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.
Skill: 能
The kanji “能” (Noh) carries the meaning of “ability,” “capability,” or “skill.” In the context of theater, the character “能” represents the artistry and skill involved in this traditional Japanese performing art. It reflects the capabilities and talents required by performers to master the highly stylised movements, vocal techniques, and emotional expressions characteristic of Noh theatre.
Beyond its association with Noh theatre, “能” is also used in various compound words related to ability, capacity, or capability in Japanese. For example, it appears in words like “能力” (nouryoku), meaning “ability” or “capability,” and “可能性” (kanousei), meaning “possibility” or “potential.”
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