Shodo Daisuki Episode 17

November 28, 2025

<h1 class="page_title title_size_m" id="page_title">I Love Shodo Episode 17<br>No More Confusion! Calligraphy Paper Sizes!【Shodo】</h1>
<span class="page_title_romaji">Shodo Daisuki – Episode 017</span>

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A wide variety of calligraphy paper sizes!<br>
Among them, Shimauchi gives a thorough explanation of the especially confusing sizes!!
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<h3 class="subhead_s text-start">I Love Shodo Episode 17 – Video Overview</h3>

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In this video, the calligraphy instructor explains in detail the paper sizes and terminology used in shodo.<br>
There are many types and names of calligraphy paper, and the video clarifies their differences and how to choose appropriately. Emphasis is placed on sizes often used in public exhibitions and the confusion caused by different interpretations of those sizes.<br><br>

Mr. Shimauchi first stresses that because there are many different paper sizes, it's important to select paper according to purpose and use.<br>
Starting from the basic "Zenshi" (full sheet, approx. 69cm × 136cm) as a reference, he explains common sizes such as "Hansetsu" (full sheet cut vertically in half) and "Yatsugiri" (cut further vertically and horizontally into quarters).<br><br>

He also provides a detailed explanation of confusing sizes like "Ni‑hachi", "Ren‑ochi", and "Ni‑roku", warning that even with the same name the size indicated might differ depending on interpretation.<br>
For example, "Ni‑hachi" originally refers to 2 shaku × 8 shaku (60cm × 240cm), but when interpreted as an exhibition frame size, it may refer to paper of 53cm × 228cm or 53cm × 234cm.<br><br>

Finally, he advises that selecting paper size should be based on what you want to express and how you will use it.
If the needed paper size is not available, you can cut larger paper down to size.<br>
He also notes that even when using the same frame, the impression of the work can change depending on the paper size — encouraging experimentation with different expressions.
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<h4 class="contents_subhead_s mt-3 mb-1">Basics of Calligraphy Paper Sizes and Names</h4><span>00:00:00</span>
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When teachers at calligraphy classes or schools ask “Could you prepare Ni‑roku paper?”, people often get confused. Mr. Shimauchi explains that there are many types and names of paper used in calligraphy.<br>
Because paper is pre‑cut to standard sizes, it's important to choose paper that matches your intended use. In this video, he focuses especially on explaining the tricky parts where names and sizes differ depending on interpretation.
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<h4 class="contents_subhead_s mt-3 mb-1">Sizes and Interpretations of “Ren‑ochi” and “Ni‑roku”</h4><span>00:04:52</span>
<p>
He explains “Ren‑ochi” (53 cm × 136 cm, which corresponds to 3/4 of a full sheet) and points out that the name is very confusing.<br>
Nowadays, few people actually use true Ren‑ochi size paper; when hearing “Ren‑ochi”, many assume it simply means 53 cm width, so it is important to confirm the actual length.<br>
He also explains “Ni‑roku”, which originally means 2 shaku × 6 shaku (60 cm × 180 cm), but when used for exhibition frames, people often use paper sized 53 cm × 175 cm or 53 cm × 180 cm.
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<h4 class="contents_subhead_s mt-3 mb-1">Paper Size and Creative Expression</h4><span>00:06:55</span>
<p>
As suggestions to improve visual appeal, he introduces adjusting paper width — from 53 cm to 55 cm or 57 cm — or adjusting height — from 175 cm to 170 cm or 177 cm.<br>
He emphasizes that ultimately, you should choose the paper size that makes it easiest for you to create the kind of work you want.
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<h4 class="contents_subhead_s mt-3 mb-1">Summary: How to Choose and Use Paper</h4><span>00:08:10</span>
<p>
He emphasizes that choosing paper should depend on its intended use and purpose.<br>
Whether the paper is for exhibition submission, magazine submission, or personal practice — consider that when selecting.<br>
If the desired size does not exist, cutting larger sheets down is an option.<br>
Finally, he explains that even with the same frame, the impression of the work changes depending on paper size, and he encourages trying various ways of expression.
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<h3 class="page_title title_size_s">Youtube I Love Shodo Episode 17</h3>

