Japanese kanji characters are combinations of various strokes. While it takes time to learn the method, mastering some basic strokes is the key to writing kanji well.
Horizontal and Vertical Lines
Horizontal and vertical lines are the simplest strokes. They are written with the same basic method, just in different directions. Horizontal lines move left to right, while vertical lines move top to bottom.
Before starting, be sure to use the inkstone to shape your brush into a neat point. Remember, too, to keep your brush upright as you write.
To begin, gently press your brush about halfway down onto the paper and pause—count 1, 2, 3.
For a horizontal line, lift the base of the brush and move your whole arm to the right for the length of the line. For vertical lines, move downward. At the end, press the base of the brush down again and count 1, 2, 3.
Finally, lift the brush from the paper. This completes the stroke.
Right Sweep (Migiharai)
Using the tip of the brush, draw a horizontal line about 1 cm long.
From there, draw a line to the bottom right while gradually pressing down the brush.
Stop when the middle part of the brush is firmly pressed against the paper.
Now draw the brush to the right so it points horizontally .*
*Note that in calligraphy, you never twist your brush. Instead, just change the direction of the stroke.
Lift the brush gently off of the paper to the right. This completes the right sweep.
Left Sweep (Hidariharai)
Similar to a horizontal line, press your brush firmly against the paper to the middle.
Then draw a line diagonally down to the left while gradually lifting the brush.
Finally, lift the brush until only the tip touches the paper, and then lift the brush fully away from the paper. This completes the left sweep.
There are other types of strokes as well. Check out Part 2 to learn more simple strokes for Japanese calligraphy.
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