FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: [Month] [Day], 2025
Contact
Crafort Co., Ltd.
Email: info@kanji.tokyo | Tel: +81-50-1791-7244
Website: https://kanji.tokyo/en/home-en/
Exclusive Japanese Calligraphy Workshop Brings ‘Luck-Enhancing’ Art from Shonan, Japan to the World
Write Your Name, Change Your Destiny
Hiratsuka, Japan — Crafort Co., Ltd., under its brand KANJI TOKYO, is launching a new calligraphy workshop designed for international visitors: “Japanese Calligraphy Workshop by KANJI TOKYO”. Led by renowned calligraphy artist MADARA, Japan’s only Hisseki-jutsu Shodo calligrapher, the program combines traditional brush techniques with Hisseki-jutsu Shodo — a pioneering calligraphy art form he developed to attract good fortune.
A Two-Part Cultural Journey
The program unfolds in two parts.
In the first, MADARA gently guides participants through the basics of Japanese calligraphy, ensuring even complete beginners feel at ease.
In the second — the highlight of the experience — he transforms each guest’s name into auspicious kanji imbued with cultural meaning, then brings it to life using Hisseki-jutsu Shodo. This distinctive art form, unlike the brushwork of traditional calligraphers, uses unconventional wrist and arm movements to create bold, stylish sweeps and flourishes believed to invite good fortune. Guests watch in awe as each stroke forms a one-of-a-kind “Name Art” before their eyes.
Finally, participants choose one of MADARA’s own ink or sumi-e paintings to serve as the backdrop for their kanji name. The finished design is then printed on a custom T-shirt or tote bag — not just a lucky charm to display at home, but a wearable piece of personal good fortune. Participants can also request MADARA to create a personalized piece not only for themselves, but as a unique birthday or Christmas gift for someone special — an unforgettable souvenir of their journey in Japan.
What is “Hisseki-jutsu Shodo”?
Hisseki-jutsu Shodo is a calligraphy art form derived from graphology — the study of handwriting and its connection to personality traits — and adapted uniquely to the world of brush calligraphy. By intentionally adding certain features to brush strokes, practitioners believe they can align their writing with desired life outcomes, from success to happiness. MADARA has practiced this art for over 20 years, creating more than 800,000 personalized name artworks — an achievement unmatched by any other calligrapher.
Why Shonan Hiratsuka?
Located between Tokyo and the iconic destinations of Kamakura and Hakone, Hiratsuka is a hidden gem for travelers seeking authentic Japanese experiences without the crowds. Along with its scenic Shonan coast and historic shrines, the city flourished as a post town during the Edo period and is still home to century-old shops and master artisans who keep traditional crafts alive. It offers a rich cultural atmosphere and a peaceful setting for meaningful experiences. Hiratsuka also appears in Katsushika Hokusai’s famous ukiyo-e Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, yet it remains little known among international travelers as a spot to quietly enjoy stunning views of the mountain.
About the Artist — MADARA
Born in Fukushima, MADARA began studying calligraphy at the age of five, earning the highest rank in the All Japan Calligraphy Federation by age 15. After discovering graphology in 2000, he pioneered its adaptation into Hisseki-jutsu Shodo, blending traditional calligraphy with modern art and the power to invite good fortune. Following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, MADARA relocated to Shonan, where he now welcomes visitors from around the world to share his pioneering calligraphy value.
Limited-Time Offer
- Full Workshop Price: ¥15,000
- Special Opening Campaign: ¥10,000 (through December 2025)
– Duration: approx. 90 minutes
– By reservation only - Reserve at: https://kanji.tokyo/en/home-en/
- Follow on Instagram: @kanjitokyo
About Crafort Co., Ltd.
Founded in 2023 and based in Hiratsuka, Japan, Crafort specializes in inbound tourism experiences and custom-made calligraphy art. Through KANJI TOKYO, the company aims to share the beauty, history, and modern creativity of Japanese calligraphy with visitors from around the globe.
