Japanese Shodō Calligraphy School – Shokaisha Foundation

Date and Time

Mon 29 Jun 2026
7.00pm - 8.30pm BST

Location

Online via Zoom

£25 (Eventbrite ticket link)

Age Suitability

18+

About

29th June 2026
U.K. time: 7.00pm – 8.30pm (BST)

Central European Summer Time: 8.00pm – 9.30pm
Pacific Daylight Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm
Eastern Daylight Time: 2.00pm – 3.30pm

We will practice the Japanese shodō 書道 calligraphy styles of the esteemed Shokaisha 書海社 School – you can take part in this online class with either traditional materials or simple materials such as a brush pen and copy paper. Explore shodō materials and discover the coursework of the Shokaisha Foundation, one of Japan’s most prestigious calligraphy organisations with over 100 years of history and over 2000 student members.

Attending is a great way to familiarise yourself with the calligraphy teachings and course system of a large Japanese calligraphy school, at this Pure Wind (清風 Seifū) branch which is Shokaisha’s first English speaking branch, and branch in Europe.

This class is suitable for a wide range of participants, from total beginners with no shodō experience to those with experience, and those who already hold a shodō rank in another organisation but want to improve their skills with Shokaisha.

The Pure Wind school offers English speaking coursework and guidance, as well as membership of Shokaisha for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of membership such as receiving their calligraphy name (in kanji) and calligraphy rank, in depth tuition, monthly magazine, and having exhibition and other opportunities with the prestigious school. For more information about learning with the Shokaisha school please see:
Pure Wind Shodō Calligraphy

With demonstrations and friendly help from calligrapher Blair Thomson (calligraphy name Burei 武禮), who first studied Shodō in Japan in 2002, and with Shokaisha in Tokyo. In 2025 Blair was awarded a Special Selection prize (Tokusen 特選) for calligraphy at the 73rd Shokaisha Exhibition 第73回 書海社展 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Ueno, and in 2026 at the 74th annual Shokaisha Exhibition won a Shūsaku Prize (秀作 Excellent Work) at the same museum. Shokaisha Head of School Shundō Sensei authorised Blair to teach the calligraphy styles of Shokaisha in Europe in 2026.

Even if you don’t have traditional calligraphy materials, you can still take part in this class with simple materials such as a basic brush pen and copy paper (please contact us if you are unsure or would like more details). At the group the teacher will advise you about materials.

Booking is through Eventbrite, after you book we will email you the Zoom link and details for the group. Sorry but tickets are non-refundable. Please note that booking this class does not give membership of Shokaisha, so if you at some point you would like to enrol with full membership benefits, please do so through the Pure Wind Shodō Calligraphy website.

To see past Japanese calligraphy activities, please check our Japanese calligraphy news page.