Atelier Towa, Aoi Yamaguchi’s own atelier in Los Angeles, California, offers hands-on Japanese calligraphy workshops and lessons Intimate small-group session will motivate you to learn with peers and let you focus on practicing and improving your skills. Each workshop program is designed to introduce and explore different styles and aspect of the art of Japanese calligraphy. Available sessions will be listed as they are scheduled. Choose a session that suits your level and goals!
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Japanese calligraphy “shodo” workshop for Beginners is designed for all beginners
taught by Aoi Yamaguchi, focusing on the basic brushworks.
NEW YEAR’S CALLIGRAPHY “KAKIZOME” WORKSHOP
Kakizome (書き初め) is the term for the first calligraphy writing of the new year, traditionally performed on the second day of January. This event is also called 吉書 (kissho: good luck calligraphy), 初硯 (hatsu-suzuri: first ink well) and 試筆 (shi-hitsu: challenge writing).
Traditionally, water called “wakamizu” (若水) used to make the Sumi ink for Kakizome must be the one taken from the well on the New Year’s day, which is believed to be pure and holy. Wishing for a good luck for the year, we write Kakizome facing towards “ehou” (恵方), the fortunate direction for the year based on the local zodiac. People write auspicious kanji characters or a short poetry, such as haiku or tanka, or their favorite characters that symbolize one’s wishes for the New Year.
On the New Year’s day, following the tradition, pour water in a container and bring it with you to the class. During the workshop, you will rub the ink stick with your wakamizu to create fresh sumi ink, and write calligraphy of words of your choice from a selected list provided. We will go over the basics from how to hold the brush to how to control the brush, the balance between the mind and body, understanding the structure and meaning of Japanese characters, basic brush techniques and possibilities of sumi ink. You will practice on standard hanshi paper, and then work on a final piece on a long yatsugiri paper. You will take home your finished calligraphy artworks, an ink stick, and handmade artwork folder.
This workshop is for all youth & adult beginners.
KAKIZOME WORKSHOP 2025
atelier towa
West Adams District, Los Angeles
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2025 | 10AM – 1PM
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2025 | 10:30AM – 1:30PM
INTRODUCTION TO SHODO:
Japanese Calligraphy Workshop for First-time Beginners
In this 5-day course of hands-on workshop designed for first-time youth & adult beginners, get an intimate exploration of fundamental Japanese calligraphy brushwork, and find balance within yourself through meditative calligraphy process. The workshop begins with the basics: an introduction to a brief history of Japanese calligraphy, Japanese writing system and calligraphy styles, proper use of the calligraphy tools, posture and manners. Participants will be practicing Kanji on hanshi calligraphy paper, with in-depth lectures on basic brushwork, focusing on the formal Regular Script called Kaisho (楷書). By the end of the course, you will complete learning the The Eight Principles of Yong: 8 most common strokes in regular script. We will work on creating a final piece, and focus on the balance between mind and body. You will be familiar with your own brush, and learn how to be present in the moment physically and spiritually stroke by stroke.
Spring 2024
5-day Course
Dates will be announced soon
Japanese Calligraphy “Shodo” Workshop
for Returning Students
Refine Your Brushwork with Continued Study
In this 1.5 hours hands-on workshop, get a further exploration of fundamental Japanese calligraphy brushwork, and find balance within yourself through meditative calligraphy process. Participants will be introduced to the chosen character for the month, with in-depth lectures on basic calligraphy writing techniques and brushwork, focusing on one of the calligraphy script.
Rinsho, or copy writing, of the historical calligraphy works is fundamental process in the study of Japanese calligraphy. We will practice the teacher’s selection of two kanji characters in regular script “Kaisho” the on hanshi paper.
February Session – 如月の会
Stay tuned for the date & time!
SEASONS is a series of our monthly Japanese calligraphy workshops
to appreciate the beauty of nature transitioning with four seasons captured in poetry.
SEASONS 10
October 神無月
椛 – Autumn Leaves –
Japanese Calligraphy Workshop with Tea Pairing
SEASONS is a series of Japanese calligraphy workshops taught by Aoi Yamaguchi focusing on the innate beauty of the transition from one season to another captured in poetry. There are hundreds of kigo (季語, “season word”), which is a word or phrase associated with a particular season used in traditional forms of Japanese poetry.
The Autumn edition of SEASONS in October, in collaboration with Tea at Shiloh, will be 椛 (momiji) or autumn leaves. Leaves of deciduous trees transform their colors from lush summer green to the shades of yellow, orange and red, as if mountains are changing their garments. The beautiful scenery of autumn leaves and autumn mountains have been admired and celebrated since the Heian period throughout Japan. As the winter approaches, leaves fall and cover the ground – people find beauty in the ephemeral nature of life, as we walk on the colorful carpet of fallen leaves.
The evening will have two parts: First, guests will be introduced to the artist’s selection of haiku poems with 椛 (momiji) to inspire, paired with a cup of selected tea by Tea at Shiloh. After nourishing our mind and body, we will dive into Japanese calligraphy. We will go over a brief history of Japanese calligraphy, calligraphy tools and supplies, as well as proper posture. You will begin to explore how the self is reflected in your own writing. Guests will practice the kanji character “椛” on up to 20 sheets of hanshi paper and take their own finished artwork home.
Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Fee: $127 per seat
Location:
Tea at Shiloh
2035 Bay St: Los Angeles, 90021
Age requirement:
The workshop is designed for the adult beginners. No prior experience is necessary.
Materials:
All calligraphy supplies and materials needed for the workshop will be provided. The lesson will be taught in English.