CALLIGRAPHY (SHODO: 書道)
2013 – Present
DISCOVERING SHODO
At age seven, I discovered an art form that would change my life. A friend suggested I try Japanese calligraphy (Shodo) since I loved drawing and creating art. When I held a calligraphy brush for the first time and watched the ink flow across crisp white paper, I was mesmerized.
Shodo isn’t just writing—it’s an art form that combines meticulous technique with creative expression. Each brush stroke must be precise yet fluid, controlled yet spontaneous. The balance between black ink and white space, the rhythm of the strokes, the way a single character can convey both meaning and emotion—all of this captivated me from the very beginning.
What started as weekend calligraphy classes at the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall became a twelve-year journey into an ancient artistic tradition.
THE DISCIPLINE OF THE BRUSH
Shodo demands discipline. There’s no erasing, no going back. Every stroke is permanent, which means every movement must be intentional. You must control the pressure of the brush, the angle of your wrist, the speed of each stroke. One moment of hesitation or imprecision is immediately visible.
But within this rigorous discipline lies incredible artistic freedom. The same character can be written in countless styles—from the precise, angular strokes of Kaisho (楷書, block style) to the flowing, cursive beauty of Sosho (草書, grass style). Each style requires different techniques, different energy, different artistic sensibilities. The adult-level classes I now attend challenge me to move beyond technical proficiency toward genuine artistic expression—finding my own style within this centuries-old tradition.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND RECOGNITION
Over the years, my dedication to Shodo has been recognized through numerous awards and honors:
Teacher Certification
- Elementary School Level Certificate – Qualified to teach Shodo to elementary school students
- Middle School Level Certificate – Qualified to teach Shodo to middle school students
- Achieved Top 10th Dan (2023) – Completed the student course, the highest level of student achievement
Competition Awards
I have participated in two major annual calligraphy competitions, earning dozens of awards:
Tanabata Calligraphy Competition (全国七夕競書会)
- Multiple Federation Awards
- Multiple President’s Awards
- Multiple Silver Prizes
- Multiple Gold Prizes
Kakizome Calligraphy Competition (全国書き初め競書会)
- Multiple Federation Awards
- Multiple President’s Awards
- Multiple Silver Prizes
- Multiple Gold Prizes
Chairman’s Awards
- Received the prestigious Chairman’s Award twice for exceptional calligraphy work
These competitions bring together calligraphers from across North America, and receiving recognition among such talented artists has been deeply meaningful. Each award represents not just technical skill, but hours of practice, patience, and dedication to the art form.
WHY SHODO MATTERS TO ME
Shodo taught me that mastery isn’t about reaching a final destination—it’s about continuous practice and refinement. Even after twelve years, I’m still learning, still discovering new dimensions of this art form.
The discipline, patience, and attention to detail that Shodo requires have influenced everything else I do. Whether I’m perfecting a gymnastics routine, solving a complex statistical problem, or planning a history tour, I bring the same mindful presence and commitment to excellence that Shodo has instilled in me.
But beyond skill development, Shodo has given me a profound connection to Japanese culture and aesthetics. It opened the door to learning Japanese, which led to discovering the history of Japanese Canadians, which ultimately resulted in founding the VJLS History Club.
Learn more about the VJLS History Club and how I’m preserving this community’s story