Whitman’s Japanese Club hosted a calligraphy painting event in the commons on Wednesday, celebrating the start of the new year.

Participants practiced writing Japanese characters using example sheets for guidance. The club projected a calligraphy tutorial video in the background, and each table displayed traditional Japanese ink bowls known as mizu-ire.

Japanese calligraphy, known as Shodō, is a traditional art form that uses charcoal ink to create characters through precise brush strokes. The practice includes both Japanese and Chinese characters called Kanji, emphasizing harmony and balance.

A member of the Japanese Club who helped organize the event said that people often use Shodō to write New Year’s cards and resolutions.

“Everyone is able to see different Kanji and kind of copy and draw them,” the member said. “We wanted people to have fun learning about Japanese calligraphy.”

The Japanese Club hosts a new culture event each month. The student organizer said they look forward to continuing sharing Japanese traditions with the student body.

Sophomore Thaïs Urtubey attended the event and said she enjoyed learning about Japanese culture through Shodō.

“Calligraphy is a beautiful way to express yourself,” Urtubey said. “I love how this event opens your perspective to different cultures.”