about
About Ohisama Shodo School
Grow Through Calligraphy
“A lifetime of beautiful handwriting
for yourself and for your children.”
Learn the Spirit of Japan.
Ohisama Shodo School is a calligraphy school that welcomes children, adults, and international students alike, providing personalized instruction tailored to each individual’s goals, interests, and abilities.
Calligraphy is more than simply learning to write beautifully. It is a lifelong practice that nurtures concentration, perseverance, respect, discipline, and the ability to reflect on oneself.
In our children’s classes, we support each child’s growth while helping them discover the joy of writing. In our adult classes, students enjoy calligraphy as a hobby, a way to improve their handwriting, and a means of self-expression.
We also offer lessons for international students and visitors from overseas, sharing the beauty and traditions of Japanese calligraphy with people from around the world.
A lifetime of beautiful handwriting—for yourself and for your children.
Experience meaningful learning and personal growth through the art of Japanese calligraphy.
Experience Japan Through Calligraphy
Discover the Heart, Culture, and Traditions of Japan
In addition to classes for children and adults, Ohisama Shodo School offers online lessons for students across Japan and around the world, as well as calligraphy experiences and on-site workshops for international visitors.
Our online lessons allow students from any country or region to study authentic Japanese calligraphy from the comfort of their own homes.
For travelers and international residents in Japan, our calligraphy experiences and private workshops provide an opportunity to discover the depth and beauty of Japanese traditional culture through hands-on practice.
More than simply writing characters, our lessons offer a unique cultural experience where participants can appreciate Japanese aesthetics, spirituality, and the spirit of hospitality.
Children’s Class
Perfect for children who want to:
- Develop beautiful handwriting that will last a lifetime
- Discover their strengths through competitions and exhibitions
- Improve concentration and patience
- Excel in school handwriting classes
- Gain valuable experiences for the future
- Build confidence in writing
- Develop perseverance and consistency
- Foster creativity while enjoying the learning process
Adult Class
Perfect for adults who want to:
- Improve their handwriting
- Write confidently for letters, ceremonies, and important occasions
- Learn brush and pen calligraphy from the fundamentals
- Enjoy calligraphy as a lifelong hobby
- Improve handwriting for work and business
- Take time to relax and focus the mind
- Experience Japanese culture and the beauty of calligraphy
- Challenge themselves with something new
Our Calligraphy Works
Feature
Features of Ohisama Shodo School
1
A Community-Focused Calligraphy School with Over 11 Years of History
Based in Nishi-ku, Kobe, Ohisama Shodo School has been helping students grow for more than 11 years.
We have earned the trust of local families, who often tell us:
- “My child looks forward to every lesson.”
- “I feel comfortable sending my child here.”
- “The teacher is kind and patient, making it easy to continue.”
Our years of experience allow us to provide a stable, supportive learning environment where every student’s individual growth is valued.
2
Personalized Instruction for Ages 3 to 80+
We welcome students from three-year-old children to adults and senior learners.
Each lesson is individually tailored to the student’s goals and skill level—from children holding a brush for the first time to students working toward advanced calligraphy certifications.
Because everyone learns at their own pace without comparison to others, even complete beginners can enjoy calligraphy with confidence.
3
A Comprehensive Curriculum That Develops Both Skill and Character
At Ohisama Shodo School, we believe that learning beautiful handwriting goes hand in hand with developing strong character.
Students learn both brush and pen calligraphy while also cultivating proper posture, concentration, respect, and discipline.
We actively encourage participation in exhibitions and calligraphy competitions, giving students opportunities to experience success and celebrate their progress.
These achievements help build confidence, strengthen self-esteem, and support each student’s personal growth.
Greeting
Message from the Head Instructor
Building Confidence Through Calligraphy, Creating a Brighter Future
A lifetime of beautiful handwriting—for yourself and for your children.
Based in the Ikawadani area of Kobe and the Akashi region, I have had the privilege of teaching a wide range of students through our calligraphy school, special workshops for international students at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies, calligraphy classes in Sannomiya, and handwriting programs at local kindergartens.
I firmly believe that beautiful handwriting is a lifelong asset.
For children, learning calligraphy from an early age helps develop concentration, builds the foundation for learning, and nurtures confidence and self-esteem.
For adults, elegant handwriting brings confidence to everyday life while also providing moments of calm and mindfulness.
For international students and visitors, calligraphy offers a unique opportunity to experience Japanese traditions, culture, and hospitality through the written word.
Drawing on my own parenting experience, I have been sharing the beauty of Japanese calligraphy and the joy of writing with students of all ages—from children and adults to learners from around the world. I am committed to providing personalized instruction that nurtures each student’s individuality, creativity, and self-confidence.
By recognizing each student’s strengths and helping them develop confidence through calligraphy, I hope to support them as they move toward a bright and fulfilling future.
Master Calligraphy Instructor
Seisen Okuyama
Instructor Profile
Qualifications & Certifications
- Certified Master of Japanese Calligraphy
- Certified Calligraphy Instructor for Japan’s Cultural Activities Visa Program
Teaching Experience
- Founder and Head Instructor of Ohisama Calligraphy School (Kobe West & Akashi Area)
- Handwriting Instructor at Akashi Sakuranbo Children’s Center
- Japanese Calligraphy Instructor at Mutsurei Calligraphy School, Sannomiya Campus
- Providing Japanese Calligraphy Instruction for Participants in the Ministry of Justice’s Cultural Activities Visa Program
- Special Lecturer in Japanese Calligraphy for International Students at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies
Cultural Activities & Community Engagement
- Performing Japanese Calligraphy Demonstrations and Participating in Cultural Events for International Audiences
- Developing Japanese Calligraphy Programs for Children and Junior Students, Drawing on Extensive Parenting Experience