Discover the beauty of Japanese writing! In this creative workshop, you’ll explore the fascinating Japanese writing system and learn how to write characters using a brush pen. From understanding the basics of Romaji, Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji to crafting your own name in Katakana, this session is a perfect blend of culture and artistry.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This session introduces you to the Japanese writing system and gives you the chance to practise writing characters with correct form and stroke order using a brush pen. You’ll even write your own name in Katakana and create simple Kanji words that express peace and happiness.
What will we cover?
Overview of the Japanese writing system: Romaji, Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji
Writing your name in Katakana
Using a brush pen for elegant strokes
Simple Kanji characters with positive meanings
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Explain the basics of the Japanese writing system
Write Kana and Kanji with correct form and stroke order
Create your name in Katakana
Write simple Kanji words expressing peace and happiness
Use a brush pen confidently
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No previous knowledge required—open to all levels.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Expect an interactive, hands-on approach with activities and demonstrations.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You can use a ballpoint pen, but a brush pen is recommended for the best experience.
Chika has over 27 years of experience as a Japanese teacher, 23 of which she has spent at City Lit. Her work was recognised with a Teacher of the Year award in 2017. She has a teaching diploma and a Degree in Fine Art. Since coming to the UK from Yokuska, Japan, in the late 1980s, Chika travelled extensively as a performance artist, taught Zig and Zag Japanese on the Big Breakfast TV show, and wrote pieces about Japanese life for various publications. Chika encourages her students to experience every aspect of Japanese culture, which she supports by introducing food, onsen, music and etiquette in her classes, as well as running special film night events at City Lit. Chika is constantly researching new methods to introduce students to the joy of learning, encouraging self- discovery and connection through class activities. Chika’s love of art and performance is reflected in her inspirational teaching materials, including original hand drawn certificates for student achievements which are displayed in the City Lit 100 years exhibition. Teaching and learning Japanese is a joy that Chika wants to share with everyone.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/japanese-calligraphy166265Japanese calligraphyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/j/a/japanese-calligraphy-ljw20-1024.jpg4949GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Languages/Courses/Languages/Asian/Courses/Languages/Asian/Japanese/Courses/East Asia season/Courses/vm/Courses under £69/Courses/vm/World culture22851280130213041856135511340812285128013021653<p><strong>Discover the beauty of Japanese writing!</strong><br/>In this creative workshop, you’ll explore the fascinating Japanese writing system and learn how to write characters using a brush pen. From understanding the basics of <strong>Romaji, Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji</strong> to crafting your own name in Katakana, this session is a perfect blend of culture and artistry.</p> <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">This session will offer you an overview of the Japanese writing system and the opportunity to practise writing your own name using a brush pen.</div>74.71176943Japanese calligraphy4949https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/j/a/japanese-calligraphy-ljw20-1024_2.jpgInStockEveningFriKeeley StreetNo longer availableOne-off onlyWeekday2026-01-30T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJan 2026LanguagesLJW234949Japanese calligraphy494949Chikako Nakagawajapanese-calligraphy/ljw23-2526<p><strong>Discover the beauty of Japanese writing!</strong><br/>In this creative workshop, you’ll explore the fascinating Japanese writing system and learn how to write characters using a brush pen. From understanding the basics of <strong>Romaji, Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji</strong> to crafting your own name in Katakana, this session is a perfect blend of culture and artistry.</p>0015-FullStillOpen|2026-01-30 00:00:00<p>This session introduces you to the Japanese writing system and gives you the chance to <strong>practise writing characters with correct form and stroke order</strong> using a brush pen. You’ll even write your own name in Katakana and create simple Kanji words that express peace and happiness.</p><p><strong>Discover the beauty of Japanese writing!</strong><br/>In this creative workshop, you’ll explore the fascinating Japanese writing system and learn how to write characters using a brush pen. From understanding the basics of <strong>Romaji, Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji</strong> to crafting your own name in Katakana, this session is a perfect blend of culture and artistry.</p><ul><li>Overview of the Japanese writing system: <strong>Romaji, Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji</strong></li><li>Writing your name in Katakana</li><li>Using a brush pen for elegant strokes</li><li>Simple Kanji characters with positive meanings</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Explain</strong> the basics of the Japanese writing system</li><li><strong>Write Kana and Kanji</strong> with correct form and stroke order</li><li><strong>Create your name in Katakana</strong></li><li><strong>Write simple Kanji words</strong> expressing peace and happiness</li><li><strong>Use a brush pen</strong> confidently</li></ul><p>No previous knowledge required—open to all levels.</p><p>Expect an <strong>interactive, hands-on approach</strong> with activities and demonstrations.</p><p>You can use a ballpoint pen, but a <strong>brush pen is recommended</strong> for the best experience.</p><p>Suggested option: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Calligraphy-Hosung-Lettering-Beginners-Illustration/dp/B082ZXTBRQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Calligraphy-Hosung-Lettering-Beginners-Illustration</a></p><p>Ask your tutor for advice or explore our <strong>Japanese language courses and cultural workshops</strong>.</p>AsianJapanesevirtual494949LJW23NONEFri30/01/2618:00 - 21:0018:0021:001 session1One-off onlyWeekdayKSKeeley StreetChikako NakagawaBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allNo longer available2026-01-30T00:00:00+00:00EveningJan 2026Languages4949Japanese calligraphyjapanese-calligraphy/ljw23-2526<p><strong>Discover the beauty of Japanese writing!</strong><br/>In this creative workshop, you’ll explore the fascinating Japanese writing system and learn how to write characters using a brush pen. From understanding the basics of <strong>Romaji, Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji</strong> to crafting your own name in Katakana, this session is a perfect blend of culture and artistry.</p>0015-FullStillOpen|2026-01-30 00:00:00<p>This session introduces you to the Japanese writing system and gives you the chance to <strong>practise writing characters with correct form and stroke order</strong> using a brush pen. You’ll even write your own name in Katakana and create simple Kanji words that express peace and happiness.</p><p><strong>Discover the beauty of Japanese writing!</strong><br/>In this creative workshop, you’ll explore the fascinating Japanese writing system and learn how to write characters using a brush pen. From understanding the basics of <strong>Romaji, Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji</strong> to crafting your own name in Katakana, this session is a perfect blend of culture and artistry.</p><ul><li>Overview of the Japanese writing system: <strong>Romaji, Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji</strong></li><li>Writing your name in Katakana</li><li>Using a brush pen for elegant strokes</li><li>Simple Kanji characters with positive meanings</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Explain</strong> the basics of the Japanese writing system</li><li><strong>Write Kana and Kanji</strong> with correct form and stroke order</li><li><strong>Create your name in Katakana</strong></li><li><strong>Write simple Kanji words</strong> expressing peace and happiness</li><li><strong>Use a brush pen</strong> confidently</li></ul><p>No previous knowledge required—open to all levels.</p><p>Expect an <strong>interactive, hands-on approach</strong> with activities and demonstrations.</p><p>You can use a ballpoint pen, but a <strong>brush pen is recommended</strong> for the best experience.</p><p>Suggested option: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Calligraphy-Hosung-Lettering-Beginners-Illustration/dp/B082ZXTBRQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Calligraphy-Hosung-Lettering-Beginners-Illustration</a></p><p>Ask your tutor for advice or explore our <strong>Japanese language courses and cultural workshops</strong>.</p>AsianJapaneseconfigurable
