Hisseki-jutsu Calligraphy Workshop

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Experience Japan’s only “Hisseki-jutsu” calligraphy in Shonan at “KANJI TOKYO,” a workshop popular with visitors to Japan

Learn “Hisseki-jutsu” from Japan’s Last Master – A Journey Beyond Writing

✨ We will convert your English name into beautiful kanji and give you a Japanese name. Then, with the help of calligraphy, the name will become a unique piece of art.

👉 This is a calligraphy art workshop called “KANJI TOKYO” by MADARA, the only and last Hisseki-jutsu calligrapher in Japan.

What is KANJI TOKYO?

👉 KANJI TOKYO is a unique brand that combines traditional Japanese calligraphy, ink painting, and the art of brush writing. We transform your name into beautiful Japanese kanji characters and hand-print them onto original t-shirts and merchandise, creating works of art.

KANJI TOKYO brings to life the timeless beauty of traditional Japan, delivering custom designs that infuse the meaning and positive energy of kanji characters.

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What is MADARA?

KANJI TOKYO – About the calligraphy artist “MADARA”

👉 Madara began learning the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy at the age of five, under the guidance of a master from the All Japan Calligraphy Federation. From an early age, his talent was evident. Throughout his childhood, every time he submitted his calligraphy or paintings to exhibitions, he was awarded prizes and received high recognition. His teachers, seeing his extraordinary ability, gave him special time apart from other students to create works for both local and regional art exhibitions. This was the unique and creative childhood he lived.

Years later, in 2000, at the age of 28, Madara encountered Hisseki-gaku, the study of handwriting that analyzes personality, compatibility, and lifestyle traits through the way one writes. Within this field, he was deeply drawn to Hisseki-jutsu—a technique that uses intentional handwriting changes to guide one’s future toward better fortune. Madara devoted himself to mastering this practice, weaving it into his calligraphy and opening the path to new forms of artistic and personal expression.

Today, through his calligraphy and Hisseki-jutsu experiences, Madara invites visitors to not only witness Japanese tradition but also to touch a deeper sense of well-being and transformation through writing.

Hisseki-jutsu Calligraphy and the Establishment of Its Unique Art Style

👉 Madara developed his own distinctive style of calligraphy by applying the principles of Hisseki-jutsu. He believed that writing one’s own name—a word written countless times throughout a lifetime—with heartfelt wishes and intention could guide one’s fortune in the desired direction.

This idea inspired him to begin inscribing children’s names, using his Hisseki-jutsu calligraphy, onto issho-mochi—traditional rice cakes used to celebrate a child’s first birthday. At that time, his family operated a Japanese confectionery shop, and these personalized issho-mochi soon became cherished gifts for families celebrating this milestone.

Madara’s personalized calligraphy for naming and issho-mochi inscriptions gained a reputation for “enhancing a child’s future fortune.” At its peak, his work received as many as 400 orders in a single day. Over the span of 20 years, he created inscriptions for nearly 800,000 children—an achievement nothing short of extraordinary.

Hisseki-jutsu calligraphy is not merely a writing style; it is a special method designed to elevate aspects of life such as health, wealth, success, and talent. Madara is the only one capable of seamlessly fusing this unique art with traditional Japanese calligraphy, making his technique exceptionally rare and invaluable.

Why “Hisseki-jutsu” is more than just calligraphy

✨Hisseki-jutsu is far more than the art of writing beautiful characters.
At its core, it is a unique practice that focuses on writing characters that invite good fortune.
Every stroke carries intention—each line is drawn to guide the future toward positivity and success.

During this experience, MADARA, the creator of Hisseki-jutsu, personally writes your name—or the name of someone dear to you—with deep care and meaning.
The result is a one-of-a-kind “Fortune Calligraphy,” imbued with the power to support and encourage your journey ahead.

Although rooted in Japanese tradition, this is not only a cultural encounter, but also an art experience that resonates universally, beyond borders and languages.
Through the simple yet profound act of writing, you will discover an inspiring blend of self-expression, prayer, artistry, and healing—
a true wellness art experience that connects Japan with the world.

