Japanese Calligraphy Experience Tokyo | Shodocafe7557 Featured on NHK NEWS 7

Featured on NHK NEWS 7 Following UNESCO Recommendation for Japanese Calligraphy

On November 5, 2026, Shodocafe7557’s Japanese Calligraphy Experience Tokyo was featured on NHK NEWS 7.

The report was broadcast following the recommendation for Japanese calligraphy, or Shodo, to be inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

NHK introduced how Japanese calligraphy, a traditional culture that has been passed down through generations, is now also becoming increasingly popular among international visitors to Japan.

Shodocafe7557 was featured as a place in Roppongi, Tokyo where international visitors can experience authentic Japanese calligraphy for themselves.

During the filming, guests from overseas were shown enjoying calligraphy with traditional brushes and ink, choosing meaningful Kanji characters, and creating their own original artwork.

The report also introduced that Shodocafe7557 has been offering calligraphy experiences mainly for international visitors for the past three years, and that more than 150 guests visit during busy months.

We are truly honored that Shodocafe7557 was introduced as part of this important news story at a time when Japanese calligraphy is receiving renewed international attention.

NHK official news report:
https://news.web.nhk/newsweb/na/nd-20261105de70701

Japanese Calligraphy Is Gaining Attention Around the World

Japanese calligraphy is one of Japan’s traditional cultural arts, using brush, ink, and paper to express written characters.

Following the recommendation by UNESCO’s evaluation body for inscription as Intangible Cultural Heritage, interest in Japanese calligraphy is growing not only in Japan but also internationally.

At Shodocafe7557, we welcome visitors from many different countries.

For many of our guests, it is their first time holding a Japanese calligraphy brush and writing Kanji with traditional ink.

Our goal is to introduce calligraphy not as something difficult, but as an enjoyable cultural experience through which visitors can discover the beauty and meaning of Japanese writing.

Japanese Calligraphy Experience Tokyo for Beginners

The calligraphy experience at Shodocafe7557 is designed so that complete beginners can participate with confidence.

Even if you do not speak Japanese or have never used a calligraphy brush before, our staff will guide you through the experience step by step.

Practice Basic Brush Techniques

The experience begins with learning how to hold a Japanese calligraphy brush and practicing basic brush movements.

Guests start with simple horizontal and vertical strokes and gradually become familiar with how the brush moves.

One of the unique aspects of calligraphy is that even when two people write the same character, the final result looks different depending on brush angle, pressure, and movement.

Choose Your Favorite Kanji and Create Your Artwork

After practicing the basics, guests choose a Kanji character that they like.

Popular choices include:

• 愛 – Love
• 夢 – Dream
• 和 – Harmony
• 幸 – Happiness
• 福 – Good Fortune
• 侍 – Samurai
• 龍 – Dragon

After practicing the selected character, guests create their final artwork on a Japanese fan or hanging scroll.

The finished piece becomes a unique souvenir created entirely by the guest and can be taken home as a special memory of Japan.

Personalized Name Stamps and Original Souvenirs

Shodocafe7557 also offers original keepsakes that can be enjoyed together with the calligraphy experience.

One of the most popular items is a personalized Hiragana name stamp.

International guests’ names are represented in Japanese Hiragana, and the personalized stamp can be used to complete their calligraphy artwork.

Depending on the plan or season, we may also offer personalized tote bags, original Kanji name animation videos, and wooden completion tags.

These items allow guests not only to experience Japanese culture, but also to take home a personalized memory of their time in Japan.

Experience Japanese Culture in Roppongi, Tokyo

Shodocafe7557 is located approximately three minutes on foot from Roppongi Station.

It is also easily accessible from popular Tokyo attractions such as Roppongi Hills and The National Art Center, Tokyo, making it convenient to include in a sightseeing itinerary.

Couples, families, children, friends, and solo travelers are all welcome.

Our staff support each guest so that everyone can enjoy the experience at their own pace, regardless of previous calligraphy experience.

Japanese Calligraphy Experiences for Groups, Schools, and Companies

In addition to individual reservations, Shodocafe7557 also welcomes group calligraphy experiences.

We accommodate school groups, educational tours, corporate team-building events, travel agency groups, and private groups.

By actually holding a brush, writing Kanji, and completing their own artwork, participants can experience Japanese culture in a way that cannot be understood simply by observing it.

Programs can also be arranged according to group size, schedule, and specific requests.

For group bookings, personalized souvenirs and original items featuring company or group logos can also be discussed.

Sharing Japanese Calligraphy with Visitors from Around the World

Shodocafe7557 was introduced in the NHK report following the important news that Japanese calligraphy had been recommended for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage inscription.

What we value most is allowing visitors not only to see Japanese calligraphy, but to hold a brush and experience writing it themselves.

The feel of the brush, the scent of the ink, the meaning behind Kanji characters, and the satisfaction of completing an original artwork are all part of the experience.

We hope that visitors to Japan will remember at least one Kanji character that they love.

If their trip to Japan inspires them to become interested in calligraphy or Kanji and continue enjoying Japanese culture after returning home, we would be very happy.

Thank You to NHK

We would like to sincerely thank NHK for visiting Shodocafe7557 and introducing our Japanese calligraphy experience.

We are also very grateful to the guests who participated in the filming and helped share the experience of enjoying Japanese calligraphy.

It was a great honor for Shodocafe7557 to be featured as a place where international visitors can enjoy Japanese calligraphy as part of this important report on the UNESCO recommendation.

We will continue to share the enjoyment of calligraphy, the beauty of Kanji, and the richness of Japanese culture with visitors from around the world.

If you are looking for a Japanese Calligraphy Experience in Tokyo, we look forward to welcoming you to Shodocafe7557 in Roppongi.

Personalized Kanji Name Animation Videos

We also create personalized animation videos featuring guests’ names expressed in meaningful Kanji.

Each video introduced the participant’s Kanji name and its meaning through Japanese-inspired visuals, creating a unique digital souvenir that could easily be saved and shared. The video below is an example of our personalized Kanji name animation.

Shodocafe7557 – Roppongi, Tokyo
Private group and charter bookings are welcome.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join if I have never tried Japanese calligraphy before?

Yes. Our experience is designed for beginners. We guide you from how to hold the brush to basic strokes, so no previous calligraphy experience is necessary.

Can children participate?

Yes. Children are welcome to join. It is also a great Japanese cultural experience for families visiting Tokyo.

Is the calligraphy experience available in English?

Yes. We provide guidance in English for international visitors.

Do you accept group or corporate bookings?

Yes. We welcome school groups, corporate team-building events, travel agency groups, and private groups. Please contact us in advance to discuss group size and your preferred program.