Posts
All the articles I've posted.
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Best Japanese Calligraphy Book for Beginners (2026)
By K. YamaMost calligraphy books for beginners pad pages with theory you can't use. A Japanese calligrapher's picks for the three books actually worth buying first.
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Best Japanese Calligraphy Brush for Beginners (2026)
By K. YamaMost beginner calligraphy brushes are sold by people who don't write with one. A Japanese calligrapher compares the three brushes worth your first purchase.
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The Five Styles of Japanese Calligraphy, Explained
By K. YamaKaisho, gyōsho, sōsho, reisho, tensho — the five classical styles of Japanese calligraphy explained, compared, and ranked for beginners by a practitioner.
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A Brief History of Japanese Calligraphy, in 1,500 Years
By K. YamaJapanese calligraphy has 1,500 years of continuous tradition. A Japanese calligrapher's guide to the people, periods, and turns that made shodō what it is today.
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Best Calligraphy Paper for Practice (2026): 3 Picks
By K. YamaPractice paper is the cheapest thing in shodō and the easiest to buy wrong. A Japanese calligrapher compares what to buy for your first months at the brush.
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How to Hold a Japanese Calligraphy Brush (7 Steps)
By K. YamaMost shodō goes wrong before the brush touches paper — because of how the brush is held. A Japanese calligrapher's step-by-step guide to the correct grip.
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Best Sumi Ink for Beginners (2026): 3 Bottles Compared
By K. YamaA Japanese calligrapher compares the three sumi ink bottles beginners are most likely to buy on Amazon — what each is like to use, and which to start with.
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What Is Sumi Ink? Stick vs Bottle: A Beginner's Guide (2026)
By K. YamaSumi ink covers everything from $4 bottles to $400 inksticks under one name. A practitioner's guide to what sumi actually is and what beginners should buy.
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Japanese Calligraphy: The Complete Beginner's Guide (2026)
By K. YamaA practitioner's complete introduction to Japanese calligraphy (shodō): its history, the five styles, the tools you need, and a realistic 30-day practice plan.
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Best Japanese Calligraphy Set for Beginners (2026)
By K. YamaA calligrapher's honest look at the best Japanese calligraphy starter sets for beginners in 2026 — what to buy, what to skip, and which kits are actually good.
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