Bridging Cultures Through Calligraphy

This past fall the School of Business hosted a Culture Showcase that brought artistry, history, and cross-cultural connection to campus with Hanzi & Kanji: Characters that Connect China and Japan. The session, led by visiting scholar Tingting Huang from Mukogawa Women’s University, introduced participants to the origins and evolution of Chinese characters and their influence on Japanese writing.

A highlight of the workshop was the hands-on calligraphy activity, where nearly 50 students and faculty gathered during the lunch hour to create personalized Hanzi and Kana bookmarks. Guided by presenters Tingting Huang, Kelven Mo, Hiroshi Matsumoto, and Mina Matsumoto, attendees practiced brush techniques and explored the artistry behind the characters—bringing centuries of tradition into their own creative expressions.

Throughout the session, participants engaged enthusiastically with the cultural demonstrations, sparking conversations about the shared heritage between China and Japan. The atmosphere was lively and collaborative, with many excited to take home their own calligraphy creations as a meaningful reminder of the experience.

The event concluded on a high note, with reflections on how language and art can serve as bridges between cultures. “It was inspiring to see students and faculty immerse themselves in the beauty of writing systems that connect two nations,” said Huang. “The energy in the room showed how cultural exchange can foster both learning and creativity.”