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. He is a member of Nitten, Japan’s most prestigious national fine-arts exhibition, and a standing director of the Yomiuri Shohokai, one of Japan’s foremost calligraphy associations.
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)
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.
Contact
For commissions, training and events, or to book a calligraphy experience —
we would be glad to hear from you.
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