I chose the name Tsute-fude (伝筆) in Japanese, combining the word tsute (伝), “connection” or “bond” with the word fude (筆) “brush” because this art form employs a special brush pen to create a connection and establish a bond between you and the recipient of your message. Tsute-fude (伝筆) is pronounced “two-tee- foo‐day". I chose the name “Japanese Contemporary Calligraphy” for tsute-fude in English.
Once you learn the JCC (Japanese Contemporary Calligraphy) method, you will be surprised how easy and enjoyable it is for anyone, anytime, anywhere.
Tsutefude uses a brush pen, which is easy to carry around, allowing you to create your art anytime and anywhere.
There is no age limit when it comes to writing with Tsutefude.
As the saying goes, “It’s never too late to learn,” many people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond are delighted to discover it as a lifelong skill—bringing joy to thousands each year.
Now that social media has become the main way we communicate, it is all the more meaningful to use the power of handwritten words to send warm, heartfelt postcards to our loved ones, friends, and customers.
What began as a simple longing — “I wish I could write beautiful brush letters” — gradually evolved into Tsutefude, a method that gathers the essence and tips to make brush lettering something anyone can enjoy.
A few years ago, something happened that touched my heart deeply.
During a workshop, I encouraged participants to express gratitude to their children by saying, “Let’s tell them thank you.”
One mother actually tried it. She said “Thank you” to her son’s friend, A-kun.
A-kun looked puzzled. When she asked why, he replied in surprise, “Adults say thank you too?”
When she asked if that made him happy, he grinned from ear to ear and said, “Yes!”
Another time, I asked a group of children, “Has your mother ever praised you?” Silence filled the room.
Then I asked the mothers, “Do you praise your children?” and they all cheerfully replied, “Yes!”
That moment made me realize something — feelings often remain unspoken, unseen.
There is a kind of frustration in invisible communication, in heartfelt emotions that never take shape.
From my younger days, I had once dreamed of becoming a pharmacist.
That wish to “help people” evolved into wanting to encourage others through words — to bring healing and strength through the simple act of exchanging heartfelt messages.
These experiences intertwined — and what started as a dream to “write brush letters” turned into a journey of collecting techniques, sending handwritten postcards, and witnessing their remarkable impact.
People smiled in surprise and delight.
Connections were rekindled with customers who had once drifted away.
Some even shed tears upon receiving a postcard for the first time.
Each postcard became an extension of myself, bridging hearts and bringing people closer together.
And as those connections multiplied, so did my business — eventually leading to requests from others who wanted to learn how to do it too.
The word “Tsute” (つて) in Tsutefude (伝筆) means connection or relationship.
True to its name, Tsutefude has spread through personal connections — one person sharing it with another, each creating and sending their own heartfelt postcards, passing on their warmth.
Today, it continues to grow not only across Japan, but around the world, as more people share messages filled with their own sincerity and personality.
My wish is for Tsutefude to bring smiles and encouragement to people everywhere — and to share that joy together with friends and fellow creators.
From once feeling insecure about my handwriting, I discovered the deep joy of expressing my heart through brush lettering.
It changed my life — and now, I am filled with gratitude and purpose.
In 2015, I founded the Japan Tsutefude Association, and we have been devoted to nurturing instructors who can carry this art and spirit into the next generation.
Our vision is simple yet powerful:
To have a Tsutefude teacher in every community — someone who can share this art and spread energy, warmth, and inspiration wherever people gather.
We also aim to share the beauty of Japanese calligraphy and language culture around the world — passing heartfelt messages from parents to children, from businesses to customers, and from leaders to their teams.
But we still need more teachers.
With the brush pen, we can create smiles and energy across the world.
We can share Japanese culture and the spirit of our language far and wide.
We are looking for companions who share this vision — those who want to bring light, warmth, and connection through the power of the brush.
It is our hope that every Tsutefude teacher can shine with pride and joy, growing together with the association as we continue to build this movement.
Let’s create exciting projects and move forward together — with just one brush pen.
President, Japan Tsutefude® Association
Aoba Yuuki
Carrying feelings through the brush — toward the joy of heartfelt connection
We transform invisible emotions into visible words through Tsutefude (the art of expressive brush lettering), nurturing a culture where people can sincerely share their feelings with those who matter most.
We are committed to nurturing and developing instructors, with the aim of promoting Tsutefude throughout society.
No one left alone — Let’s fill the world with energy and joy!
In every place where people gather, may there be a Tsutefude teacher — someone who shares the art of Tsutefude, spreading inspiration and heartfelt emotion, until it becomes a form of expression admired around the world.
We aim to create connections that pass from parent to child, from businesses to their customers, and from leaders to their teams — preserving and conveying the feelings that truly matter.
Through the practice of writing, we wish to nurture a culture of reflection and calm, building a society where hearts can find peace and harmony.
And through the brush, we will pass on the beauty of Japanese culture and the spirit of written language to future generations — creating a world where people feel proud of their own cultural heritage.
To achieve the purposes stated in the preceding article, the Association shall engage in the following activities:
1.Conducting Tsutefude Certified Instructor Examinations and granting qualifications.
2.Planning and holding study groups and training programs for the development of Tsutefude Certified Instructors.
3.Planning and organizing various seminars.
4.Planning and conducting research meetings related to Tsutefude.
5.Preparing and distributing materials to support Tsutefude activities.
6.Publishing newsletters and related communications.
7.Engaging in any other activities necessary to accomplish the purposes of the Association.
April 2015
#408
7-15-8 Ginza,Chuo-ku, Tokyo-to Japan 104-0061
| President | Aoba Yuuki |
|---|---|
| director | Hiroya Kozuka |
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