DATES & TIME: 8 Saturdays, September 12th to October 31st at 11:00am-12:30pm

LOCATION: 825 pacific street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1C3

FEE: $295 (Kisyuu will get back to you when you submit the “Interest form” below)

This 8-week course is suited for people who have completed the Beginner Course or have the basic knowledge of Block style (Kaisho). You will explore what “Shodo”, an artistic expression of calligraphy, is. Japanese calligraphy is not only the neat handwriting taught at schools, but also expressive art with characters that corresponds to the topic, and emotions. Let’s make the characters come to life! During the 8-week, you will learn:

• The difference between Shuji (a neat handwriting) and Shodo (artistic expression)

• How to make the kanji characters dance with different composition

• How to write a poem with a mixture of kanji and hiragana (Japanese alphabet)

• How to play with balance and compositions by writing the most complicated kanji character

• Shodo as Performing Art (write with a big brush & music)

• Hiragana chart (46 characters)

*Is it recommended for people who have completed the Beginner course or have basic knowledge of Japanese calligraphy.

*Maximum number of participants is 5. Register soon!

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Potential Course Curriculum:

Week1: Introduction - Shuji vs Shodo

Week2: Change of Shodo - Learning from History

Week3: Balance - How to Make Kanji Dance

Week4: Mixture of Kanji & Hiragana

Week5: Shodo as Performance Arts

Week6: Complicated Kanji Challenge

Week7: Experience of Gyosho (semi-cursive) & Sousho (Cursive)

Week8: Final Art

DATES & TIME: 8 Sundays, September 6th to October 25th at 11am - 12:30pm

LOCATION: 825 Pacific Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1C3

FEE: $305 when you sign up through website, $295 when you use e-transfer. (Please email Kisyuu before signing up if you’d like the discount to be applied.)

This course will guide you through the basics of Japanese calligraphy, Shodo, starting with a proper posture, how to hold the brush and control the brush, how to take care of tools and materials, and getting to know Japanese paper and sumi ink.

You will be introduced to the fundamentals of calligraphy writing techniques and beautiful, formal Regular Script: “Kaisho”. As you progress through the lessons, you will not only develop Japanese calligraphy writing skills, but also find the balance between mind and body - the meditative calligraphy process.

During eight weeks, we will go over the basics of Japanese calligraphy, including:

• Four treasures of calligraphy tools (brush, ink, paper & ink stone case)

• Meditation practice while making sumi-ink

• How to hold the brush and control big & small brushes

• Eight fundamental brush strokes for formal regular script, "Kaisho" block style

• How to write kanji and hiragana (Japanese alphabet)

• Practice and create your own calligraphy artwork

• Experience both traditional and modern calligraphy writing

• Sumi-e Japanese traditional painting (Bamboo)

• Write with a big calligraphy brush to create self-expressive art

Full course schedule is available below.

*Everybody is welcome – no prior art experience or Japanese language skills are necessary!

*Students will be required to bring their own equipment. In the case that students do not own equipment, basic calligraphy kits can be purchased from Kisyuu at cost.

*Maximum number of participants is 5. Register soon!

DATES: 4 Sundays from August 9, 16, 23, 30.

TIME: Morning slot 11:00am-1:00pm OR Afternoon slot 2:00pm-4:00pm

LOCATION: 825 Pacific St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1C3

FEE: $200 (2hrs lessons x 4 weeks)

REGISTRATION: Please click “INTERESTED” button below and write your preferred slot (morning or afternoon)

Discover a new way to experience Japanese calligraphy through play, experimentation, and self-expression.

This special summer course combines Abstract Sumi Art (Bokushō 墨象) with traditional Japanese calligraphy, inviting you to explore both the freedom of ink and the beauty of written characters.

Each class begins with an abstract sumi art activity inspired by a different theme. Rather than focusing on perfect brush techniques, you'll experiment with ink using unexpected materials and methods, reflecting on ideas such as nature, harmony, flow, and the beauty of impermanence.

In the second half of each class, you'll practice one or two meaningful kanji that connect with the day's theme. Finally, you'll combine your abstract artwork and calligraphy into one unique piece that reflects your own interpretation and creativity.

Weekly Themes

Week 1 — Circle of Life

Create with natural objects such as leaves, branches, flowers, or vegetables, exploring our connection with nature and the cycle of life.

Week 2 — Harmony

Experiment with water, ink, and colour as they flow and blend together, reflecting the beauty of connection, culture, and relationships.

Week 3 — Letting Go

Create expressive ink art through movement and gravity, allowing chance to become part of the creative process.

Please note: This class includes an outdoor activity during the first half of the lesson. In case of unsuitable weather, Week 3 and Week 4 themes may be exchanged.

Week 4 — Fleeting Beauty

Create delicate bubble-inspired ink art while reflecting on impermanence, stillness, and the beauty of the present moment.

DATES & TIME: 6 Sundays, September 13 to October 18 at 1:30-3:30pm

LOCATION: 825 Pacific street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1C3

FEE: $295

REGISTRATION: Please email Kisyuu or click INTERESTED button below if you’d like to register for the course. You will receive an follow-up email from Kisyuu.

This 6-week course is suited for people who have completed Kana 101 course at Kisyuu Calligraphy or people who have experience in calligraphy. While we continue to learn basics of Kana 仮名 writing which is a historical Japanese writing style created by women around the 9th century, Heian period, we will focus on learning Manyo-Gana (万葉仮名) which is the origin of Kana written form (similar to the Cursive style). Additionally, we will write some stories from the Tale of Genji while looking at different ways of expressions which are suitable for each chapter.

*The curriculum may be changed during the course.

*Minimum number to open the course is 3, Maximum number of participants are 5. Register soon!

*You may be asked to purchase the special paper for Kana writing.

Date: 3 Thursdays, August 14th, 21st, and 28th

Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm (PT)

Location: Online, Zoom

Fee: $117 ($109 when you pay via e-transfer - please email Kisyuu for more information)

What is it?

This is a special 3-week calligraphy course where we'll focus on mastering the Block (Kaisho) style. You'll also learn essential calligraphy theories and discover tips to boost your confidence in writing. The Kaisho style is often considered the most challenging because its precision makes mistakes more noticeable, so this session is a great way to refine your skills!

What will we cover?

Here are some topics we'll explore:

• Master the basics of the Kaisho style (8 key strokes)

• Learn how to stabilize your brush using your body’s core

• Understand the three essential elements of calligraphy

• Discover secret techniques to make your kanji characters more balanced

• Add character to your writing by engaging your five senses

• Create your final piece of art!

Who should attend?

This session is open to everyone! It's perfect for those who recently completed the Beginner course and want to deepen their understanding of the Kaisho style. It's also an excellent opportunity for those who've been focusing on other styles to revisit and strengthen their Kaisho foundation.

Additional Info:

Maximum of 6 participants; a minimum of 2 participants is required for the session to proceed.

You will be asked to prepare your own calligraphy tools.