Junko holds Japanese calligraphy (Shodo) and painting (Sumi-e) workshops around Melbourne at galleries, schools, organisations and cultural events. She also holds online lessons for people who are not able to attend an onsite workshop and also private lessons. Junko can work with you to create a program to meet your needs from 45 mins to whole day introductory experience workshops.
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In the workshop, you will prepare your own ink then learn to make and use different Sumi ink tones and brush techniques to create traditional Japanese calligraphy (Shodo) or ink painting (Sumi-e) on rice paper.
With Sumi-e, you will learn to feel and capture the meaning of objects from nature with your interpretation then you will express the objects variously with brush pressure, rhythm, tones and confidence in your strokes. You'll not only learn brush stroke techniques but also experience the whole process and understand yourself through your work.
With Shodo, you will learn various brush techniques, calligraphy styles, stroke order and balance of Japanese characters as well as the history of calligraphy and the meaning of Japanese characters so you don't need to know any Japanese to begin.
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Upcoming workshops
@ Japaneasy (75mins Sumi-e / stamp carving workshop)
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Address: L1, 183 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC
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Let's experience Sumi-e Japanese ink art or make your own signature stamp, or both!
Japanese ink art workshop:
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Let's experience Sumi-e Japanese ink art or/and make your own signature stamp!
Sumi-e is the ancient art of Japanese brush painting. There is much more to creating an image during the process of Sumi-e, it is also a meditative practice to explore and express your inner self.

You will learn to use different ink tones and brush techniques to create some simple but expressive paintings on Japanese paper such as flowers and Bonsai trees. All the materials will be provided and all ages are welcome :)
Hanko stamp carving:
The red stamps or seals are often seen in traditional Japanese artwork and documents. In this workshop, you will design and carve your own Hanko stamp. You can use it for your artwork, Christmas cards, as your business logo and more. Please bring your reading glasses if you use them. All materials will be provided. Suitable for people aged over 12.
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8 Dec 2024 Sun 10:30am - 11:45pm Various flowers ink art fully booked
8 Dec 2024 Sun 12:15pm - 1:30pm Bonsai trees ink art fully booked
8 Dec 2024 Sun 2pm - 4pm Hanko stamp carving fully booked
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details and bookings:
https://www.trybooking.com/CWSZB​​​​​
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@ Grampian Arts - Summer Brushes (5 day Sumi-e & Stamp carving workshop)
Address: Longerenong Agriculture College, 229 Longerenong Road, Longerenong VIC
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13 – 17 January 2025 Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9am – 4pm, Wed 9am–12pm fully booked
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Summer Brushes is an onsite artist retreat based at Longerenong Agriculture College.
The college sets the scene for this five-day intensive workshop program working with one of 15 tutors. Junko's will share Japanese calligraphy, painting and stamp making, for all levels. The workshop booking fee includes morning tea and lunch. The meals are professionally catered with fresh menu options daily.
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details and booking:
https://www.grampianarts.com.au/summer-brushes-junko-azukawa.html
0493 430 312
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@ Living & Learning Centre Nillumbik (3 hour Sumi-e workshop)
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Address: 739 Main Rd, Eltham VIC
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This is a monthly workshop. If you want to keep learning Sumi-e, this is the one to join! You will learn something different each time and your practice will improve. You will be able to learn both calligraphy (Shodo) and painting (Sumi-e) of your choice.