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<p> Shimauchi 00:00<br>
Hello everyone, this is Shimauchi of I Love Shodo.<br>
Now, suddenly — have you ever been asked by a calligraphy class teacher or school teacher, “Could you bring Ni‑roku paper for next time?”<br>
And you go, “Wait, what is Ni‑roku paper?”<br>
</p>
<p> Shimauchi 00:21<br>
Maybe some of you have experienced that.<br>
In fact, there are many types and names for paper used in shodo.<br>
Since paper is pre‑cut to standard sizes, make sure you choose paper that matches your purpose. Because there are so many types,<br>
</p>
<p> Shimauchi 00:38<br>
you might feel, “This is confusing.” But if you choose based on your intent and usage, it's definitely not difficult.<br>
Because in shodo, paper sizes — depending on each person’s understanding — may have different names or sizes,<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 00:54<br>
that’s precisely the confusing part. In this video, I especially want to explain those tricky bits thoroughly. If you watch until the end, I believe you’ll see that choosing paper isn’t difficult after all.<br>
</p>
<p> Shimauchi 01:13<br>
Please stay with me until the end. Alright, here we go.<br>
Now — the sizes of paper are extremely varied, so here I will focus on sizes you are likely to use now or in the future,<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 01:32<br>
and explain their names.<br>
The most basic paper is “Zenshi,” which measures about 69 cm by 136 cm.<br>
It is also called “Shishaku Gasenshi” or “Gasenshi Shishaku‑mono.”<br>
Cutting this in half vertically gives “Hansetsu,”<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 01:58<br>
or “Jouhaku.”<br>
Further cutting this Hansetsu both vertically and horizontally results in “Yatsugiri.”<br>
Just from this we can clearly understand how Zenshi serves as the standard.<br>
Of course, Hansetsu is the most used size.<br>
</p>
<p> Shimauchi 02:19<br>
That means to make Hansetsu you needed to cut a full Zenshi paper first.<br>
It's easy to imagine that Hansetsu was once more commonly used.<br>
As skills improved, paper quality also improved, you know.<br>
</p>
<p> Shimauchi 02:35<br>
When you want to use paper larger than Hansetsu, many teachers used well‑made Zenshi sheets to produce large paper.<br>
So if you ever find old vintage paper — even if it has some stains — aiming for high‑quality Zenshi may be worthwhile.<br>
Now, I will explain in detail about paper whose names can lead to confusion depending on interpretation.<br>
First is “Ni‑hachi.” When you hear that,<br>
</p>
<p> Shimauchi 03:13<br>
what size of paper do you imagine?<br>
Maybe 53 cm × 228 cm, 53 cm × 234 cm, or 60 cm × 240 cm — those may come to mind.<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 03:30<br>
Literally, "Ni‑hachi" means 2 shaku × 8 shaku, which is 60 cm × 240 cm.<br>
So strictly speaking, that size would be correct.<br>
</p>
<p> Shimauchi 03:49<br>
Then why do we sometimes talk about 53 cm × 228 cm or 234 cm paper?<br>
That's because for exhibitions or shows, the paper size is interpreted as the frame size.<br>
Thus, 53 cm × 228 cm or 234 cm becomes the paper used.<br>
</p>
<p> Shimauchi 04:08<br>
So “Ni‑hachi-sized” paper for that frame becomes that sheet.<br>
Moreover, paper of 53 cm × 234 cm is also referred to as “Shakuhachi Byou.” In China, the term is used for that size.<br>
Next up is “Ren‑ochi,” which has dimensions 53 cm × 136 cm — that is 3/4 of a full sheet.<br>
</p>
<p> Shimauchi 04:52<br>
But this “Ren‑ochi” is very confusing.<br>
Nowadays, few people use the true Ren‑ochi size. When people hear “Ren‑ochi,” many assume it just means 53 cm width.<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 05:09<br>
So some may mistakenly think that even 53 cm × 175 cm used in exhibitions is “Ren‑ochi.” That’s why when you're asked to prepare Ren‑ochi paper, always confirm the exact length.<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 05:30<br>
Next is “Ni‑roku.” If taken literally, it means 2 shaku × 6 shaku — about 60 cm × 180 cm.<br>
But similar to before, in exhibition contexts “Ni‑roku” may refer to frame size rather than literal size.<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 05:54<br>
