About Handwriting

I periodically search for Taro Aso's handwriting and look at it, and I never get tired of it, it's incredibly fun. He writes well. Considering his family background and the era, I feel like he was taught as part of his education, but it feels less like calligraphy and more like someone who enjoys writing, so I think he's probably naturally good at writing. Looking at the overall balance of his cursive script, it feels like a pot, but I wonder if this balance is what gives it its unique charm. He also seems to write with a lot of pressure, twisting the brush, but his penmanship is surprisingly rounded and very soft. Personally, I generally prefer block script (kaisho), but there's an indescribable flavor to the way he breaks up the characters in cursive script (gyosho) that makes me keep looking. Though, his block script looks more skillful. I think he might be the type who excels at free-form writing, like pieces exhibited at a calligrapher's exhibition, rather than textbook-perfect characters. Of course, that's all based on having a solid foundation. When I was taking calligraphy classes, my brush pressure was often pointed out. Now, I've reached a level of understanding where I realize that writing should be done with a relaxed hand, flowing naturally. However, I still have the feeling that 'power is power'. Also, writing characters is always fun, and I feel like that time was necessary even now, so I like it. I hope those who are learning calligraphy continue with it.