Last week, I suggested that if you're really serious about mastering kanji, you should add brush calligraphy to your study regimen.

Assuming I've won you over at this point, the next step would be to procure a complete set of implements, including a medium-size 筆 (fude, writing brush), made from animal hair; a 硯 (suzuri, inkstone), 半紙 (hanshi, writing paper); and 墨 (sumi, Indian ink). In traditional calligraphy, water is poured onto the inkstone and ink is produced by rubbing a rectangular stick of solid ink. These days most people find it more convenient to buy liquid ink and pour it onto the inkstone as needed.

In addition to the above, you should have a cloth to place under the paper to keep it from slipping and to absorb any ink that might seep through onto the writing table. You will also need a receptacle for water to wash residual ink from the brushes after use. Expect a full ensemble to set you back at least ¥3,500.