So using 60 cm × 180 cm paper is fine — but the work will fill the entire sheet.<br>
If you want to show decorative fabric borders on all four sides, many choose paper sized 53 cm × 175 cm. Also,<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 06:14<br>
if you want decorative fabric on just two sides, some use 53 cm × 180 cm. This results in a vertical piece where the fabric extends down — giving a tall, vertical presence.<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 06:34<br>
On the other hand, if you're making a horizontal piece, the fabric appears at the top and bottom, so how you arrange the fabric matters. Choosing paper that works with that layout is one option.<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 06:55<br>
Furthermore, to make works look more impressive, some people prefer a little more width than 53 cm — for example, using 55 cm or even 57 cm width sheets.<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 07:11<br>
Conversely, if the default height of 175 cm feels a bit long, some choose 170 cm to show more of the mat border; others who want just a bit more length may go for 177 cm paper.<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 07:30<br>
There are many who use such custom sizes with adjustments.<br>
Therefore, when considering what size of paper to use in a 26-frame, it’s important to think about what kind of work you want to create and select paper accordingly.<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 07:49<br>
So far, I've explained various paper sizes and those that easily cause confusion.<br>
In short, it’s essential to choose paper that fits your purpose and intended use.<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 08:10<br>
Whether the paper is for exhibition submission, calligraphy magazine submission, or personal study/practice — carefully consider that before selecting paper.<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 08:30<br>
Now, if you can’t find a sheet of your preferred size — for example, 53 × 107.15 cm — don’t panic. If you find a bigger sheet, say 90 cm × 180 cm, you can cut it down to size.<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 08:47<br>
Keep in mind that you’re not limited to fixed sizes — cutting down larger paper is a valid method.<br>
Finally, if you plan to frame your work — since frame sizes are fixed — the paper you insert will influence expression.<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 09:05<br>
What kind of paper you use affects how the work comes across.<br>
For example, if you fill the entire frame (say a 4-shaku × 4-shaku frame) with a large bold character, the piece feels powerful and dreamlike.<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 09:22<br>
On the other hand, if you place a small, delicate representation of a “dream” within the frame, it may evoke a different feeling; or using two sheets to write a phrase in hiragana can evoke yet another expression. Depending on paper size,<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 09:42<br>
you can achieve a variety of expressions. I wanted to convey that possibility to everyone with this talk.<br>
I hope that by referring to this video, your creative work becomes more enjoyable and meaningful.<br>
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<p> Shimauchi 10:00<br>
Alright then, to everyone who loves calligraphy — let’s enjoy making works even more from now on!<br>
I will also enjoy it. Farewell!<br>
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<h2 class="contents_subhead mt-7">Related Products</h2>
<p>Here are the products featured in this video.</p>

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<h4 class="contents_subhead_s mt-3">Shodo Paper / shodo‑shi</h4>
<p>
Shodo paper comes in a wide variety of sizes — from Hanshi, Yatsugiri, Hansetsu, Zenshi, to special sizes.<br>
Among them are types for school use, New Year’s writing (Kakizome), ink painting, sutra copying, exhibition‑grade paper, and more.<br>
Shoyu Online can be used by everyone from elementary school students to professional calligraphers.
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