Japanese calligraphy master at work in Tokyo studio near Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Calligraphy MIA
Japanese Shodo Experience
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— Kanji Calligraphy Experience · Tokyo —

A stroke
of memory.

An intimate Japanese calligraphy experience
in Tokyo's Higashi-Azabu.
Write your name in beautiful Kanji and take it home.

Reserve Your Place
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Three Courses English-Speaking 5min from Tokyo Tower From ¥15,000
Inside the Tokyo Calligraphy MIA studio in Higashi-Azabu
— Plate 01 / The Studio —
— Chapter One · Origin

Our Origin Story

— It began with an encounter that would change everything.

It all began with an encounter with children from America. "Your name in Kanji? What characters should we use?" Like naming a child in Japan, we chose characters together, considering their meanings and lucky stroke counts. It was an incredibly creative time, and the children's eyes sparkled with excitement.

The joy on their faces seeing the finished calligraphy, and the parents' awe at seeing their own names transformed into brush-lettered art. Witnessing this filled me with immense happiness and a sense of accomplishment.

— Three Core Experiences

Three Experiences,
Carefully Crafted.

— Culture, language, and a souvenir made just for you.

Japanese calligraphy studio interior in Tokyo, cultural experience 01
— Culture —

A Deeper Connection
with Japanese Culture

Hold the brush, enveloped in the scent of ink, and focus your mind. Each action invites you deep into traditional Japanese culture — more than just writing, it's a moment to touch the heart of Japan.

Kanji characters - the art of Japanese written language 02
— Language —

Discover the Art
of Kanji

Kanji are not symbols — they are paintings. Each character holds meaning and story. Feel the artistic beauty of the Japanese language with your own brush.

Finished Kanji calligraphy artwork as a unique souvenir from Tokyo 03
— Souvenir —

A Souvenir
for Your Heart

The work you create with your own hands will become a special souvenir, eternally holding the memories of your journey — a gift to yourself, or to someone you love.

— Choose your Kanji —

Japanese Kanji Calligraphy
Experience in Tokyo.

— Three ways to find your Kanji, each crafted with meaning and care.

— Plum · 梅 —

From Sound,
to Meaning.

As Japanese parents traditionally name a newborn, we craft meaningful Kanji from the sounds of your name — each character carrying a wish or hope.

Example
MIA 美愛
Beauty + Love
— Bamboo · 竹 —

By Auspicious
Stroke Count.

A traditional Japanese way of naming: we select Kanji whose stroke counts carry auspicious meaning, blessing your future with good fortune.

Example
Mike 真意空
— Pine · 松 —

Receive a
Calligrapher's Gago.

A "Gago" is the artistic name held by Japanese calligraphers. We craft yours by sharing one character from the master's own Gago — Kenko (繭晃).

Example
Yuko 優晃
Gentle + Sunshine
— Ume · The Plum Course Characters —

Choose Your Character

Nineteen characters to choose from. Tap any to see Kaisho, Gyosho, and Sosho styles.

— Bamboo Sample · A Real Naming Case —

Mike's Naming Process

In the Bamboo course, MIA proposes several auspicious name candidates. The final choice belongs to you. Below are the six candidates actually offered to Mike.

真意空
Ma I Ku
真 (Ma) — truth / 10 strokes 意 (I) — will, intention / 13 strokes 空 (Ku) — sky / 8 strokes
Total: 31 strokes ◎

31 is one of the most powerful numbers — popularity fortune, growth, connections, success, and excellent balance.

真意来
Ma I Ku
真 (Ma) — truth / 10 strokes 意 (I) — will, intention / 13 strokes 来 (Ku) — come, future / 7 strokes
Total: 30 strokes ○

30 carries charisma fortune. Artistic spirit.

真意久
Ma I Ku
真 (Ma) — truth, genuine 意 (I) — will, intention 久 (Ku) — eternity, longevity
Total: 26 strokes ○

26 is the persevering type — success through turbulence, hero fortune, late blooming. Ups and downs, but powerful luck.

麻伊久
Ma I Ku
麻 (Ma) — natural, life force 伊 (I) — graceful, refined 久 (Ku) — eternity
Total: 20 strokes △

20 carries strong fluctuation fortune — sensitive, sometimes solitary, with real talent and deep sensitivity.

真依玖
Ma I Ku
真 (Ma) — truth / 10 strokes 依 (I) — to rely on / 8 strokes 玖 (Ku) — beautiful jade / 7 strokes
Total: 25 strokes ◎

25 is one of the powerful fortune numbers — popularity, charm, brilliance with substance.

麻衣玖
Ma I Ku
麻 (Ma) — natural, life force / 11 strokes 衣 (I) — garment, attire / 6 strokes 玖 (Ku) — beautiful jade / 7 strokes
Total: 24 strokes ◎

24 carries wealth fortune — blessed by people who help you grow. Family fortune and steady development.

Excellent Good Caution

— Master Calligrapher

Meet Your Tokyo Calligraphy Master

— A calligrapher devoted to the brush for over 35 years.

