Shodo

 Shodo: The Art of Japanese Calligraphy

Shodo, meaning "the way of writing", is a revered art form in Japan that elevates everyday writing into a profound and expressive discipline. Let's delve into its essence:

Essence:

More than calligraphy: Shodo transcends mere penmanship. It's a holistic practice encompassing mind, body, and spirit, emphasizing rhythm, breath, and mindfulness.
Tools and materials: The brush, ink, and paper are instruments for conveying energy and emotion. Each stroke, imbued with intention, carries artistic weight.
Characters & scripts: Shodo primarily uses Kanji (Chinese characters) and Hiragana/Katakana (Japanese scripts), chosen for their aesthetic and symbolic qualities.
Significance:

History & tradition: Rooted in Chinese calligraphy, Shodo entered Japan around the 6th century, becoming ingrained in its cultural fabric.
Spiritual & philosophical dimension: Shodo embodies Zen Buddhist principles of discipline, simplicity, and living in the present moment.
Contemporary relevance: While maintaining its cultural importance, Shodo is enjoyed by diverse individuals seeking artistic expression, self-reflection, and stress relief.
Summary:

Shodo is not just writing; it's a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. The dance of brush, ink, and paper creates visual poetry, resonating with both the artist and the viewer. Its enduring legacy testifies to its profound beauty and timeless relevance in Japanese culture.

1-Today’s Japanese language
Japanese Vocabulary about Shodo (Romaji)
Basic terms:
Shodō (書道): "The way of writing" (Shodo)
Fude (筆): Brush
Sumi (墨): Ink
Kanji (漢字): Chinese characters
Hiragana (ひらがな): Japanese syllabary
Katakana (カタカナ): Japanese syllabary
Kakaku (楷書): Regular script
Gyosho (行書): Semi-cursive script
Sosho (草書): Cursive script
Kiai (気合): Concentration and spirit
Sensei (先生): Teacher
Shihan (師範): Master
Ten (点): Dot
Sen (線): Line
Men (面): Plane
2- Today’s news
Japan to propose calligraphy be added to UN's Intangible Cultural Heritage list
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231218_36/
Shodo is an art form of writing Chinese or hiragana characters in "sumi," or black ink, with a traditional technique and handling of "fude," or a writing brush.

Anwar’s visit to Japan attracts RM6.56b in potential investments
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/12/18/anwars-visit-to-japan-attracts-rm656b-in-potential-investments/108184
Japanese investors are now more confident in Malaysia, Anwar said, adding that he was told there were a lot of positive reviews about the country appearing in the Japanese.

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