OUR VISION
To build a cultural bridge between Japan and Scotland to make Japanese calligraphy accessible, relevant and meaningful across generations and communities.
OUR VISION
To build a cultural bridge between Japan and Scotland to make Japanese calligraphy accessible, relevant and meaningful across generations and communities.
OUR VISION
To build a cultural bridge between Japan and Scotland to make Japanese calligraphy accessible, relevant and meaningful across generations and communities.
What we Believe
What we Believe
What we Believe
We believe Japanese calligraphy is much more than an art form.
It can be a moment to slow down and concentrate. A way to express yourself. A doorway into another culture. An experience shared between generations. And sometimes, a memory connected to an important moment in someone's life.
We want Wayfarer Shodo to be a place where anyone can discover Japan in unexpected ways from children and students to families, couples, travellers, older people and local communities.
We believe Japanese calligraphy is much more than an art form.
It can be a moment to slow down and concentrate. A way to express yourself. A doorway into another culture. An experience shared between generations. And sometimes, a memory connected to an important moment in someone's life.
We want Wayfarer Shodo to be a place where anyone can discover Japan in unexpected ways from children and students to families, couples, travellers, older people and local communities
We believe Japanese calligraphy is much more than an art form.
It can be a moment to slow down and concentrate. A way to express yourself. A doorway into another culture. An experience shared between generations. And sometimes, a memory connected to an important moment in someone's life.
We want Wayfarer Shodo to be a place where anyone can discover Japan in unexpected ways from children and students to families, couples, travellers, older people and local communities.
OUR STORY
OUR STORY
OUR STORY
Meet The Team
Meet The Team
Meet The Team
In this short feature for That's TV, Mare and Lois share how Wayfarer Shodo began: Mare from Japan, Lois from Hong Kong, meeting in Edinburgh and deciding to bring Japanese calligraphy together with the Scottish city they now call home. Watch Mare at the brush, from a Daruma taking shape to Highland cows painted in ink.
Our founders Mare Ito and Lois Yu sat down with That's TV to talk about Wayfarer Shodo.
More on our YouTube ↗Mare had an idea he wanted to introduce Japanese calligraphy to people in the city.
He invited Lois to try his first workshop for free in exchange for helping him promote it.
But after trying the workshop and hearing his ideas, Lois found herself thinking of ways the business could grow.
What began as “I just want to help a friend” gradually became something much bigger.
From Mare writing calligraphy on the streets of Edinburgh and teaching small workshops, Wayfarer Shodo has grown into collaborations with cafés, restaurants, artists, care homes and community organisations alongside private lessons, cultural events, live performances and commissioned artwork.
Along the way, the idea itself has grown too.
What began as introducing Japanese calligraphy to Edinburgh is becoming a way of bringing together cultures, generations, communities and people through creativity.
And this is only the beginning.
Mare had an idea he wanted to introduce Japanese calligraphy to people in the city.
He invited Lois to try his first workshop for free in exchange for helping him promote it.
But after trying the workshop and hearing his ideas, Lois found herself thinking of ways the business could grow.
What began as “I just want to help a friend” gradually became something much bigger.
From Mare writing calligraphy on the streets of Edinburgh and teaching small workshops, Wayfarer Shodo has grown into collaborations with cafés, restaurants, artists, care homes and community organisations alongside private lessons, cultural events, live performances and commissioned artwork.
Along the way, the idea itself has grown too.
What began as introducing Japanese calligraphy to Edinburgh is becoming a way of bringing together cultures, generations, communities and people through creativity.
And this is only the beginning.
Mare had an idea he wanted to introduce Japanese calligraphy to people in the city.
He invited Lois to try his first workshop for free in exchange for helping him promote it.
But after trying the workshop and hearing his ideas, Lois found herself thinking of ways the business could grow.
What began as “I just want to help a friend” gradually became something much bigger.
From Mare writing calligraphy on the streets of Edinburgh and teaching small workshops, Wayfarer Shodo has grown into collaborations with cafés, restaurants, artists, care homes and community organisations alongside private lessons, cultural events, live performances and commissioned artwork.
Along the way, the idea itself has grown too.
What began as introducing Japanese calligraphy to Edinburgh is becoming a way of bringing together cultures, generations, communities and people through creativity.
And this is only the beginning.
