Instructor
Instructor's Profile
Thank you for visiting my website, my name is Ryoko and I am the instructor for this calligraphy workshop. Seeing calligraphy displayed in homes, shops, temples, museums, or even on restaurant menus is such a common sight for Japanese people that they do not often think of it as a cultural experience. However, for foreigners, calligraphy can be a new and interesting aspect of Japanese art.
Currently in Japan, calligraphy serves as an artistic expression, a religious experience, or even a tool for a job application. It is practiced by a wide range of people in Japan, from school children to artists to monks. The diversity of calligraphy is a central part of the nature of this craft that has very traditional roots, but is still practiced today in sometime surprising ways.
Since becoming involved with teaching English, I have studied and participated in many different types of cultural exchanges. During my time abroad, I found that teaching calligraphy was a fun way of allowing people to experience Japanese culture in a hands-on manner. I hope that by participating in this calligraphy workshop people will get a chance to deepen their understanding of Japan and also gain a new appreciation of the calligraphy that can be seen through out the country.
Background：
-Obtained a Master level calligraphy certified by the Nihon Shuji Kyoiku Zaidan Foundation (the largest calligraphy organization in Japan)
-Been practicing calligraphy for more than 25 years
-Fluent in English
-Graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with a MA in Teaching English as a Second Language（2011
