May—July, 2024

Summer Shodo (Online)

Register

Course Information

Japanese calligraphy, also known as shodo, is a revered, centuries-old art form and Zen practice which evokes harmony, beauty, and balance. Shodo uses a brush and charcoal ink on paper, wood plaques, and fabric and includes Chinese characters (kanji) and Japanese hiragana. Although it originated in the techniques used for letter writing, with its unique form of expression it has developed into an art genre.

These online courses will consist of at-home practice, instructor-student dialogue, and instructor demonstration. Classes will meet online via Zoom. To participate fully, you will need access to a device with internet, microphone, and camera (such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet). Please note that all times listed are New York time (ET). Students will need to purchase their own supplies.

This Summer, we are simultaneously offering both online and in-person Shodo course options.  To see how these course names / levels correspond, please see here.

These courses are designed for adults aged 18 and above. However, consideration for enrollment may be given to students aged 17 or 16 on a case-by-case basis. Feel free to inquire for further information.

Please note this is not a language course. If you wish to learn Japanese language, please see our other courses.

Select a level to learn more.
Shodo for Beginners | Shodo Kanji | Shodo Kana

See the Shodo Level Guide for sample materials at each level.

For a printer friendly version of these courses, please click here: 2024 Summer Shodo Online (Japanese Calligraphy) (PDF)

Course Descriptions

  • Shodo for Beginners B

     Fridays, May 31—July 12, 5-6 pm ET
    (no class 6/7, 7/5)
    ONLINE·5 classes·Sanae Asai


    Course work begins May 27

    Students will learn the brush strokes used in the basic 楷書 (kaisho)/regular script. This will be a small class size, and the course will involve both homework practice and in-class time over Zoom. (For details of the schedule, please read below.) In the Zoom class, students are expected to show their work with the teacher and other students so that everyone can learn from each other. Students must purchase their own supplies ahead of beginning coursework, and the Language Center can provide recommendations for supplies. This course will prepare you for the Shodo Basic Kanji course.

    No prior Shodo or Japanese language experience necessary.  

  • Shodo Kanji

    Fridays, May 31—July 19, 2:30-3:30 pm ET
    (no class 7/5)
    ONLINE·7 classes·Megumi Barringer


    Course work begins May 27

    Every week, two typefaces from 行書 (gyosho) / semi-cursive, 草書 (sosho) / cursive, and 隷書 (reisho) / clerical script are practiced in the class. This class is for those who have previous experience with Japanese calligraphy and have learned the basic 楷書 (kaisho) / regular script already.

    Prerequisite: students must have enrolled at least once in Shodo Basic Kanji at Japan Society, or have already learned the basic kaisho/regular script style. (If you do not fit this prerequisite but have significant previous experience with Japanese calligraphy, please contact us at [email protected].)  

  • Shodo Kana

    Fridays, May 31—July 19, 10:30-11:30 am ET
    (no class 7/5)
    ONLINE·7 classes·Megumi Barringer


    Course work begins May 27

    Students will write 俳句 (haiku) and 短歌 (tanka) using the Japanese syllabaries of hiragana, man’yogana (classic hiragana), and 草書 (sosho) /cursive script. This course is not for beginners.

    Prerequisite: For participants with intermediate level Shodo experience and above. Hiragana recognition and writing is required. (If you do not fit this prerequisite but have significant previous experience with Japanese calligraphy, please contact us at [email protected].)

    Course Schedule

    The online courses will consist of at-home practice, instructor-student dialogue, and instructor demonstration. The structure for the courses is as follows:

    Assignment Sample:

    The instructor will correspond with students (by email) about assignment samples. Students will work individually and submit the completed assignment(s) by the due date (see below). You are welcome to begin working on the assignment once you receive it from the instructor which will be no later than the Monday prior to the first Friday class meeting.

    Please print the assignment samples out in advance so that you can use them in practice or in class.

    Sample Submission: by Friday at 10 am ET
    Students submit their assignment(s) as a photo or scan to the instructor via email ideally before class (by 10:00 am Friday). The instructor will email feedback to each student except on Sundays. More details will come from the instructor.

