(or ) are Japanese typefaces invented for advertising during the Edo period. The main styles of are, found on paper lanterns outside restaurants;, used to label and drinks like and ;, literally "cage letters";, a thick and rectangular seal script;, often used on flyers for performances such as kabuki and ; and, a mix of and .
characters are the ones used on (hanging paper lanterns), such as the ones commonly seen outside stands in Japan.
characters have little "whiskers" on them. This style is used for and signs as well as being a common style for labels. While this -esque script appears fluid and spontaneous, it follows a strict ruleset based on the Chinese-originating "7–5–3 pattern". The brushstrokes must appear as seven distinct bristle lines, with narrower passages requiring five, and three as the stroke terminates.[1]
literally means "cage letters". The characters are thick and square in shape. It is usually used in inverted form or sometimes as an outline.
is a very heavy, rectangular style used for making seals and inspired from folded-style Mongolian traditional script.
, also known as or, is a style is used for publicity and programmes for arts like kabuki and . Invented by, the name derives from Okazaki's nickname, .
is a style specifically associated with kabuki.[1]
, also known as or,[1] is a style used for sumo wrestling advertisements and programmes.
The name is used in Japanese theater. A combination of and, it was used for posters and flyers, as well as in performances (e.g.),, and . Unlike other calligraphic styles, allows and even encourages multiple brushstrokes in order to fill in the characters as much as possible.[2]