Frequently Asked Questions
How much coursework do I need to commit to, and what about the ranking system?
You can arrange your calligraphy practice around your work or family life. The basic minimum is to complete one assignment per month in kaisho regular style, (but you have the option to complete up to three assignments), and you can take a break when needed. The shodō ranking system is somewhat similar to those in other Japanese cultural schools and the Japanese martial arts. Students can move up the lower ranks each month depending on how monthly assignments are graded, and both lower and higher ranking students can move up by submitting shiken 試験 annual assignments.
Which styles are taught?
At Shokaisha a full range of styles can be learned, including: kaisho 楷書 (regular script); kana calligraphy 仮名; reisho 隷書 (clerical style); gyōsho 行書 (semi-cursive), sōsho 草書 (fully cursive ‘grass’ style); kyōso 狂草 ‘crazy’ cursive script; and tensho 篆書 (seal script). The principle styles for monthly and annual assignments are kaisho, gyōsho, sōsho and kana.
When do I receive my calligraphy name and what will it be?
You will usually receive this soon after starting your course work. The teacher has to meet you first, in person or online, and through this teacher-student connection, a name using two kanji characters will be chosen that is suitable for you and is suitable within the Shokaisha manner of naming calligraphers. This will be discussed with you. You will then be instructed in how to brush it. For students who have already met the teacher before becoming a member, or meet soon after becoming a member, the process is fastest.
Where do I buy materials?
Guidance will be given on materials after you join. Materials can be bought from various shops online, also from Japanese shops online that ship abroad, or from us directly, or from Shokaisha or various Japanese calligraphy materials stores directly.
What if I want to take a holiday from the coursework, or can I take a payment break?
There is no obligation to complete monthly assignments, so you don’t need to submit them if you are on holiday. But if you are planning a longer break, please let your teacher know. Please also note that if you want to stop your monthly subscription, when you do so you will automatically lose access to the course materials, as well as lose your membership of Shokaisha. It is possible though to re-start your membership again later, although you will be asked to pay the joining fee again at that time (to cover the admin cost of registering again). Also if you need access to any missed monthly course materials, which may be necessary for the shiken 試験 annual exam assignments, you will be asked to pay the monthly fee for the missed months that you request.
How quickly can I move up the lower shodō ranks of Shokaisha?
Each month in the lower ranks there are a small number of students at the top of each rank who are moved up to the next rank. This is marked in the monthly edition of Shokai (which is part of the course materials for members). As there are eight ranks between (and including) 5th Kyū lower (Gokyū otsu 五級乙) to 1st Kyū (Ikkyū 一級), then it is possible for a small number of students to move up to Ikkyū 一級 within the year. But each student needs a different amount of time to do get accustomed to the assignments and move up the ranks.
When can I move to the upper ranks from 1st Kyū (Ikkyū 一級）?
A once yearly set of assignments must be brushed and submitted to move from Ikkyū 一級 to the first rank in the upper ranks, named Shodan 初段.
Who should take exams, when are they, and how to go about preparing for them?
Shiken 試験 (annual exam assignments) can be submitted by any students who want to improve their rank, and this is available once a year, and these are optional for students. The work for shiken can be completed in their own time from mid November to mid February. When students move up to Ikkyū 一級 level, whether by monthly promotion or yearly promotion, from that time on we recommend students to submit shiken 試験 (annual exam assignments), as this is an important aspect of a student’s development, helping to raise the standard of their calligraphy skills and build their knowledge. Full guidance will be given to students by their teacher, detailing all aspects of how to go about completing and submitting the exam work.
Why join the Shokaisha school rather than other calligraphy groups?
Joining a lower level group doesn’t offer the same benefits, level of attainment and skills taught, not to mention the prestige, of a highly respected organisation like Shokaisha, with over 100 years of history and prominent exhibitions such as at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Japan’s central area for the arts in Ueno park. More importantly, being part of Shokaisha’s large network of expert calligraphers brings new connections and opportunities.
Can I meet the teacher first to find out more and ask some questions?
Yes you are very welcome to do so, to meet Blair please order the trial, which will give you the option to meet Blair at our monthly Pure Wind in-person group or to book an online meeting with him on Zoom at available time slots. Alternatively, please join one of our Japanese Shodō Calligraphy monthly classes such as at Woodside Library, or online class.
If I decide I want to teach shodō calligraphy in the future, how can I be authorised to teach and how does that work?
It is up to the decision of the Shokaisha school to authorise you to be able to teach, this can be discussed in more detail with your teacher when you are moving through the upper ranks and ready to submit for the relevant Shiken 試験 (annual exam assignments).