Tag: beginner
All the articles with the tag "beginner".
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Way Kanji (道): Meaning, Stroke Order & How to Write It
By K. YamaUpdated:The kanji 道 (dō) ends karate, judo, aikido, and shodō alike. What 'the way' really means in Japanese, and how to write the character that names a lifetime.
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What Is Hanshi Paper? 5 Things Beginners Should Know
By K. YamaUpdated:Hanshi is the standard practice paper for Japanese calligraphy. What it is, which side to write on, how to store it, and what to buy first.
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What Is Hiragana? The 46-Character Heart of Written Japanese
By K. YamaUpdated:Hiragana is the flowing 46-character script at the heart of written Japanese, born from cursive kanji. Where it came from, and why it's beautiful to write.
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Light Kanji (光): Meaning, the Shining Prince, and How to Write It
By K. Yama光 means light — a fire carried by a person, the hikari of moonlight and glory, and the name of Japan's Shining Prince. Its meaning and how to write it.
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Thunder Kanji (雷): Meaning, Raijin, and How to Write It
By K. Yama雷 means thunder: rain over a field, the drum-beating god Raijin, and a word that began as 'the cry of the gods.' Its meaning, readings, and writing.
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Wind Kanji (風): Wind, Style, and How to Write It
By K. Yama風 (kaze) means wind — and also style, manner, and atmosphere. The 'wind' of 風林火山: what it carries in Japanese, and how to write it with movement.
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A Daily Calligraphy Practice Routine That Actually Sticks
By K. YamaTwenty minutes a day beats three hours on Sunday. A Japanese calligrapher's honest daily shodō practice routine — the setup, the warm-up, and what to actually do.
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Best Online Japanese Calligraphy Courses (2026)
By K. YamaWant to learn shodō online but don't know where to start? A Japanese calligrapher reviews the best online Japanese calligraphy courses for beginners in 2026.
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Best Japanese Calligraphy Gift Set for Japan Lovers (2026)
By K. YamaBuying a calligraphy set as a gift is different from buying one to practice. A calligrapher's guide to gift sets that are beautiful AND actually work.
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The Eight Principles of Yong (永字八法), Explained
By K. YamaThe kanji 永 (eternity) contains all eight basic brushstrokes of Japanese calligraphy. A practitioner explains the Eight Principles of Yong and how to use them.
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