Interview with Kayu
Kayu has shared the joy of writing with local children.
We asked her what inspired her to take up calligraphy and what she hopes to pursue in the future.
When did you start learning calligraphy?
Kayu (honorific omitted)
When I was in elementary school.
I saw my friends taking lessons and thought, “I didn’t know this was a thing,” so I became interested and started taking lessons. The calligraphy class I attended back then had no set time limit, and I would write as many sheets as I needed until I was satisfied.
It suited me to think, “It’s okay if I can write it someday,” even when I made mistakes. I wrote it over and over until I could do it, and receiving awards gradually gave me confidence, too.
Could you tell us how you started your class and how it became what it is today?
Kayu
After attending Kansai Calligraphy Vocational School in Hayashima Town, I first started a class in Bizen City, where my parents lived.
When I moved to Kurashiki after getting married, I planned to stop teaching. Seeing teachers who had been running their classes for a long time made me wonder whether I could keep it up myself.
But through new connections I made in Kurashiki, people encouraged me, saying, “If you do calligraphy, you should open a class.” That helped me feel ready to give it another try.
What do you value most in your class?
Kayu
It’s not just about writing beautifully; it’s about helping students love their own handwriting.
Thanks to meeting my own calligraphy teacher, I was able to continue practicing calligraphy because I loved it. Looking back, that teacher didn’t correct every little thing, but watched over us as we quietly wrote.
I was happy when my work was recognized with comments like, “This is nice,” and I think that’s why I naturally kept going. So I don’t want my class to be a place that makes children lose confidence.
I want children who think, “I’m bad at writing” or “I hate my handwriting” to enjoy writing, too. I’d be happy if I could help spark that change.
How do you put that philosophy into practice in your everyday interactions?
Kayu
I value each person’s pace.
Rather than having students follow exactly what I say, I focus on letting them make their own choices. There isn’t just one right answer in calligraphy, so I want us to think things through together as we go.
Even during basic practice, if a student says, “I want to try writing this kanji,” I do my best to honor that wish.
When they start something because they want to do it themselves, they really seem to enjoy it.
You’ve also started programs for adults.
Kayu
I started a sutra-copying group in 2026.
It was something I’d wanted to try for a while, and I also wanted adults to enjoy writing.
The “Adult Calligraphy Club,” which started in July, is held in the spirit of a school club or social circle. I hope the calligraphy club can offer more than just calligraphy—we could hold book clubs and create time together to take care of ourselves.
The sutra-copying group is a quiet time for reflecting inward.
By contrast, the calligraphy club is an active time for writing while enjoying conversation.
I’d be happy if people could take part in whichever way suits them.
What are your plans for the future?
Kayu
Going forward, I’d like to gradually offer more morning activities for adults. Being active in the morning makes the whole day feel more fulfilling, doesn’t it? I’d be happy if calligraphy could help people create that kind of time.
The sutra-copying group will mark its first anniversary in December. I’m also thinking it might be fun to plan an outing to a temple with everyone who has taken part.
I’d also like to try calligraphy performances. I’ve studied traditional calligraphy, so this is uncharted territory for me, but I enjoy planning new things.
I take on challenges thinking that even if I fail, it’ll be fine as long as it doesn’t turn into a big problem.
I’d be happy if seeing me do that encourages more people to think, “I’ll take a step forward, too.”
From the Writer
During the interview, I was struck by the delight on Kayu’s face as she proudly showed us her students’ work.
Before the interview, I imagined a calligraphy class as a place where writing beautifully was considered the most important thing. But from our conversation, I learned it was a warm, welcoming class that centers on the wish for students to “love their own handwriting” and supports each person individually.
Alongside classes for children, the sutra-copying group and calligraphy club for adults are also growing as places where people can enjoy time for themselves through calligraphy.
Whether you’d like to start calligraphy or pick up a brush again after a long break, why not pay a visit?
Kayu Calligraphy Class Information
| Organization name | Kayu Calligraphy Class |
|---|---|
| Industry | Calligraphy class |
| Representative | Calligraphy instructor: Kayu |
| Year established | 2011 |
| Address | 999-25 Koshinden, Fukuda-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | Please contact us via Instagram or the official LINE account. |
| Website | Kayu Calligraphy Class Instagram |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a search term to find articles on this site
