Japanese Calligraphy: door

This is a series of workshops designed by Azumi Uchitani to explore Japanese culture through the art of calligraphy and language. We will meet bi-weekly, slowly moving from season to season and uncovering new characters, rituals, concepts and beliefs deeply rooted in Japanese lifestyle. Each event we will centre around a new symbol: we will learn its meaning, discuss a poem about it, meditate and experience the power of the concept through calligraphy practice.

Door: 戸

In Japanese culture, the concept of a “door” transcends its functional role as a mere entryway, becoming a symbol of transition, opportunity, and respect. The traditional Japanese sliding doors, known as “fusuma” or “shoji,” carry a sense of elegance and subtlety, embodying the graceful separation between spaces while fostering a harmonious connection between indoors and outdoors. The act of sliding open a door signifies a respectful acknowledgment of boundaries, both physical and metaphysical, and embodies the notion of humility and courtesy when crossing thresholds. Beyond the literal, doors in Japanese culture also hold a metaphorical significance, representing the passage between different states of being, whether it’s entering a serene tea room for contemplation or embarking on a new phase of life’s journey. This multifaceted symbolism of the door underscores the profound Japanese appreciation for transitions, the delicate balance of privacy and community, and the unwavering respect for tradition that remains an integral part of their cultural identity.

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GUIDE – AZUMI UCHITANI
Azumi Uchitani is an Intercultural business consultant, keynote speaker, writer, artist and founder of Japanese SALON art & culture, based in the Netherlands. She is a two-times TEDx speaker, appearing Dutch TV and media and delivering talks to an international audience in Europe and in the US. Azumi is on a mission to build an essential bridge between Japan and Europe, helping global leaders discover Japanese ancient wisdom beyond culture, teaching how to apply its wisdom in everyday life, act with inner peace and create conscious leadership and fulfilling life. Azumi decodes the complexity of Japanese culture, tradition, philosophy, spirituality and unspoken rules into a simple essence of wisdom. She was born into a traditional spiritual Japanese family and raised with the teachings of Shingon Buddhism and Shinto. The spiritual and cultural practices, such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy have always been a part of her life, besides that, her grandmother was a kimono maker. Her insights, a series of talks are available on her YouTube channel ‘5 minutes on Japanese Wisdom’ on YouTube.

http://www.azumiuchitani.com