Learn more

People who thrive in the spotlight—who feel energized when celebrated or noticed—often share a fascinating handwriting trait: unusually long strokes that sweep to the left.

This distinctive style is commonly seen in charismatic entrepreneurs, stars in the entertainment world like singers and actors, and anyone with a strong sense of beauty. In handwriting, the leftward stroke is normally kept moderate, allowing a smooth transition to the next stroke. But when these strokes extend freely, it signals a wellspring of inner energy waiting to shine.

Those who write this way naturally draw attention—their handwriting reflects the brilliance of the energy within. In other words, this stroke is more than a quirk; it’s a signature of charm, allure, and the kind of luck that improves your brilliant charm and brings recognition into life.

A fascinating handwriting trait often seen in highly intelligent and talented individuals is the long, leftward extension of horizontal strokes. This characteristic is believed to symbolize an outpouring of talent and energy, reflecting a sharp mind and vibrant intellect.

One of the most famous historical figures known for this distinctive style is Prince Shōtoku, who used this writing technique in his works. His original handwritten manuscript of the “Hokke Gisho” (a Buddhist scripture), designated as a national treasure of Japan, displays this unique stroke pattern.

The leftward protrusion of horizontal strokes is thought to represent creative brilliance, and the longer the extension, the more energy and intellect it symbolizes. By incorporating this writing style, you can enhance your talent luck, and by writing with intention and focus, you can further cultivate your abilities and unlock your true potential.

A unique handwriting style, where the strokes of the kanji jump powerfully to the upper right or left, is often seen in people who have overcome serious illness. This style is believed to enhance health luck and represents a person’s resilience and determination.

The key to this handwriting is the unwavering strength and focus in the final stroke—an indication of a tenacious, persistent nature. Those with this style are often described as “overcoming challenges,” as they refuse to give up, no matter the obstacles.

In handwriting, it is said that energy flows from top to bottom, and by embracing this flow, you can amplify your health luck and boost your vitality. The power to persist and stay strong, even in difficult times, is reflected in this distinctive, energizing writing style.

Some kanji characters have square spaces within them. The writing technique of leaving the first connection open and then securely closing it with the final horizontal stroke is believed to enhance financial luck. This idea stems from the belief that, just as our actions have a beginning and an end, kanji characters also follow an order of “start stroke,” “middle stroke,” and “finish stroke.” This sequence is thought to align with the flow of our daily actions.

The “start stroke” symbolizes the entrance of wealth, acting as a place where money and information flow in. Meanwhile, the “finish stroke” represents the exit of money. By making sure the final stroke is firmly closed, it helps prevent money from flowing out, thus helping to save and accumulate wealth.

This technique is especially effective when writing kanji with square spaces, such as “eye” (目), “east” (東), and “town” (町). By applying this handwriting method, you can improve your financial luck!

The writing style where the vertical stroke of a kanji is extended downward is considered the handwriting of an “ambitious” person. This style suggests a fate of achieving great success by surpassing existing limits. However, because the desire to succeed is so strong, it is said that such a person may also face life-threatening challenges, which is why this writing style is not commonly used.

Notable figures in Japan with this handwriting include Hibari Misora, Yujiro Ishihara, and historical figures such as Tokugawa Ieyasu. The characteristic of extending the final stroke downward symbolizes an extraordinary personality and strong mental energy, which are reflected in the handwriting.

People with this handwriting style are often willing to go to great lengths—sometimes risking their own wealth or even their lives—to achieve their goals. They tend to accomplish extraordinary things in daily life or place themselves in exceptional circumstances. Therefore, such individuals are often open-minded and tolerant of actions that may seem unconventional to others.

This unique handwriting suggests an exceptional talent and a high likelihood of achieving great success in society. However, it is said that such success comes with a price.

Handwriting Techniques for Luck and Success

Handwriting techniques, or Hisseki-jutsu, involve organizing and analyzing past data and information to derive beneficial insights based on probability theory. These techniques use handwriting as a tool to guide people towards good fortune. Madara, a calligraphy artist, has been practicing Hisseki-jutsu since 1998 and is known as Japan’s first “Hisseki-jutsu calligrapher.”

