Diplomatic Correspondent

The Embassy of Japan and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy jointly organised "Shodo Workshop - The Art of Japanese Calligraphy" at the National Art Gallery No.3 of Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka on Saturday (18 May).

Japanese Ambassador IWAMA Kiminori and his wife attended the event.

Director of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Syeda Mahbuba Karim Mini welcomed all the participants.

The calligraphy workshop was conducted by a Japanese calligraphy artist, Satoko Azuma. She gave a lecture on the philosophy of Japanese calligraphy and demonstrated calligraphy with a giant brush.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador IWAMA said, "Shodo literally means 'the way of writing', which is actually the art of writing characters on paper with brush and ink. It is one of the most highly regarded, and profoundly traditional art forms in Japan, having been developed and practised since the 5th century. Shodo requires diverse techniques accompanied by a flow of brush and ink, essentially with an inner spiritual concentration."

"I believe the cultural exchange between Japan and Bangladesh will be a very effective instrument in strengthening our existing bilateral relations. I hope today’s Shodo Workshop will effectively promote the cultural exchange."

Then, special guests tried out calligraphy with a large brush. Japanese and Bangladeshi children, students, dignitaries, and other participants had the opportunity to experience Japanese calligraphy under the guidance of Azuma.

The works will be displayed on the wall of the gallery and the calligraphy exhibition will remain open at the same venue until 25 May.