Discovering Japanese Calligraphy through Manga: “Tomehane! Suzuri High School Calligraphy Club”
- 清水 芳樹
- 6月7日
- 読了時間: 2分
If you’re fascinated by Japanese culture and eager to explore something beyond the usual samurai or sushi stories, you’ll love the world of Japanese calligraphy. Among the few manga that beautifully showcase this traditional art, “Tomehane! Suzuri High School Calligraphy Club” (とめはねっ！鈴里高校書道部, by Katsutoshi Kawai) stands out as both an introduction to Japanese shodo and an inspiring youth story.
What is “Tomehane!” About?
“Tomehane!” follows the story of Suzuri High School’s calligraphy club, which is on the brink of being disbanded. The protagonists are Yukari Oe, a clumsy but passionate judo girl, and Handa Yuki, a returnee from abroad with exceptional calligraphy skills. Together, they bring new life to the club, learning not only about calligraphy techniques but also about friendship, dedication, and self-expression.
Why Is It Unique?
Authentic Calligraphy Experience:The manga is supervised by the real-life calligrapher Souun Takeda, ensuring that every brush stroke and character in the story is drawn with care and accuracy.
Educational & Entertaining:“Tomehane!” explains the basics of Japanese calligraphy—like “rinsho” (copying masterpieces) and the history of famous scripts such as the “Lantingji Xu”—in a way that’s accessible to both beginners and non-Japanese readers.
Drama & Growth:The series isn’t just about writing beautiful characters. It’s a coming-of-age story, filled with club activities, competitions, personal struggles, and the joy of improving together.
Cultural Windows:Readers gain a unique view of Japanese school life and the often-overlooked world of shodo, where tradition meets modern youth culture.
International Appeal
Even if you have no prior knowledge of calligraphy, “Tomehane!” is a fun and informative introduction to the art. It captures the essence of Japanese culture: the respect for tradition, the pursuit of perfection, and the importance of group harmony.
The manga was so well-received in Japan that it was adapted into a live-action TV drama by NHK in 2010, further boosting its popularity. Many international readers find the club’s creative competitions and the characters’ enthusiasm for mastering their craft both inspiring and heartwarming.
Where to Find It
“Tomehane! Suzuri High School Calligraphy Club” is available in Japanese, and some volumes may have unofficial English translations online.Amazon link (Japanese)
Why Read This Manga?
Want to see Japanese calligraphy in action?
Curious about the cultural and emotional side of Japanese high schools?
Looking for a fresh perspective on teamwork and artistic expression?
“Tomehane!” brings all of this together. It’s the perfect gateway for anyone interested in Japanese shodo, youth drama, or simply discovering new aspects of Japanese culture.
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