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. Our hope is that those of you who see this will develop an appreciation and respect for Haiku, familiarize yourselves with it, and, ultimately while enjoying the art form as its practitioners. Learning every word of this glossary will not guarantee to make you an excellent writer. Trying to memorize it could lead to brain-strain and an inability to speak intelligent English.