In the past, a mother requested a special handwriting to improve her child’s health after he had been given a terminal diagnosis due to his weak health. Madara wrote the child’s name with deep wishes for his health and the mother’s heartfelt emotions. Several years later, the child not only survived but was able to celebrate a birthday beyond the predicted lifespan. The mother, in tears, expressed her gratitude over the phone. This event led to a wider recognition of Madara’s handwriting technique for naming and health.

Hisseki-jutsu carries the wishes of people, from the grand scale of Japanese history to the deeply personal desires of a mother. It is not merely a form of writing, but a method to fulfill the dreams and hopes of individuals

Workshop Details

✨ Calligraphy & Hisseki-jutsu Art Workshop
This is more than a simple calligraphy class.
In this workshop, you will not only explore the history and culture of Japanese calligraphy, but also receive a personalized artwork created by the artist MADARA, the only calligrapher in Japan who practices the the fortune-attracting art of Hisseki-jutsu of Hisseki-jutsu.

More Information

Date and time : Weekdays from 10:00 to 11:30 (Please check the calendar for dates and times.)
*If you are late, the end time will be delayed accordingly.
Event duration : Approximately 90 minutes
Reservations : Click on the desired date in the calendar system at the bottom of this site and proceed to make a reservation.
Location : Hiratsuka MN Building 11th floor, 3-1 Takaramachi, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Crafort Co., Ltd., Madara Atelier
*Regarding the venue, if there are more applications than the number of staff members available, we may use a venue near Hiratsuka Station. In this case, we will notify you by email after you make your reservation.
Access : By car, it is 17 minutes from the Chigasaki Kaigan IC on the Shin-Shonan Bypass. By train, it is a 2-minute walk from the north exit of Hiratsuka Station. (There is a direct underground passage from the station to the MN Building, so you don’t need an umbrella even on rainy days.)
Map to the venue, Madara Atelier
Price : 15,000yen（Approx. USD ~$96）
Main language : Japanese
Basic supported language : English
Supported languages: Multilingual support via Pocketalk (electronic voice translator)
You can also purchase additional souvenirs.
After experiencing and checking out the products on-site, you can upgrade your purchase with options or add additional products to your order. You can also use them as souvenirs for friends and partners.

Today’s Schedule

Part 1. First half 10:00 AM
After Madara introduces himself, he explains the history of kanji through an original video and then leads a calligraphy lesson. After learning the joy of calligraphy, he explains the art of handwriting through a video.

Part 2. The second half starts around 11:00 AM
MADARA will convert your name into kanji and create a beautiful scroll piece in his calligraphy style.
Madara is also a colorful Japanese ink wash artist, so he’ll combine your kanji name with his original painting to create a one-of-a-kind design for a tote bag, t-shirt, or traditional tenugui towel.

Part 3. Pick up your creations.　The earliest time is 13:00
After the workshop ends around 11:30, Madara will begin making your custom T-shirts, tote bags, and tenugui towels. Depending on the number of participants, making a piece for one or two people will take about an hour. Making a piece for four people will take two hours. While you’re making your creations, feel free to enjoy lunch in Hiratsuka or take part in other activities. Your finished pieces will be handed to you when you leave.

What’s Included

Shipping costs for home delivery of the finished product
History of Kanji and Calligraphy Experience
Your personalized Japanese name (Kanji)
A scroll with your name written in calligraphy
Choose one of the following souvenirs to take home: a T-shirt, a tote bag, or a hand towel (Japanese tenugui)”.
You can take a break from the activity while enjoying a bowl of matcha. For those who don’t like matcha, we also have a sweet matcha latte available.
Young children who cannot participate in the activities are welcome to watch. We also have a calligraphy set with a brush and water available, so they can have fun playing.

Does not include

Shipping fees for sending artwork overseas (check current rates and pay locally)
Transportation costs to the destination, including parking fees if traveling by car, rental car or taxi fees, etc.

What Guests Say

Customer Feedback

MADARA

Only those with permission to post are listed.

