- JP / EN
Alongside her own artistic pursuits, Kumiko Hamilton utilizes her qualifications as a certified instructor of the Sogen Calligraphy Association to encourage many people to become familiar with calligraphy through the following activities.
－ For children －
・Izumi Japanese Calligraphy Art Lesson
－ For adults －
・Japanese Calligraphy Art Workshop
・Saturday Morning Educational Program
Instructor of the Sogen Calligraphy Association
創玄書道会 師範
Kumiko Hamilton ( Hekisen Nakabayashi )
ハミルトン クミコ ( 中林碧泉 )
Contact FormTake a 4-minute walk from Hiyoshi Station (Toyoko Line, Meguro Line, Green Line) and spend a little time learning and expressing yourself with Japanese calligraphy, or "shodo" (書道).
For more than 20 years, an award winning shodo artist has been conducting a slightly eccentric calligraphy art class on the edge of Yokohama, easily accessible from Tokyo. In an intimate setting, Kumiko Hamilton has been giving her eager students—which range from kindergarteners to adults—personalized attention and helping them blossom into true calligraphy artists.
Japanese calligraphy is an art that allows the heart, soul and personality of the artist to shine through. The teacher (sensei / 先生) of Izumi Japanese Calligraphy Art Lessons is unique in that she emphasizes each student's individuality and makes learning and improving interesting, fun and rewarding.
Japanese and English are both spoken here.
Our classroom is an international space where both Japanese and English are spoken.
One per person!
Special Trial Lesson
1,500 yen / 60min.
We are currently offering special trial lessons, and we look forward to your participation.
For the special trial lesson, please come empty-handed.
We accept applications via message at any time.
As a general rule, the special trial lesson is limited to one per person.
We do not accept requests for observation only. Thank you for your understanding.
・Numerous achievements, including students winning awards in the National Student Calligraphy Exhibition.
・You can also challenge yourself with calligraphy grade and rank examinations.
・Those who wish can create your own works of art once a month.
・We also hold student exhibitions on an irregular basis.
“Once a month! Let your creativity explode!”
The art of Japanese calligraphy requires practice to master the skillful manipulation of brush and ink, but from the very beginning, it always rewards the student (seito / 生徒) with a sense of accomplishment. Of course, there are basic techniques to learn and practice in order to develop your skill and confidence, but the sensei of Izumi Japanese Calligraphy Art Lessons uniquely encourages the individual to approach shodo as a mode of artistic self expression from the very start.
“Tools and themes are up to you. Write whatever you like. Just make sure to write something somewhere,” I tell them.
Material fee
500 yen per session
Student M.F.
Before I knew it, I'd been attending for decades!
It all started when I thought, “This looks kind of fun,” and began calligraphy lessons at age six. Before I knew it, I'd been attending for decades! That might be because it was a slightly different environment than a typical calligraphy class. The scene of all students sitting seiza-style, quietly and intently facing their paper, was rare at our calligraphy studio... (laughs) Instead, everyone enjoys writing freely while happily chatting with Ms. Kumiko and other students about school events or worries. Of course, when assignments were due, she let us concentrate and keep writing until we were satisfied with our work ourselves. As a result, I've been able to receive many awards over the years. If you'd like to learn calligraphy in a bright, fun, and relaxed atmosphere with Ms. Kumiko, please come visit! By the way, she's also become a great playmate of mine now!
Student K.S.
Even now as a college student, it remains a precious treasure!
It's such a fun classroom! I attended from second grade through my first year of high school. There were times when I took breaks or reduced my attendance due to entrance exams or club activities, but I was truly grateful they flexibly adjusted the days and times for me. At first, I went because I enjoyed writing characters and advancing through the levels. But gradually, the cozy time spent with the teacher and fellow students became the real joy. Interacting with people of all ages, from elementary school kids to adults, broadened my world and became a precious experience. The encounters and lessons gained through calligraphy remain a treasured part of my life, even now as a university student!
※Prices are current as of October 2025. Please confirm when making inquiries.
※Lesson schedule is negotiable, including weekdays and weekends.
※Note that if you cancel on the same day as a scheduled lesson, you will still have to pay the lesson fee.
※Cancellations made by the day before may be rescheduled.
Bring your own calligraphy tools.
Please prepare the following items as a reference.
・大筆（ ōfude｜Large brush ）
・小筆（ kofude｜Small brush ）
・筆置き ( fudeoki｜Brush rest )
・半紙 ( hanshi｜Japanese paper )
・硯 ( suzuri｜Inkstone )
・文鎮 ( bunchin｜Paperweight )
・下敷き ( shitajiki｜Writing mat )
・墨 ( sumi｜Ink )
・墨汁 ( bokuju｜Ink solution )
・筆巻き ( fudemaki｜Brush roll )
・雑巾またはタオル ( zōkin / tōru｜Rag or towel )
Large brushes, small brushes, and Japanese paper can also be purchased at the classroom.
For inkstones, we recommend stone ones if possible.
Please avoid washable ink that washes off.
Please wear clothes that can get dirty to the classroom.
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Of course, no problem!
We'll teach you everything from how to use your tools to how to hold your brush—all with fun and careful instruction.
Through calligraphy, you can also cultivate concentration and creativity.
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Some children have been coming since they were five years old.
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Participation is generally limited to children only.
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This is an annual calligraphy exhibition hosted by the Sogen Calligraphy Association, open to participants from kindergarten through high school.
Every child who has worked hard and participated has won an award and had their work displayed at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.
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Calligraphy instruction focuses on developing technically beautiful and correct writing while fostering works that feel free and expressive. For artwork creation, I encourage students to freely and joyfully express their unique sensibilities and individuality—to paint what they wish to paint as they wish to paint it—hoping their creativity will burst forth. I provide guidance drawing on my experience as an art director.
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The decision is based on discussions with the student.
Please contact us directly.
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For elementary school students, each 60-minute lesson costs ¥2,200, totaling ¥8,800 for four lessons per month.
Payment is due on the lesson date at the end of the previous month or the beginning of the current month.
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Please send your inquiry to the following e-mail address with your full name, and message.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Tokyu Toyoko Line, Meguro Line, Municipal Subway Green Line "Hiyoshi" station 4 minutes walk
Applications for special trial lessons are accepted via message at any time.
Please be sure to include your name and inquiry details before sending.
We will respond as soon as possible.