Have you ever wondered what is written on the hanging scrolls you often see in Japanese tea rooms?
These scrolls, called kakejiku, usually feature calligraphy or ink paintings. Even for Japanese people, the characters are often written in such a classical style that most of us can’t actually read them.
Many Japanese homes have a traditional tatami room with a tokonoma alcove, where a hanging scroll is often displayed for guests. (Today such rooms are becoming less common, especially in modern apartments, though.) It is simply part of the decor—something that everyone accepted as “just how it is.” Most people can’t read the writing and don’t really think about its meaning.
I was the same way. Until I began studying the tea ceremony more than ten years ago, I had never paid much attention to hanging scrolls.
My tea teacher keeps a large collection of scrolls neatly stored away, and she changes them every month to match the season. Each time, I can’t read the calligraphy at all, but I can feel the beauty of the brushstrokes and the harmony of the mounting fabric.
When my teacher explains the meaning to me, however, a vivid scene suddenly appears in my mind—as if the words themselves transform into a painting before my eyes.
The writing on a scroll is not just beautiful calligraphy. It often describes a seasonal landscape or expresses a poetic feeling, inviting the viewer to see the scene with their heart. It’s a quiet, elegant form of hospitality—one that enhances the experience of sharing a bowl of tea.
At yesterday’s tea lesson, the scroll displayed in my teacher’s alcove read:
「紅葉満山川」 (Kōyō sansen ni mitsu)
It means “The mountains and rivers are filled with autumn colors.”
When you understand its meaning, you can almost picture a breathtaking valley glowing with red and gold leaves like this;
If you didn’t know what was written, it might seem like just another scroll. But once you learn the meaning, the words paint a vivid picture in your imagination.
The mounting fabrics are often made from kimono textiles, adding even more beauty and depth.
The world of tea is like the universe—infinitely deep and full of quiet wonders, even within a single hanging scroll.
If you ever come across one, try to find out what it says.
It might reveal an entire world hidden in ink and paper.
If you’d like to know why I started learning the tea ceremony, you can read my story here:
Here’s a short video from my YouTube channel — a peaceful moment of making matcha at home, just for fun.↓
Thank you for reading. 🍵I’ll keep sharing little moments from my life in Japan — from my garden, kitchen, and everyday reflections. See you in the next post!
by WANOKA
※Please refrain from using or reposting the photos and images in this article without permission.
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