Calligraphy is an art form that has been studied for over three thousand years. A knowledge of calligraphy is an important step in the understanding of Japanese culture. Calligraphy is not merely an exercise in good handwriting, but rather the foremost art form of the Orient. It is the combination of the skill and imagination of the person who has studied intensely the combinations available using only lines. In the West, calligraphy was intended to suppress individuality and produce a uniform style.
Styles are highly individualistic, differing from person to person.
However, bear in mind that the characters must be written only once. There is no altering, touching up, or adding to them afterwards. To the trained eye the difference is instantly discernible, but just as with western art or music the difference is difficult to describe. There is a rhythm in the whole work You can think of calligraphy in terms of music. A.D. Buddhism from India had travelled via China and Korea and was making many converts in Japan, including the Emperors.