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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is something deeply comforting about the scent of freshly ground ink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Gives Sumi Its Fragrance?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditional sumi (ink stick) is made from three ingredients: soot, animal glue, and natural fragrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fragrance often comes from precious aromatic materials such as borneol (ryuno<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Familiar Japanese Scent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Hmm… I’ve smelled this somewhere before.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then it suddenly came to me. It smells just like Ryukakusan!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’ve spent time in Japan, you may know Ryukakusan<\/em>, a famous over-the-counter throat medicine sold in almost every drugstore. Its powdered medicine has quite a distinctive flavor, but its throat candy\u2014available at most convenience stores\u2014has the same refreshing aroma and is much easier to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite its Japanese name (ryuno<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Quiet Moment Before Writing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we begin writing during our Shodo Experience, we spend a few quiet moments grinding the ink by hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a deep breath. Experience Japanese Calligraphy in Tokyo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Oh! Mama, you’ll experience not only the beauty of Japanese calligraphy, but also the quiet ritual of preparing your own ink\u2014and the calming fragrance of freshly ground sumi<\/em> that has been enjoyed for centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether the fragrance feels familiar or completely new, grinding your own ink invites you to slow down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many people grown up in Japan, it is a nostalgic scent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many of our international guests, it becomes the beginning of a new memory.<\/p>\n\n\n
Relax your shoulders.
Enjoy this peaceful moment before your brush touches the paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n