How to Write Japanese Vertically

Each part of the Japanese character holds clues to its meaning.

You can write Japanese characters in the traditional vertical style to convey a formal tone in a card or greeting. Kanji, Katakana and Hiragana are the three styles of Japanese character symbols. All three of these script forms are written vertically and horizontally depending on the context. When Japanese symbols are written vertically they are read from top to bottom and the page is read from right to left. Follow the Japanese custom of vertical writing to convey a message with a deeper meaning or serious tone.

Things You'll Need

• Japanese calligraphy brush ink pen
• Rice or parchment paper
• Japanese books (optional)
• Ruler

Instructions

1. Start the Japanese calligraphy brush pen, sometimes called a "fudepen," on a scrap of paper until the output is steady. The brush pens are inexpensive and much easier and cleaner to use than the Japanese "fude" or brush and "suzuri" or ink-stone.

2. Write the first Japanese symbol in the upper right corner of the paper. Copy pictures of Japanese symbols from books or online sources (see Resources).

3. Align a ruler with the edge of the first symbol as a guide for those that follow below. Draw the sentence's next Japanese character below the first, continuing until the sentence is complete. Allow the first set of vertical symbols to dry completely before moving on.

4. Move to the left on the page to start the next set of vertical symbols. Adjust the size of each set of characters to give a statement of more or less prominence on the page and, in turn, more or less impact and meaning.

5. Practice the vertical writing technique two or three times until you complete a page you are satisfied with. Wait for the ink to dry before moving the completed page.

Tips & Warnings

• Fold the paper only if it is completely dry and absolutely necessary to fit it into a delivery envelope. Avoid the envelope and hand deliver the handwritten page instead, if possible.

• Another advantage to the Japanese calligraphy brush pens is that they can be capped, stored and reused without washing.

References

• Learn Japanese Language: Learn to Write Japanese
• Japan: National Tourism Organization: Japanese Calligraphy

Resources

• Three Japanese Symbol Varieties