Kumano brush workshop tour, brush making experience, calligraphy experience tour

【Highlights】
■ Visit a Kumano brush workshop that supports Japan's calligraphy culture
■ Experience the delicate handiwork of artisans up close
■ A special experience to complete a brush just for yourself
■ An authentic calligraphy experience in the private space of an artisan
■ A high-quality moment to deeply immerse yourself in Japan's spiritual culture

【Details】
Kumano brushes support Japan's "calligraphy culture." We will make a special visit to Bunkodo, a workshop that has been making Kumano brushes since the Meiji era, in Kumano Town, Hiroshima Prefecture, which produces about 90% of domestic brushes. At the production site, which is not open to the public, you will observe up close the delicate handiwork of artisans who complete each step, from selecting raw hairs to shaping the brush tip, relying on their years of experience and intuition, with the assistance of a professional English-speaking guide. After the tour, you will actually experience the final step of Kumano brush making, the gluing process, and complete a brush just for yourself. Afterwards, you will move to the home of a Kumano brush artisan with your completed brush in hand. In a traditional setting, you will experience calligraphy while receiving a thorough lecture on the history and spirit of Japanese calligraphy, correct posture, brush handling, and writing techniques. This is a high-quality, private experience that allows you to deeply immerse yourself in Japan's world-renowned traditional craft and the spirit of craftsmanship that prioritizes the user.

[Schedule]
13:00 Bunkodo Gallery: Overview of the history and culture of calligraphy and Kumano brushes.
13:25 Workshop visit: Observe the Kumano brush making process and interact with craftsmen at work.
13:50 Experience the final paste-hardening process. A surprise: the craftsman will spontaneously engrave the guest's name onto the brush.
14:10 Calligraphy experience using Kumano brushes in the reception room of the craftsman's house. Lecture on brush handling and calligraphy techniques.
14:40- Gallery visit, etc., dismissal