This week, the Georgian School in Tbilisi hosted a demonstration and lecture on shodo, the traditional Japanese calligraphy, led by Japanese Ambassador Ishizuka Hideki, as reported by the diplomatic office on Thursday.

The event focused on shūji, a discipline dedicated to the study of Japanese characters, emphasizing the importance of Japanese calligraphy as both an art form and a means of self-expression, according to the Embassy's statement.

Ambassador Ishizuka began the session by introducing the origins of shodo, highlighting its recognition as a National Intangible Cultural Property of Japan since 2021. He explained that shodo is closely connected to Zen culture, underscoring principles such as balance, beauty, and fluid motion, all of which are reflected through traditional brush strokes and techniques. During the demonstration, the Ambassador showcased his skill by writing the Japanese characters for "snake" (乙巳), symbolizing the zodiac sign for the year 2025, according to the Sexagenary cycle. Following the demonstration, ten participating students recreated the characters under the Ambassador's guidance.

In addition to learning these characters, the students had the opportunity to practice writing their names in katakana, one of the components of the Japanese writing system.

Participants, including students and teachers, expressed their appreciation for the event, noting its educational value and the joy of engaging with a significant cultural heritage, as stated by the Embassy.