The Unveiling of KUKU NO TSUKI: Ms. Hiroko Tanaka's Journey to Elevating Shodo to New Heights

Calligraphy & Yame Tea Experience

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Calligraphy, or shodō, is a distinguished facet of Japanese traditional culture, where artists craft beautiful characters using brush and ink. Beyond mere writing, it serves as an expressive art form, conveying the artist's emotions and individuality through each deliberate stroke. Deeply embedded in Japan's lifestyle and spiritual heritage, calligraphy continues to be cherished by many today.

Traditional Japanese calligraphy brushes used by Ms. Tanaka

We are pleased to introduce Ms. Miho Tanaka, a calligrapher dedicated to sharing the beauty of shodō with the world. Ms. Tanaka hails from Yame, located in the southern part of Fukuoka Prefecture. Yame is renowned for its rich natural beauty and traditional cultural products, including Yame tea, handcrafted Japanese paper, and sake breweries. Growing up in such an environment fostered her deep appreciation for Japanese culture and nature.

Beginning her calligraphy journey at the age of four, Ms. Tanaka pursued specialized studies in the art, graduating from the Calligraphy Program at Fukuoka Prefectural Dazaifu High School's Art Course and the Calligraphy Program in the Secondary Education Department at Fukuoka University of Education.

After university, she embarked on a 16-year career with an apparel manufacturer, gaining diverse experience in planning, designing, and remaking garments. During this period, she continued her calligraphy practice, undertaking commissions for store signage and package designs.

Driven by her long-held aspiration to integrate calligraphy into her professional endeavors, Ms. Tanaka honed her penmanship skills and techniques at Fukuoka Shoin, a venerable firm in Fukuoka.

In October 2020, she established her venture, "Kuku no Tsuki." Currently, she focuses on conveying the allure of calligraphy through commercial design projects, including lettering for restaurant signage and product packaging. Ms. Tanaka's creations uniquely blend traditional Japanese cultural elements, such as kimono fabrics, with contemporary sensibilities, aiming to evoke profound inspiration and emotion in her audience.

Ms. Tanaka's calligraphy helps convey the spirit of businesses.

Traditional Japanese storefront showcasing Ms. Tanaka's calligraphy

Moreover, she actively participates in international calligraphy performances and exhibitions and conducts workshops for enthusiasts both domestically and abroad.

A Special Moment to Savor Japanese Beauty

Workshop: Experience Calligraphy and Enjoy Yame Tea

Details:

This exclusive workshop offers the luxury of simultaneously experiencing two iconic aspects of Japanese culture: calligraphy and Yame tea, a celebrated specialty of Fukuoka Prefecture. Even beginners can find comfort in the calligraphy session, discovering the joy of handling the brush and the tranquility it brings. Subsequently, participants will learn the proper method of brewing Yame tea, delving into its profound flavors. Enjoy a serene time savoring carefully prepared Yame tea accompanied by traditional Japanese confections.

For more information or to participate in Ms. Tanaka's workshops and view her portfolio, please visit her Creema profile.

Additionally, consider visiting the Tea Culture Museum to further explore the rich tradition of Yame tea and its cultural significance.

Hoshino Furusato

We invite you to immerse yourself in this harmonious blend of art and tradition and experience the profound beauty of Japanese culture.