The first KIZUNA event of the year was a Japanese calligraphy workshop, held on 22 January. Instructions were provided by members of Sumizome Shodo Kai, who teach classes at the Kyoto Prefectural International Center. This annual workshop is one of the longest-running and most popular KIZUNA events.
In the 2018 workshop, participants first learned the basics of Japanese calligraphy, such as how to hold and move an ink-filled brush while maintaining a proper posture. Next, after listening to a short lecture on kanji (Chinese characters) and their origins, they tried brush-writing some of the simpler ones on hanshi paper, following the examples provided.
Participants then practiced writing their favorite words. Some initially had difficulty controlling their brush strokes or the amount of ink in their brushes, but after diligently honing their skills, all of them produced beautiful works on shikishi boards to take home as souvenirs.
Everyone enjoyed this traditional New Year's custom, as well as the opportunity to make new friends with other students.
Working on the kanji word shin ("belief")
During the workshop
Participants with their finished works
The instructors and participants