SOUVIK

I have always been very interested in calligraphy and wanted to learn how to use a brush properly.
When I discovered Master Madara’s calligraphy, I was deeply drawn to it and decided to join the workshop.
Kanji characters are complex and challenging, but their structure and patterns were very enjoyable to learn.
I would like to purchase a calligraphy set and continue practicing even after returning home.
I was also deeply moved by the hanging scroll artworks—they are truly wonderful.

MADARA

Mr. Souvik was extremely dedicated and spent additional time practicing beyond the scheduled program.
Seeing how seriously he engaged with the work reminded me once again how important this kind of commitment truly is.
To truly ‘love’ something is essential, and the heart that can hold such passion is, I believe, a strong heart.
Even after you return home, please continue practicing and send me photos of your work.
I will be happy to review them and reply with feedback.

Yuki

My daughter was delighted when she wore the T-shirt to school and everyone said, “It’s so cool!” My son also showed it to a friend who came to visit and said, “I want one too!” so I introduced him to the workshop.

MADARA

Thank you so much for this opportunity! Yuki’s children, her husband, and Daniel were all serious about calligraphy, and seeing the serious and happy faces of those trying it for the first time, I was convinced that this project was the right one! It made people feel joy! It really boosted my confidence and was a great help. Thank you very much.

Albrecht

Our family absolutely loved the T-shirts for the children—they were all so stylish and wonderful! The dragon design, in particular, was exceptional. After returning from school, my child was proudly asked by friends, “Where did you get that?” and happily explained. The goldfish and cherry blossom designs were also beautiful. We are truly delighted with these wonderful creations. Thank you so much for making them.

MADARA

Thank you for using our service. It was very impressive to see the children so intently practicing calligraphy. I am also very happy that they were able to create ink paintings that they enjoyed.

Vanessa

The design on the back turned out absolutely amazing! Going with MADARA’s suggestion was totally the right choice!
I’m beyond thrilled to have this one-of-a-kind item—it’s seriously awesome!

MADARA

Even if the front is simple, the back has a subtle presence when you turn around or walk, and I thought this cherry blossom design would suit Vanessa. I’m glad that she liked it too.

Rani

Dear Madara-sensei,
Editing the video from the event was such a delightful experience, and I can’t wait to share it on Instagram soon. I’m deeply grateful for your warm words and heartfelt prayers. Wishing you endless happiness and continued success in everything you do. 💛

MADARA

Calligraphy is for right-handed people. Rani is left-handed, but she switched to holding the pen with her right hand when writing. Despite this, her calligraphy skills were so good that it was hard to believe it was her first time writing calligraphy. Thank you for taking the time to enjoy the lesson so seriously. We look forward to seeing you again!

Noemi

I’m thrilled that they made these T-shirts and tote bags, which is exactly what I wanted! I thought Madara’s calligraphy was cool. I’d love to introduce them in France!

MADARA

She loved Japan so much that she chose a name written in kanji of his own choosing, and you could feel that passion just by talking to him! Please take good care of your Japanese name. It’s a very beautiful name.

Arex

My roots are Chinese and I have a name written in kanji. So I asked Madara to write it for me. He also explained the meaning of the kanji. It was a very moving experience. Hiratsuka is a hidden gem with no tourists.

MADARA

At first, I thought that people with names written in Chinese characters wouldn’t be interested in writing their names in calligraphy. However, by writing their names in my Hisseki-jutsu calligraphy, they were moved by the way their names became artwork. I felt joy that my handwriting moved people. I was very happy to learn that writing auspicious characters can bring such joy to people. Thank you very much.

Audo

I am thrilled that I was able to get a name with such beautiful kanji. Madara-san was very kind in teaching me calligraphy. It was a quiet and very fulfilling time.

MADARA

You didn’t just come to experience calligraphy; you studied seriously, asked detailed questions, and practiced again and again until you were able to write well.
Her honesty and sincerity, combined with the name I gave her, felt so beautiful and elevated.

Antonio

When I asked the AI who could write a calligraphy souvenir for me, it recommended MADARA. I was so moved by the beauty of the calligraphy on their website that I decided to visit their atelier to have MADARA write it for me. Thanks to the helpful link, I was able to find the studio without getting lost. Madara’s calligraphy is wonderful, expressing love and hope. His Japanese paintings are also lovely. I believe he is someone who atelier be known by more people.

