Shodo is the art of writing kanji and kana characters by using a writing brush and ink-cake. Shodo and the tools for calligraphy were introduced to Japan from China during the 6-7th centuries, together with the method of manufacturing paper. This shows that Chinese culture influenced in Japanese culture. The written work is called sho and is appreciated from the point of view of the neatness of the character, brushstrokes, the shading of the sumi ink and to total balance. It can also be considered an art form and is very beautiful.