” says Nagayama. “I hope you’ll enjoy this special time and take precious memories home with you in addition to your finished work.” 

When the experience is over, enjoy a chat with Nagayama and Hanawa over tea

Says Hanawa, “Saigyo-an has never before offered an experience featuring both calligraphy and tea ceremony. We hope that guests can relax and deepen their familiarity with Japanese culture.” And what a way to do it. Stop in and experience these twin traditions characteristic of that culture in the atmospheric historical setting of Saigyo-an.

Learn calligraphy and experience authentic tea ceremony at Saigyo-an