The keyboard has all but supplanted the handwritten message as the communication mode of choice, but calligrapher Souun Takeda believes the pen — or more precisely, the brush — is a mightier tool for tapping into something more visceral.

Although Takeda recognizes the practical applications of modern-day social networking, he suggests Japanese calligraphy, which can be traced back to the origins of Chinese civilization, offers an insight into beauty, depth and positive energy that transcends language.

The deeper the message, he says, the more important it is to express oneself in writing.