In this short feature for That's TV, Mare and Lois share how Wayfarer Shodo began: Mare from Japan, Lois from Hong Kong, meeting in Edinburgh and deciding to bring Japanese calligraphy together with the Scottish city they now call home. Watch Mare at the brush, from a Daruma taking shape to Highland cows painted in ink.
In this short feature for That's TV, Mare and Lois share how Wayfarer Shodo began: Mare from Japan, Lois from Hong Kong, meeting in Edinburgh and deciding to bring Japanese calligraphy together with the Scottish city they now call home. Watch Mare at the brush, from a Daruma taking shape to Highland cows painted in ink.
In this short feature for That's TV, Mare and Lois share how Wayfarer Shodo began: Mare from Japan, Lois from Hong Kong, meeting in Edinburgh and deciding to bring Japanese calligraphy together with the Scottish city they now call home. Watch Mare at the brush, from a Daruma taking shape to Highland cows painted in ink.
WAYFARER
the journey, discovery and unexpected paths that bring people and cultures together.
WAYFARER
the journey, discovery and unexpected paths that bring people and cultures together.
WAYFARER
the journey, discovery and unexpected paths that bring people and cultures together.
SHODO 書道
the Japanese "way of writing", representing the craft, discipline and tradition of calligraphy.
SHODO 書道
the Japanese "way of writing", representing the craft, discipline and tradition of calligraphy.
SHODO 書道
the Japanese "way of writing", representing the craft, discipline and tradition of calligraphy.
The city where our paths met, where Wayfarer Shodo began, and where this journey continues to grow.
The city where our paths met, where Wayfarer Shodo began, and where this journey continues to grow.
The city where our paths met, where Wayfarer Shodo began, and where this journey continues to grow.
Together, Wayfarer Shodo Edinburgh reflects more than what we do. It represents a journey between cultures, people and places, rooted in Edinburgh, inspired by Japan, and always moving forward.
Together, Wayfarer Shodo Edinburgh reflects more than what we do. It represents a journey between cultures, people and places, rooted in Edinburgh, inspired by Japan, and always moving forward.
Together, Wayfarer Shodo Edinburgh reflects more than what we do. It represents a journey between cultures, people and places, rooted in Edinburgh, inspired by Japan, and always moving forward.
From care homes to youth groups, cafés to community halls, we bring the brush to wherever people already gather. Some come for the culture, some for the quiet, some because a friend dragged them along. What they share is the hour itself a room where everyone is a beginner, and nobody is in a hurry.
From care homes to youth groups, cafés to community halls, we bring the brush to wherever people already gather. Some come for the culture, some for the quiet, some because a friend dragged them along. What they share is the hour itself a room where everyone is a beginner, and nobody is in a hurry.
Cafés, restaurants, hotels, artists, care homes and community organisations have all opened their doors to us, and each one has shaped what Wayfarer Shodo has become.
Cafés, restaurants, hotels, artists, care homes and community organisations have all opened their doors to us, and each one has shaped what Wayfarer Shodo has become.
Cafés, restaurants, hotels, artists, care homes and community organisations have all opened their doors to us, and each one has shaped what Wayfarer Shodo has become.
Every collaboration brings calligraphy to people who might never have found it otherwise, in places where they already feel at home.
Every collaboration brings calligraphy to people who might never have found it otherwise, in places where they already feel at home.
Every collaboration brings calligraphy to people who might never have found it otherwise, in places where they already feel at home.
A few of our
Collaborations
A few of our
Collaborations
OUR COLABORATIONS
“From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was wonderfully calm, welcoming and relaxed; the entire process felt almost meditative. It was a beautiful, immersive cultural experience, fantastic food and great vibes. Highly recommended!
“It was super mindful and therapeutic!!
“Learning from Mare about the Japanese philosophy of being present and appreciating the beauty of ephemeral things. The calligraphy workshop was meditative and very grounding.
“As a first timer, I felt extremely welcomed and left feeling happy with myself.
“Thank you for such an amazing workshop. We all loved it. And thank you for accommodating my mum even though she doesn't speak English; we will cherish the experience.
“Mare was so skilled and very patient! I often get anxious when I'm trying new things if I'm not perfect the first time, but Mare's patience and teaching made me feel more comfortable with just trying my best without having to be perfect.
“Excellent, the workshop was a highly worthwhile experience. I'm definitely going to make the effort to come to more.
