About this Event
A Spirited Away-Inspired Japanese Calligraphy & Illustration Workshop
What if you could step into the world of Spirited Away and create a little piece of it yourself?
Join Wayfarer Shodo Edinburgh and Edinburgh-based illustrator CoomoArt for a special two-hour creative workshop inspired by the magical world of Spirited Away.
Through illustration, Japanese calligraphy and storytelling, you’ll create your own six-page handmade artwork inspired by some of the film’s most recognisable characters, including Chihiro, Haku and No-Face.
This is more than a drawing class. It is a chance to explore Japanese writing, create something with your own hands and take home a unique souvenir of your journey into the spirit world.
✨ What will you create?
During the workshop, Stephanie will guide you through drawing your own illustrations inspired by Spirited Away, while Mare will introduce you to Japanese calligraphy and help you write the characters’ names in Japanese.
Your artwork will include:
- 千尋 — Chihiro
- ハク — Haku
- カオナシ — No-Face
- Your own Spirited Away-inspired illustrations
- Japanese calligraphy using traditional brushes and ink
At the end of the workshop, Mare will also teach each participant how to write their own name in Japanese calligraphy on a special artwork inspired by the contract Chihiro signs in the film.
You’ll then be able to take your completed artwork home as a unique handmade souvenir.
🖌️ What you’ll experience
- Learn how to draw Spirited Away-inspired illustrations with Stephanie
- Discover the Japanese names of familiar characters
- Try traditional Japanese calligraphy with Mare
- Practise using Japanese brushes and ink
- Create your own six-page illustrated artwork
- Write your own name in Japanese calligraphy
- Take home a personal souvenir inspired by your creative journey
No previous drawing or calligraphy experience is required. Whether you love Spirited Away, Studio Ghibili, Japanese culture, illustration or simply trying something new, you are very welcome.
🌸 About the workshop
This workshop brings together two creative worlds:
Japanese calligraphy and culture with licensed Japanese calligrapher Mare from Wayfarer Shodo Edinburgh, and illustration with Edinburgh-based artist Stephanie Brown from CoomoArt.
Together, we’ll explore how familiar characters and imagery can become something personal — an artwork created by you, with your own style and story.
Inspired by Spirited Away, this workshop invites you to imagine what it might feel like to step into Chihiro’s world for a little while, before creating a souvenir of your own journey.
📍 Event details
Date: Saturday 3 October 2026
Time: 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Location: Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End – Lobby
Price: £35 per person
Maximum: 12 participants
Instructors: Mare Ito & Stephanie Brown
Experience: Beginners welcome
Materials: All materials provided
Please bring your creativity and imagination. Everything else will be ready for you.
Workshop Flow
- Ice breaking and introduction to the theme and zine (15 mins)
- Grinding ink to calm the mind and prepare for calligraphy practice (5 mins)
- Introduction to brush handling & basic writing techniques (5 mins)
- Zine making, calligraphy practice and writing calligraphy on the zine (85 mins)
- Learn your Japanese name and create your own unique Spirited Away souvenir (10 mins)
- Take photos, post social media and write a review (10 mins)
Included
- All calligraphy materials
- All zine materials
- Guidance throughout the workshop
- Your completed artwork to take home
- A special artwork inspired by the contract Chihiro signs in the film with your Japanese name written on it
Who Can Join?
- All ages
- Beginners welcome
- Suitable for anyone interested in Japanese culture, art, mindfulness, or creative experiences
Notes
- Please arrive 10–15 minutes before the workshop starts.
- Comfortable clothing is recommended as ink may stain.
Testimonial from previous workshop participants
- "Excellent — the workshop was a highly worthwhile experience. I'm definitely going to come to more."
- "Thank you for such an enjoyable and inspiring workshop. I left feeling motivated to continue developing my calligraphy skills."
- "As a first timer, I felt extremely welcomed and left feeling happy with myself."
Refund Policy
Refund requests are accepted up to 7 days before the event.
Unfortunately, refunds cannot be issued within 7 days of the event due to venue bookings, preparation of workshop materials, and catering arrangements.
If the event is cancelled by the organiser, attendees will receive a full refund in accordance with Eventbrite's organiser policy.
🎎 Come and create your own little journey into the spirit world.
Draw the characters. Write their names. Create your own story.
Take home a unique souvenir inspired by Spirited Away — made by you.
Event venue & nearby stays
Hampton by Hilton West End lobby, 166 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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