    Class Meeting: see class meeting times above.
    Students will meet with the instructor on Zoom. The instructor will review key points and details from that week’s sample for the first 5-10 minutes, and then for the rest of class will work with students individually on technique, etc. This will happen with everyone in the same Zoom meeting, so students will also hear/see feedback given to other students. We recommend that while not working directly with the instructor, students may practice the ideas introduced at the start of class and the sample assignment. The instructor may work with each student more than once.

     

    Tuition

    7-Class Online Courses
    (Kana, Kanji)
    Non-members: $245
    Japan Society members: $215

    5-Class Online Course
    (Shodo for Beginners)
    Non-members: $200
    Japan Society members: $175

     

    How to Register

    Please register by Thursday, May 23 if possible. These classes are small, so we appreciate your early enrollment.

    Registration is accepted online (preferred) or by phone only at (212) 715-1269 or (212) 715-1293, or in-person (please inquire for hours).

    To purchase or renew a membership, please visit the Membership page and pay online. Or, call 212-715-1270.

    All registrants will receive a Welcome Letter from [email protected] on:

    • the afternoon of Friday, May 24, 2024

    The instructor will email the samples and Zoom link by:

    • the end of the day, Sunday, May 26, 2024 at the latest

    Registrants of Shodo for Beginners will receive an email about course materials upon registration for the course.

    ご質問は [email protected] までご連絡ください。電話でのご登録を希望される方は、クレジットカードをご用意の上、212-715-1269又は212-715-1293までご連絡ください。

    Questions? Please email us at [email protected], or call (212) 715-1269 or (212) 715-1293.

     

    Additional Information

    Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are accepted until 12 pm ET on the business day before the course or workshop begins (for online Shodo, until 12 pm ET on the business day before coursework begins). After this deadline, cancellations are not accepted and tuition is not refundable or transferable for any reason (including for credit). Upon cancellation, the tuition paid minus a service charge ($20 for courses, $5 for workshops) will be refunded. Cancellations are only accepted via phone.

    Japan Society also reserves the right to cancel any course or workshop if sufficient enrollment is not obtained. In such cases, students already enrolled will receive full refunds (no service charge).

    By registering for a course, you accept and agree to the above terms of the cancellation policy.

    We do not record these classes, and recording of these classes is prohibited.

     

    Shodo Supplies

    Students are required to purchase their own materials for at home use.

    Shodo materials include: brush, ink (liquid or ink stone and stick), a felt pad, and a paperweight. Hanshi paper if you have it, or printer copy paper will be fine as well.

    Alternatively, a limited quantity of Shodo supply kits (which include a brush, felt pad, and paperweight but NOT ink or paper) are available to rent for the semester from the Language Center. Supply kits are
    available for a $40 rental fee (of which $35 will be returned for supplies with no significant damage). Partial kits can be rented as well. Please contact the office to arrange rental and pick-up.

    Devices include: a computer, tablet, or smartphone which has a camera, microphone, and speaker. It is preferred that you set up a camera to show your work/brush strokes live, rather than your face. This could mean using a stand or creating a comparable set up. If you have two devices, you could create an arrangement where the instructor can see both your work and your face.

    If you are purchasing supplies, please do so far enough in advance so that you receive the materials before your first class. The Language Center is not responsible for delays resulting in a student not being prepared by the first class session, and the cancellation policy still applies.

    If you need assistance acquiring Shodo materials, setting up your technology/checking your camera angle, or further information, please email [email protected].

    Instructors

    Sanae Asai

    Sanae Asai

    Sanae Asai (Master Suiho) obtained a BA in Commerce from Meiji University and finished the courses of Certified Financial Planner…

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    Megumi Barringer

    Megumi Barringer

    Megumi Barringer (Calligraphy name Shuka Barringer) has a calligraphy instructor license from the Nihon Sogo Shogeiin of Public Interest…

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      Japan Society programs are made possible by leadership support from Booth Ferris Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Support for Japan Society’s Language Center is provided, in part, by Mark F. Goldfield and Mary E. Hatch; Christopher Hong; Steven Giordano; and Dr. Bic Kanayjorn.