Edomoji

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Edomoji (江戸文字 : えどもじ?) are Japanese lettering styles which were invented for advertising in the Edo period.

The main styles of Edomoji are

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[edit] Kanteiryū (勘亭流)

This style is used for publicity and programmes for arts like kabuki and rakugo. Invented by Okazakiya Kanroku (岡崎屋 勘六?), the name derives from Okazaki's nickname, kantei (勘亭?).

[edit] Yosemoji (寄席文字)

The name yosemoji literally means "letters to draw in customers". A combination of kanteiryū and chōchinmoji, it was used for posters and flyers.

[edit] Kagomoji (篭文字)

This name literally means "cage letters". The characters are thick and square in shape. It is usually used in inverted form or sometimes as an outline.

[edit] Higemoji (髭文字)

These characters have little "whiskers" on them. This style is used for kakigōri and ramune signs as well as being a common style for sake labels.

[edit] Sumō moji (相撲文字)

Style of lettering used for sumo wrestling advertisements and programmes.

[edit] Chōchin moji (提灯文字)

These characters are the ones used on chōchin (hanging paper lanterns), such as the ones you might see outside a yakitori stand in Japan.

[edit] Kakuji (角字)

This very heavy, rectangular style is used for making seals.

[edit] External links

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