The World of Japanese Calligraphy Shodō

As part of the box design for the April limited edition 1/48 Kamikaze Tokkōtai IJN Special Attack Units, there is a calligraphy inscription of "Kamikaze Tokkōtai" (Kamikaze Special Attack Unit), created by the Japanese calligraphy teacher living in Prague, Mrs. Mari Kučera. Since unique calligraphy created specifically for a plastic model kit is not a common occurrence, even in Japan, we asked Mrs. Kučera to introduce us to the history and secrets of calligraphy creation. (Editorial note)

The World of Japanese Calligraphy

Shodō

In Japanese calligraphy, shodō, we use Chinese

characters (kanji) and two types of native Japanese

syllabic scripts, kana.

Chinese characters originated in ancient China,

where the reasons and outcomes of divinations

were recorded by carving them onto animal shoulder

blades or turtle shells. Thus, the act of writing

(recording) itself was considered sacred. Each

character carries meaning, and by studying the

origins of individual characters, one can glimpse the

worldview, philosophy, and lifestyle of ancient people.

Later, with the invention of soft brushes made from

animal hair, it became possible to draw curved and

varied-width lines. The calligraphy brush is unique

because it is both soft and resilient. Thanks to this

quality, we can sensitively capture the various

rhythms and movements of our bodies and our inner

selves. Living tools, such as the calligraphy brush

and absorbent paper, allow us to express music,

dance, and the image of our soul, evoking different

emotions and impressions in viewers and affecting

their spirit. In this way, "writing characters" became

an art form. Because of the brush’s flexibility, each

stroke and character contains substance, depth,

movement, and direction. Unlike painting, where an

artist can pause, have tea, and contemplate where

and what color to add, Japanese calligraphy must

be executed "in one breath," requiring high energy

concentration and yet complete relaxation of the

body and senses. Only when we tune into the waves

of energy around us – depending on our state and

the waves we connect to – and let the energy flow

through us without obstruction do substance, depth,

movement, and direction appear in every stroke and

character. These physical aspects follow natural

laws, and harmony reigns in the work, just like in the

universe. When everything is connected by one wave

of energy and functions in unity, the work becomes

alive and beautiful.

The flow of energy is a very important aspect of

Japanese calligraphy. This again is enabled by the

brush’s flexibility. Through an invisible yet palpable

current of energy, we can experience the mental

state or emotions of the creator at the moment the

REPORT

As part of the box design for the April limited edition 1/48 Kamikaze Tokkōtai IJN

Special Attack Units, there is a calligraphy inscription of "Kamikaze Tokkōtai"

(Kamikaze Special Attack Unit), created by the Japanese calligraphy teacher living in

Prague, Mrs. Mari Kučera. Since unique calligraphy created specifically for a plastic

model kit is not a common occurrence, even in Japan, we asked Mrs. Kučera to

introduce us to the history and secrets of calligraphy creation. (Editorial note)

Mari Kučera

Mist

INFO Eduard20

May 2025