Master MIA teaching Japanese calligraphy in her Higashi-Azabu studio
Tokyo
MIA
Master Calligrapher · Gago: Kenko (繭晃)
Affiliation 書道春秋社Shodo Shunjusha
Gago (雅号) 繭晃Kenko — Artist Name
Experience Over 35 years
Studied Under 古賀静晃Master Seikou Koga
Licenses Master license at age 15
Teaching license at age 18
Awards Gold Prize · New Year Calligraphy Competition
Selected · Kanagawa Shimbun Exhibition
and many more
— What to expect

Your Japanese Calligraphy Experience
in Four Steps

— A four-part experience, shared by all courses.

Whisking matcha for the welcome tea ceremony in our Tokyo calligraphy studio
01

Welcome Tea

Begin with a welcome Matcha (or Matcha latte) and a seasonal wagashi sweet.

Folding a paper crane in traditional origami at Tokyo Calligraphy MIA
02

Kimono or Origami

Choose between a kimono dressing (Hakama, Yukata, or Haori) or an origami session (crane or shuriken) — 15-20 minutes.

Brushing a Japanese kanji character in calligraphy class near Tokyo Tower
03

Calligraphy

From holding the brush, we guide you through your chosen course (Plum, Bamboo, or Pine). Please select your course at least 3 days in advance so we can prepare your custom template.

Handmade Rakkan seal stamped on a finished Kanji calligraphy work
04

Seal & Finish

Stamp your finished work with a traditional seal (Rakkan) — your one-of-a-kind keepsake to take home.

— Reserve Your Experience

Three Kanji Calligraphy Courses,
One Unforgettable Day.

— Plum, Bamboo, and Pine. Choose the depth that suits your journey.

— Course · Plum —

Plum

梅 · Ume

We craft Kanji characters from the sound of your name — your one-of-a-kind work. Ideal for first-time calligraphy.

Plan 01
Without original seal ¥15,000

Stamped with one of our existing seals.

Plan 02
With original seal ¥26,000

An original handmade seal will be crafted for you and shipped to you afterward.

Reserve Plum Course
— Course · Pine —

Pine

松 · Matsu

Receive your own "Gago" — the artistic name held by Japanese calligraphers. We craft yours by sharing one character from the master's own Gago, Kenko (繭晃). Includes a handmade original seal.

All-Inclusive
Gago + original seal ¥38,000

An original handmade seal will be crafted for you and shipped to you afterward.

Reserve Pine Course
— Before You Come

Frequently
Asked Questions

I don't speak Japanese. Can I still join?
+
Absolutely. Lessons are conducted in both English and Japanese. Even complete beginners feel at ease — we guide you gently into the world of Shodo.
I've never tried calligraphy. Is that okay?
+
Welcome! Most of our guests are first-timers. We will guide you carefully. All ages welcome. If you feel nervous, you can start by tracing a light pencil draft of the master's template. And if you'd like, the master can gently guide your hand and brush the character together with you.
What is your cancellation policy?
+
Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 3 days before your visit. After this period, a partial cancellation fee may apply as we have begun preparing your custom template. For unavoidable circumstances such as flight delays, please contact us to discuss.
Do I need to bring anything?
+
Nothing at all! We provide everything — brushes, ink, washi paper, and more. Just bring yourself.
Is there an age limit? Can children join?
+
Children aged 6 and above can fully participate in the calligraphy experience. Younger children are welcome with a parent's assistance. A wonderful experience for families.
How and when do I pay?
+
Payment is cash only, in Japanese Yen, on the day of your visit. We do not accept credit cards, QR payments, or foreign currency. Please prepare cash in advance. No tipping is necessary — it is not part of Japanese culture.
How do I choose between Plum, Bamboo, and Pine?
+
Plum crafts Kanji from the sounds of your name; Bamboo names you with auspicious stroke counts; Pine grants you a calligrapher's "Gago" (artistic name). Please select your course at least 3 days before your visit so the master can prepare your custom template.
What should I wear?
+
Is the studio easy to find?
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Our studio is just a 5-minute walk (about 500m) from Tokyo Tower, within walking distance of Azabu-juban and Akabanebashi stations.
What is Uchiwa, Sensu, Kakejiku, Yukata, and Hakama?
+
Uchiwa — traditional round Japanese fan
Uchiwa
団扇
Round Japanese fan
Sensu — traditional folding fan
Sensu
扇子
Folding fan
Kakejiku — Japanese hanging scroll with calligraphy
Kakejiku
掛け軸
Hanging scroll
Yukata — light summer kimono
Yukata
浴衣
Light summer kimono
Hakama — traditional Japanese pleated trousers
Hakama
Traditional pleated trousers
— Visit

Find Our Studio
Near Tokyo Tower

— A 5-minute walk from Tokyo Tower, in a quiet corner of Higashi-Azabu.

Address
1-29-9 Higashi-Azabu,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0044
Landmark
5-min walk from Tokyo Tower
(approx. 500m)
Nearest Stations
Azabu-juban Station
Akabanebashi Station
Hours
By appointment only
Languages
English / 日本語
Payment
Cash only (paid on the day)
— Reserve Your Experience

Find your own
"Sho".

A stroke of memory awaits in Tokyo.

Send us your preferred dates via our contact page. We reply within 24 hours in English or Japanese.

Reserve Your Place