Japanese Symbols Tategaki and Yokogaki Explained

Japanese Symbols can be written in 2 different formats which are known as Tategaki and Yokogaki. In the Japanese writing system, we can write scripts Vertically ( Tategaki ) and Horizontally ( Yokogaki ).

Like many East Asian scripts, it is very common to have text written in horizontal or vertical formats.
In Japanese Symbols, we can write words in either direction.

In Japanese Symbols, we write Yokogaki as ( 横書き, "horizontal writing )  
Additionally we can sometimes refer to this as Yokogumi as well ( 横組み).

We usually write Japanese Symbols in Tategaki (vertical columns) which is the traditional format. These Japanese Symbols are written from the top to bottom and arranged from right to left.

Each new column of text begins to the left of the preceding one. Another important factor that results in writing in this manner is the the stroke order and direction of writing Japanese Symbols Kanji ( as it is called in Japan ). Japanese Katakana Symbols all facilitate this manner of writing.

Now that we are in modern days, it much more common for Japanese Symbols to be written in Yokogaki format ( horizontally ) which is from left to right, top to bottom just like writing regular English.

In Japan, the Yokogaki ( Horizontal ) writing styles of text arrived in the Meiji era when Japan was under the 45-year reign of the Meiji Emperor. This was indeed a very long time ago from around 1868 to 1912. ( Years based on the Gregorian calendar ). When Western Language dictionaries were introduced and began to be printed in Japan, these dictionaries were printed with a mix of Yokogaki Style (Horizontal Western ) and Tategaki Style (Vertical Japanese) writing text.

This actually meant that by reading these dictionaries, the book had to be actually rotated ninety degrees in order to properly read the Japanese Symbols Text. Because of this, the concept of using Yokogaki was more widely accepted as common everyday use.

 

At JLC Osaka, by far and wide, the most popular Print Style chosen of writing Japanese Symbols when orders are placed is the Traditional Tategaki Writing Format. ( Vertical ).

When you place your order with us at JLC Osaka, you will have the option to choose if you prefer Tategaki or Yokogaki Print Styles for preparation and delivery of your Japanese Symbols.

Additionally JLC Osaka offers you 16 wonderful Japanese Symbols Font Styles when you place your Japanese Symbols Translation order with us.