In what ways has Japanese calligraphy (shodo) contributed to the cultural and artistic identity of Japan, and how does it differ from Chinese calligraphy?
What role does nature play in traditional Japanese art forms such as ink wash painting (sumi-e) and landscape gardening, and how is this reflected in their composition and subject matter?
How does the Japanese aesthetic principle of "wabi-sabi," which emphasizes imperfection and transience, manifest in various forms of Japanese art such as pottery, tea ceremonies, and architecture?
In what ways have contemporary Japanese artists blended traditional art forms with modern technology and media, and what impact has this had on the global art community?
How do the techniques and materials used in Japanese calligraphy differ from those in Western calligraphy, and what cultural significance does calligraphy hold in Japan?
How do traditional Japanese arts like tea ceremony (chanoyu) and flower arranging (ikebana) embody the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility?
