To this day it is not unusual in Japan for the scholar to be a fine calligrapher and an accomplished poet in addition to possessing the pertinent intellectual abilities.

​This encyclopedia entry explores Japanese aesthetics, highlighting concepts such as mono no aware (the pathos of things), wabi (subdued, austere beauty), and sabi (rustic patina), which reflect a deep appreciation for impermanence and nature. It also examines the integration of art and self-cultivation in Japanese culture, emphasizing that artistic practices are often seen as paths to spiritual and personal development.