Questions About Shodo, Japanese Calligraphy: Why Do People in Japan Like the Smell of Sumi Ink?
If you ask people in Japan about the smell of calligraphy sumi ink, they’ll often smile and say, “It reminds me of school.” “It makes me feel calm.”
But why?
There is something deeply comforting about the scent of freshly ground ink.
What Gives Sumi Its Fragrance?
Traditional sumi (ink stick) is made from three ingredients: soot, animal glue, and natural fragrance.
The fragrance often comes from precious aromatic materials such as borneol (ryuno in Japanese) and sandalwood. These natural ingredients have been used for centuries, not only to preserve the ink but also to make the experience of writing more enjoyable.
A Familiar Japanese Scent
This summer, my son and I had the chance to smell pure borneol for the first time. We carefully opened a small container of fine white powder and took a cautious sniff.
“Hmm… I’ve smelled this somewhere before.”
Then it suddenly came to me. It smells just like Ryukakusan!
If you’ve spent time in Japan, you may know Ryukakusan, a famous over-the-counter throat medicine sold in almost every drugstore. Its powdered medicine has quite a distinctive flavor, but its throat candy—available at most convenience stores—has the same refreshing aroma and is much easier to enjoy.
Despite its Japanese name (ryuno, which literally includes the character for “dragon”), borneol has nothing to do with dragons. It is a natural aromatic compound obtained from camphor trees and has long been valued in both traditional medicine and the making of Japanese ink.
The Quiet Moment Before Writing
Before we begin writing during our Shodo Experience, we spend a few quiet moments grinding the ink by hand.
Although it only takes a short time, it is one of my favorite parts of the experience. As the ink slowly becomes darker, its gentle fragrance begins to rise.
Take a deep breath.
Relax your shoulders.
Enjoy this peaceful moment before your brush touches the paper.
Experience Japanese Calligraphy in Tokyo
If you’re looking for an authentic cultural experience in Tokyo, I’d love to welcome you to our traditional Japanese home in Ikenoue, just minutes from Shibuya.
At Oh! Mama, you’ll experience not only the beauty of Japanese calligraphy, but also the quiet ritual of preparing your own ink—and the calming fragrance of freshly ground sumi that has been enjoyed for centuries.
Whether the fragrance feels familiar or completely new, grinding your own ink invites you to slow down.
The sound of the ink stick against the stone, the gradual darkening of the water, and the gentle aroma all become part of a quiet moment before writing.
For many people grown up in Japan, it is a nostalgic scent.
For many of our international guests, it becomes the beginning of a new memory.
