Garyukai · Est. 1940
And in every dot, the heart. For over eighty years, we have explored individuality through the written character.
The Art of Japanese CalligraphyAbout — Garyukai
Founded in 1940 to advance the study and teaching of calligraphy, Garyukai publishes the monthly journal Garyu — now past its 1,850th issue, the longest-running publication of its kind in Japan. Across some 130 chapters nationwide, nearly 2,000 members continue to devote themselves to the art of the written word.
Philosophy — The Garyukai Spirit
In every character, a heart.
In every character, individuality.
Garyukai is a calligraphy society that honors the individuality of each person. Rather than measuring skill as merely good or poor, we cherish self-expression through the written character. Just as every person has a heart, every character carries the spirit of the one who wrote it. We nurture that individuality — and the quiet joy of the brush.
Introduction — The Master
日賀野 琢
President, Garyukai Co., Ltd. · Third-generation head of Garyukai
Born in 1964 in Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Taku Higano was raised amid the scent of ink and took up the brush in early childhood. As the third-generation head of Garyukai, he leads the society while pursuing his own practice as an artist. Beyond his own work, he shares the depth and delight of calligraphy through lectures and demonstrations. His specialty is the ancient scripts — seal and clerical.
Nitten — Japan’s foremost national fine-arts exhibition. Yomiuri Shohokai — one of Japan’s principal calligraphy associations. His specialty is the ancient seal and clerical scripts.
Services
From companies to individuals, and travelers from abroad — we bring calligraphy to you in three tailored forms.
01 — Custom Artwork
For businesses and individuals alike, we create works to your request. We propose the style and scale to suit your setting and budget, and accompany you closely so the result matches your vision.
Price on request (varies by size & specification)
02 — Workshop & Talk
Under the theme of learning through calligraphy, we host corporate training and events. Unexpected collaborations — calligraphy × anything — are most welcome. We tailor the format to your occasion, from a talk alone to a live brush performance.
From ¥150,000 (excl. tax) (travel & lodging separate)
03 — Calligraphy Experience
At our headquarters, we host calligraphy experiences for international guests. Rather than an ordinary lesson, we focus on the meaning within each kanji — an enjoyable introduction to the study of characters. On-location sessions are also available.
¥15,000 / person (varies by group · on-location available)
For Businesses
Garyukai brings the depth of the ancient scripts and a hands-on process to your brand, your space, and your milestones — each work one of a kind.
Brand, product and shop names, rendered by hand into a singular mark.
A single work to define an office, store or hotel entrance.
Commemorative pieces that lend weight to milestone moments.
Certificates, letters of thanks, and presentation pieces.
A name or a wish, held in kanji — a distinctly Japanese gift.
Learning and team-building through the art of the brush.
How commissioning works
A clear four-step process, so first-time clients can commission with confidence.
Tell us your purpose, vision, and budget — via the form, email, or phone.
We clarify your intent through a brief and a dedicated coordinator, then present a pencil draft.
With the style and scale confirmed, Taku Higano brushes the work — grounded in etymological and design intent.
Your finished piece, carefully packed and delivered. Delivery and payment details are arranged individually at consultation.
Works
Price
Fees vary by scope. Please feel free to reach out first.
Varies by size, style, and specification. Quoted after consultation.
Travel and lodging separate. Proposed to suit your scope.
Varies by group size. On-location sessions available.
FAQ
From company logos and shop signage to commemorative pieces and gifts, we create works to your request — proposing the style and scale to suit your setting and budget.
We clarify your intent through a hearing sheet and a dedicated coordinator, then present a pencil draft before the work is brushed, so the result matches your vision.
Yes. Under the theme of learning through calligraphy, we offer talks alone or with a live brush performance, tailored to your occasion. Cross-industry collaborations are welcome.
Yes. At our headquarters we host experiences for international guests, focused on the meaning within each kanji (featured on Viator). On-location sessions are also available.
Custom artwork is ASK (varies by size); workshops and talks from ¥150,000 (excl. tax); the calligraphy experience ¥15,000 per person. Please contact us for details.
Of course. Please feel free to reach out through the contact form or by phone.
Journal
The depth of Japanese calligraphy, in the words of
Taku Higano, third-generation head of Garyukai.
Taku Higano is the third-generation head of Garyukai, a Japanese calligraphy institute now in its ninth decade. A specialist in seal and clerical script, he speaks here of his path — and of what calligraphy truly is.
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A 'good' hand is not the same as a 'skilled' one. It is the interplay of skill and beauty: even an unpolished hand can be beautiful when it lays the self utterly bare.
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Seal and clerical script — the ancient characters — are old in age yet carry something contemporary. The form of a character at its birth is profoundly mysterious, and endlessly compelling.
READ →Contact
For commissions, interiors, corporate workshops and more — a quote or a simple question is always welcome. We’ll review and reply in turn.
Thank you for reaching out.
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