“It was very calm and enjoyable. Made me feel welcomed and was easy to follow the steps and learn.
“Thank you for such an enjoyable and inspiring workshop. I left feeling motivated to continue developing my calligraphy skills.
“From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was wonderfully calm, welcoming and relaxed; the entire process felt almost meditative. It was a beautiful, immersive cultural experience, fantastic food and great vibes. Highly recommended!
“It was super mindful and therapeutic!!
“Learning from Mare about the Japanese philosophy of being present and appreciating the beauty of ephemeral things. The calligraphy workshop was meditative and very grounding.
“As a first timer, I felt extremely welcomed and left feeling happy with myself.
“Thank you for such an amazing workshop. We all loved it. And thank you for accommodating my mum even though she doesn't speak English; we will cherish the experience.
“Mare was so skilled and very patient! I often get anxious when I'm trying new things if I'm not perfect the first time, but Mare's patience and teaching made me feel more comfortable with just trying my best without having to be perfect.
“From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was wonderfully calm, welcoming and relaxed; the entire process felt almost meditative. It was a beautiful, immersive cultural experience, fantastic food and great vibes. Highly recommended!
“It was super mindful and therapeutic!!
“Learning from Mare about the Japanese philosophy of being present and appreciating the beauty of ephemeral things. The calligraphy workshop was meditative and very grounding.
“As a first timer, I felt extremely welcomed and left feeling happy with myself.
“Thank you for such an amazing workshop. We all loved it. And thank you for accommodating my mum even though she doesn't speak English; we will cherish the experience.
“Mare was so skilled and very patient! I often get anxious when I'm trying new things if I'm not perfect the first time, but Mare's patience and teaching made me feel more comfortable with just trying my best without having to be perfect.
“Excellent, the workshop was a highly worthwhile experience. I'm definitely going to make the effort to come to more.
“It was very calm and enjoyable. Made me feel welcomed and was easy to follow the steps and learn.
What we Offer
What we Offer
What we Offer
We work with cafés, restaurants, artists and other partners to combine calligraphy with food, art and cultural experiences.
“The delicious maki and matcha were a bonus that enhanced the experience.”
Personalised experiences for couples, families, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations and other special moments.
“Everything was great, thank you so much! We thoroughly enjoyed our private session!”
Interactive Japanese cultural experiences for workplaces, teams and professional events.
“The workshops are a good way to socialise and learn.”
Large-scale Japanese brush performances for festivals, hotels, restaurants and cultural events.
Original Japanese calligraphy and sumi-e artwork created around a person, story, place or meaning.
Calligraphy artwork and rental options for restaurants, cafés, hotels and professional spaces.
We work with cafés, restaurants, artists and other partners to combine calligraphy with food, art and cultural experiences.
“The delicious maki and matcha were a bonus that enhanced the experience.”
Personalised experiences for couples, families, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations and other special moments.
“Everything was great, thank you so much! We thoroughly enjoyed our private session!”
Interactive Japanese cultural experiences for workplaces, teams and professional events.
“The workshops are a good way to socialise and learn.”
Large-scale Japanese brush performances for festivals, hotels, restaurants and cultural events.
Original Japanese calligraphy and sumi-e artwork created around a person, story, place or meaning.
Calligraphy artwork and rental options for restaurants, cafés, hotels and professional spaces.
Artworks
ART
Artworks
Our aim isn’t to run the biggest calligraphy school in the city. It’s to become something closer to a bridge a way for people in Edinburgh to experience Japan, and a way for Japanese culture to find new audiences here.
Our aim isn’t to run the biggest calligraphy school in the city. It’s to become something closer to a bridge a way for people in Edinburgh to experience Japan, and a way for Japanese culture to find new audiences here.
Our aim isn’t to run the biggest calligraphy school in the city. It’s to become something closer to a bridge a way for people in Edinburgh to experience Japan, and a way for Japanese culture to find new audiences here.
Our aim isn’t to run the biggest calligraphy school in the city. It’s to become something closer to a bridge a way for people in Edinburgh to experience Japan, and a way for Japanese culture to find new audiences here.
CULTURE
Whether you are booking a workshop, enquiring about a piece, or planning something with us, we would love to hear from you.
Whether you are booking a workshop, enquiring about a piece, or planning something with us, we would love to hear from you.
Whether you are booking a workshop, enquiring about a piece, or planning something with us, we would love to hear from you.
