Journeys in Japan - 2012/01/31 - Suzuka, City of Calligraphy

Jan. 31, Tue. 0:30 - 1:00 (UTC) etc.

"SUZUKA CITY: Mie - Pref."
- City of sumi -

- Suzuka sumi (traditional Japanese ink)
- John tries his hand at sumi making
- Calligraphy performance by Suzuka High School students

Since ancient times, people in Japan have produced a form of ink known as sumi, which is used for calligraphy and traditional ink wash painting. Prepared in the form of ink sticks, sumi has to be diluted in water to create a black liquid.
Until about 100 years ago, sumi was one of the most popular items sold at stationery stores. Today, ink sticks are rarely used in everyday life, but they are an essential aspect of traditional calligraphy. Shodo, the art of writing kanji characters with sumi ink, remains very popular.

On this edition of Journeys in Japan, John Gathright travels to Suzuka, in Mie Prefecture, where sumi has been produced for centuries. He meets a traditional ink-stick master craftsman and discovers the vibrant art of calligraphy.

Shinseido (sumi shop)
Sumi producer Kidou Ito is recognized by the government as a traditional master craftsman. He makes more than 300 types of sumi by hand. Prices range from around 1,000 yen to 30,000 yen.
Open: 9:30-16:30. Closed Sundays, also at New Year (Dec. 30-Jan. 3) and mid-summer (Aug. 13-15)
Tel: (+81) 059-388-4053
http://suzukazumi.co.jp/index.html (Japanese only)

Meihodou (calligraphy shop)
Noted shodo calligraphy artist Reihou Higuchi sells calligraphy supplies. He also teaches classes. Special trial sessions available for foreign visitors (advance reservations required; enquire for prices).
Closed Sundays, holidays, and some Mondays.
Tel: (+81) 059-386-8675
http://www006.upp.so-net.ne.jp/meihodo/ (Japanese only)

Suzuka High School
Suzuka High School's calligraphy club gives shodo performances at various events.
Tel: (+81) 059-378-0307
http://www.suzuka-h.ed.jp/ (Japanese only)

Traveler: John Gathright (columnist)
Access Map

Access:
To reach Suzuka from Tokyo, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Nagoya (about 90 minutes). Then transfer to a local train (about 40 minutes).

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part 1 of 1: http://www.mediafire.com/?tpungngeuu57gry