If you are looking for a furnished apartment in Tokyo, choose KaguAruoo. This new rental website offers a convenient and hassle-free rental procedure since all transactions are done online. You can easily search for furnished apartments from their comprehensive search page, view the listing’s description and photos. If you still want further information, you can send a message to the landlord of the listing before any lease contract is concluded. The account creation is also very simple; you can read on what IDs are accepted here. With KaguAruoo, signing the lease contract with the landlord can be done online. Moreover, the payment for the rent is also processed online via credit card.

Want to take your writing skills to another level? Let’s experience the fine art of writing that has been practiced in Japan for centuries, the art of calligraphy. Many people are fascinated by calligraphy styles. Nowadays, it can be found online as a quoted text to a post on most social media platforms. Short courses are also available online where you can learn how to write the different strokes using a brush, a pen and a highlighter. Help me unveil the fascinating world of calligraphy, the art that reveals the inner mind through brush strokes.

 

 

The history of Japanese Calligraphy

Japanese calligraphy began in the 13th century BC. There is no definite record of when the Japanese started using kanji, the official writing system in Japan. Calligraphy (shodō) is the art of writing beautifully. Japanese thinkers began to come up with a new native script known as hiragana, which means “women’s hand,” or onna-de in Japanese. Hiragana was particularly used in the writing of Japanese poetry as it has an elegant and graceful appearance. It was also recognized as an official writing method, and integrated use of the adapted Chinese characters kanji. Hiragana became a widely accepted form of written expression.

Five Major Styles of Calligraphy

Tensho 篆書 (seal script) style was being used throughout the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC) and was used as the main formal writing system in ancient China. This style was usually used for seal stamps when people or most companies would notarize official documents.

Reisho 隷書 (clerical script) style was invented after people began the need of a more efficient way of writing and due also to the invention of paper and brush. Clerical Script is a very bold and commanding style of calligraphy. Its regularly sized and simplified characters make this style easier to read and write. Now, you can find this style in plaques, signboards, titles of works, etc.

Kaisho 楷書 (regular script) was developed between the 1st century BCE and 4th century BCE when the Chinese writing system became standardized and regulated. This style has very strict rules and is ideal for beginners as they may learn things about brush strokes.

Gyōsho 行書 (semi-cursive) derived from its name, this style is a slightly more cursive version of kaisho script. There are three different levels of “cursiveness”, they are called seigyo, gyo, and gyoso. Gyosho style is a softer and more rounded technique and no sharp corners and angles. Most people who can read regular scripts can read this style.

Cursive 草書 (sōsho) originated in the Han Dynasty, this style was being used by scribes as a cursive version of reisho for taking notes. This technique has many strokes ending with a sweep to the upper right in a breaking-wave type form.

Four Most Basic Tools of Modern Calligraphy

A brush, an inkstick, mulberry paper, an inkstone. Keep in mind to have these tools when learning your first calligraphy.

Visit Japan and learn more about calligraphy! Start searching for furnished apartments in Tokyo online with KaguAruoo. They have over 2,000 furnished apartments scattered across Japan. All transactions are done online. From picking the best apartment, sending an inquiry to the landlord, signing the lease contract and paying for the rent. KaguAruoo will help you in securing an accommodation before you can even come to Japan. With KaguAruoo, there is no need to hire a real estate agent and pay for a broker’s fee, no guarantor, no deposit and no key money.