The Soul in Stone — Traditional Seal Engraving (Tenkoku) & Personal Identity

Discover the art of representing yourself through stone, ink, and ancient script.

In our fast-paced daily lives, it is easy to lose touch with our individual identity. We invite you to slow down and explore a craft that has served as a symbol of the "self" for centuries. Tenkoku (Seal Engraving) is more than just making a stamp; it is the art of condensing your spirit and name into a single piece of stone.

Why Seal Engraving?
A seal is a mark of one’s identity and a symbol of personal authority. In this workshop, we aim to promote traditional culture by integrating it into our modern everyday lives. By combining the study of Kanji (Chinese characters) with the physical skill of engraving, you create a permanent representation of who you are.

What we will explore:

• Historical Roots: Learn the background and evolution of seals in East Asian history.
• Kanji Composition: Discover how to choose and arrange characters to reflect your personality.
• The Craft of Engraving: Master the steady hand and focused breathing required to carve natural stone.
• A Personal Signature: Leave the session with your own hand-carved seal, ready to use on artwork, letters, or journals.
• A Mindful Environment: A quiet, supportive space designed for creative focus and self-reflection.

Special Remarks:

• Creation: Each participant will craft one 2cm x 2cm natural stone seal featuring one Kanji or Chinese character.
• Choosing Your Word: Please submit your chosen character when enrolling.
• Undecided? If you haven't decided yet, don't worry! We provide a set of reference notes featuring 10 selected meaningful characters and the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals (e.g., Dragon, Tiger) for you to choose from during the class.

Who is this for?
This English-speaking workshop is perfect for anyone—expats and locals alike—interested in traditional crafts, personal branding, or those simply looking for a unique way to connect with culture and history in Tokyo.

📍 Event Details

• Date: April 25, 2026 (Sat)
• Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Capacity: Limited to 15 participants.
• Fee: ¥10,000 (+ Meetup Platform Service Fee**).
• The fee includes all professional materials, the carving stone, and your finished seal to take home.
• Preparation: Come empty-handed! Everything you need is provided.

** Special Offer: Follow us on Instagram for a ¥1,000 OFF promotional code! This is a warm welcome and helps cover the platform service fee.

👉 Instagram: artbondtokyo

How to Register
Please RSVP and complete your payment directly here on Meetup to secure your spot.

📍 Location & Venue
We will gather in a bright, professional creative space in the heart of Shibuya, perfect for the focused and intricate work of seal engraving.

• Venue: Shibuya Space 303 (NKG Tokyo Building)
• Address: 15-17 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo (NKG Tokyo Building)
• Access: Just a 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station (the closest exit is the JR New South Gate / JR新南改札).

🌿 Post-Workshop Inspiration
The venue is located in the vibrant Sakuragaoka area, right near the new Shibuya Sakura Stage. After the workshop, you can enjoy a coffee at one of the nearby cafes or take a stroll through the modern architectural spaces of the neighborhood to reflect on your newly created seal.

Let’s carve our stories into stone and bring tradition into the present.

***

Refund Policy

• Cancellation by Participant: We offer a full refund for cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the event start time. Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds for cancellations within 48 hours, as materials and venue have already been prepared for you.
• Cancellation by Organizer: If the workshop is cancelled due to unforeseeable circumstances (such as extreme weather, or instructor emergency), you will receive a full refund.
• Processing Fee: Please note that the platform service fee collected by Meetup may be subject to their own refund terms.