Only 1 hour from Tokyo!
Hiratsuka, Kanagawa
2 hours (from 10am)
Min 1, Max 4
Learn Calligraphy From Japan’s Last Master
What you can expect
Learn about the history of kanji, calligraphy and hisseki-jutsu
Hands on calligraphy lesson, learning different brush stroke techniques
Traditional Japanese sweets and tea while you practice your calligraphy
Personalised artwork scroll with carefully chosen Japanese characters using the hisseki-jutsu technique
Choice of a customised item from either a t-shirt, tote bag or tenugui (Japanese hand towel)
Location & how to get there
This experience is located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa which is easily accessible from Tokyo and can be done as part of a day trip!
From Tokyo Station: Take the 8:36am Tōkaidō Line train from Platform 10 to Hiratsuka Station
From Shibuya Station: Take the 8:46am Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Platform 4 to Hiratsuka Station
From Ueno Station: Take the 8:30am Takasaki Line from Platform 7 to Hiratsuka Station
The workshop will be held at Hiratsuka MN Building 11F which is a short walk from Hiratsuka Station. Detailed instructions on how to get there from the station can be found here
Description
Hisseki-jutsu calligraphy places meaning behind each stroke and in this 2 hour workshop you will learn the history and culture from the last remaining calligrapher practicing this style of calligraphy in Japan, before having a go yourself!
At the end of the class you will receive a custom one of a kind artwork made live by MADARA himself who will convert your name into Japanese characters (Kanji) choosing characters that carry deep and meaningful significance.
If you already have a Chinese name, he can also create this custom artwork using your names characters.
Other things to note
This craft is suitable for children (aged 5 and above) and is perfect for families!
If you have children under the age of 5, you can still join this experience and the team will prepare some special water paper for your child to practice while you join the experience
No prior experience is required and you don't need to prepare or bring anything
Your customised item will be available after 3pm on the same day or can be delivered to your hotel at no additional cost. Overseas shipping is available, however there will be an additional cost for this
There are also optional add ons available:
Double sided printing for t-shirt or tote bag: ¥2,200
Change fabric colour for t-shirt or tote bag to black: ¥2,200
Upgrade tote bag to large size with zipper: ¥2,750
Sticker: ¥1,650
Additional souvenirs also available for purchase at the venue
Meet the craftsman
MADARA has been practicing hisseki-jutsu calligraphy since he was 5 years old!
He is originally from the Fukushima area, but moved to Hiratsuka following the 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake after his family were displaced
Outside of calligraphy he is a big anime fan!
Watch the Instagram reel below to find out if he prefers rice, noodles or bread!