MADARA

He is a person filled with love for Japan, and just talking to him made me happy.
He said he has bought a house in Japan and would like to display my work there. Thank you so much. I will continue to create more works. Thank you very much.

Besides calligraphy activities, what else is there to do in Shonan Hiratsuka?

✨Hiratsuka: Your Hidden Gem of Calm, Culture, and Wellness

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Walking along the coastline while looking at Mt. Fuji

👉Tired of crowded tourist spots? Discover Hiratsuka—a charming hidden gem just 1 hour from Tokyo, and only 20 minutes by train from Odawara and Hakone. Here, you can bask in the natural beauty of the Shōnan coast, enjoy sweeping views of Mt. Fuji, and soak up centuries of heritage in this historic post town along the Tōkaidō.

✨Hiratsuka offers a variety of highlights—from the wide sandy shores of Shonan Bellmare Beach Park and the seasonal blooms of Kana Garden, to the Hiratsuka Museum of Art and historic spots like the old Tokaido Honjin site. In summer, the city comes alive with the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival (Star Festival,Tanabata Matsuri), famous for its spectacular bamboo decorations that attract visitors from all over Japan.

While in Hiratsuka, don’t miss KANJI TOKYO’s “Hisseki-jutsu Calligraphy workshop.” Guided by traditional techniques, you’ll experience the soothing rhythm of the brush and the fragrance of ink, finding calm and focus in a truly wellness-inspired cultural experience. A perfect way to refresh both body and mind alongside your sightseeing.

FAQ

Will I be able to get help in English during the event?: All of our staff are Japanese, and none of them can speak English fluently.
However, we do our best to communicate in simple English.
We sometimes use Google Translate or an electronic translator (PokeTalk), but we look forward to meeting you all.
We hope you enjoy interacting with us!
Is it okay to wear whatever clothes I like?: Dress code is free. To prevent getting dirty, work clothes will be provided at the venue, and we will lend them to those who wish.
How do I make a reservation?: Click on the date and time you would like to participate in the workshop on this calendar and proceed to apply. If your desired date is marked with an 〇, you can proceed with the reservation, but if it is marked with an ×, it means that the workshop is fully booked. If you still want to participate even if your desired date is fully booked, please contact us using this form. We will try to accommodate you as much as possible.
Do I need to book in advance, or can I join on the day?: Advance reservations are very helpful as they allow us to prepare in advance. Same-day reservations are also possible. If a reservation is made at the last minute, we may be slow to respond, but we will do our best to accommodate your request.
What is the cancellation policy?: You’ll receive a full refund if you cancel up to 1 day in advance. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start of a tour or activity.

If you cancel within 24 hours of the tour or activity’s start time, you will not be refunded any payments you’ve already made.

If you need to make changes to your tour or activity within 24 hours of the start time, please contact us using this form.

The latest booking acceptance time is 1 hour before the tour or activity begins.

This tour/activity requires a minimum number of participants. If the minimum number of participants is not met and the tour/activity is canceled, you’ll be offered a different date/tour/activity or a full refund.
Is it possible to visit MADARA Atelier directly and purchase artworks instead of participating in activities?: Yes, we can. We create the items after receiving your order, so depending on the item, it will take about 1-2 hours for it to be completed and handed over to you.
Is the workshop suitable for children?: Yes, it is possible. As a guideline, children aged 5 and over should be able to hold a brush and practice, but if they are not able to do so, they can wait while playing “Water Calligraphy” at the venue. For younger children, you can leave their stroller at the back of the venue and have them wait.
Can you write the kanji I request?: Yes, we can write any words you like, not just names, on T-shirts, tote bags, etc.

Inquiry

Project name: KANJI TOKYO
Operated by: Crafort Co., Ltd.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Contact us here
Other contact information: info@kanji.tokyo
TEL： +81 50-1791-7244（weekdays 10:00～17:00）
Venue address: Hiratsuka MN Building 11F,
3-1 Takaracho, Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa-ken 254-0034, Japan

price:¥15,000
Check reservation status