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1 June 2025 Sun 10am - 1pm beginners class
29 June 2025 Sun 10am - 1pm ongoing class
details and booking:
www.livinglearningnillumbik.vic.gov.au
(03) 9433 3744
@ Melbourne Art Class (Sumi-e / stamp making / children)
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Union studio: Level 1, 85 Union St, Armadale VIC
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2 Apr 2025 Sun 10am - 1pm Sumi-e beginners
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details and booking:
www.melbourneartclass.com​​​
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@ Gloworm Studios (2.5 hour Sumi-e workshop)
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Address: 11 Railway Place, Fairfield VIC
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TBA later this year
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details and booking:
@ Box Hill Community Arts Centre (2 hour Sumi-e workshop)
Address: 470 Station St, Box Hill VIC
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11 May 2025 Sun 10am - 12pm Trees - fully booked
11 May 2025 Sun 12:30pm - 2:30pm Flowers - fully booked
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details and booking:
www.bhcac.com.au
(03) 9895 8833
* it will open for bookings soon​
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@ Strathdon House (2 hour calligraphy / stamp carving)
Address: 449–465 Springvale Road, Forest Hill VIC​
18 May 2025 Sun 10am - 12pm Japanese calligraphy - fully booked
18 May 2025 Sun 12:30pm - 2:30pm Stamp carving - fully booked
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details and booking:
https://www.creativewhitehorse.vic.gov.au/venues/strathdon-house-orchard-precinct
((03) 9262 6158
* it will open for bookings soon
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@ Camberwell Community Centre (5 week Sumi-e course)
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Address: 33-35 Fairholm Grove Camberwell VIC 3124
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23 May to 20 June 2025 Fridays 1pm - 3pm
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details and booking:
www.camberwellcommunitycentre.org.au/art
(03) 9882 2611
0478 766 683
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@ KAMI (2 hour Sumi-e workshop, Stamp making workshop)
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25 May 2025 Sun 10am - 12pm Plam and cherry trees
25 May 2025 Sun 2pm - 4pm Hanko stamp making​
6 July 2025 Sun 10am - 12pm Goldfish
6 july 2025 Sun 2pm - 4pm Hanko stamp making​
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details and booking:
https://www.kamipaper.com.au/pages/workshops
(03) 9419 5735
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@ Artist Society of Canberra (Japanese ink art course)
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Address: STUDIO D, M16 ARTSPACE, GRIFFITH ACT
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6 Mon Jan 2025 10am - 4pm Introduction to Sumi-e for beginners
7 Tue & 8 Wed Jan 2025 10am - 4pm Continuing to Sumi-e for intermediate/advanced
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details and booking:
https://asoc.au​​​​​
Invited workshops
National Gallery of Victoria, Australia.
St Ita’s Catholic Primary School, Melbourne.
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Melbourne.
St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Primary School, Melbourne.
Genazzano FCJ College, Melbourne.
Hobsons Bay Arts Society, Melbourne.
Ashby Primary School, Melbourne.
Westbourne Grammar School, Melbourne.
Emerald Hill Library and Heritage Centre, Melbourne.
Arts Inspire, Melbourne.
Nunawading Christian College, Melbourne.
Geelong Grammar School, Melbourne.
Convenant College, Melbourne.
Strathcona Girls Grammar School, Melbourne.
Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne.
Williamstown North Primary School, Melbourne.
Victoria University, Melbourne.
SEABUZZ Restaurant, Melbourne.
Cheltenham Primary School, VIC.
Kingswood College, VIC.
North Ringwood Community House, VIC.
Essendon Keilor College, VIC.
Chisholm Institute, Melbourne.
Parkdale Secondary College, Melbourne.
Chanoyu Spa, Melbourne.
International Conference In Health Care, Melbourne.
Lion Nathan Conference, Crown Casino, Melbourne.
Art Education Victoria Conference, Melbourne.
No Vacancy, Melbourne.
Peer Gallery, Sydney.
Boroondara Park Primary School, Melbourne.
St Anne's Primary school, Melbourne.
Solway Primary School, Melbourne.
Haileybury College, Melbourne.
Melton Secondary College, VIC.
Kilvington Girls' Grammar School, Melbourne.
The Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, Melbourne.
Simonds Catholic College, Melbourne.
Made In Japan, Melbourne.
Orchard Grove Primary School, Melbourne.
Box Hill Community Arts Centre, Melbourne.
The Centre Connecting Community, Melbourne.
Templestowe Park Primary School.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School.
RMIT University, Melbourne.
Mount Waverley Secondary College, Melbourne.
Ikebana International, Melbourne.
Ivanhoe Grammar School, Melbourne.
St Columba's College, Melbourne.
Xavier College, Melbourne.