The Tokyo National Museum's Heiseikan's latest exhibition explores the history of calligraphy in Japan. First imported with the Chinese writing system, calligraphy developed a distinct Japanese style in the mid-Heian period (796-1185). This exhibition documents the changes in Japanese writing styles by presenting a number of calligraphy masterpieces, including the works of Ono no Tofu, Fujiwara no Sari and Fujiwara no Kozei.
Also on display are collections of calligraphy tools, as well as examples of calligraphy on materials other than paper, such as pottery and kimono; July 13-Sept. 8.
Tokyo National Museum, Heiseikan; 03-5405-8686; 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo; Ueno Station, JR Yamanote Line. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat., Sun., holidays till 6 p.m., Fri. till 8 p.m.). ¥1,500. Closed Mon. (except July 15, Aug. 12), July 16. www.tnm.jp