Genkouyoushi (Japanese Manuscript Paper): uses, sizes and printing tips
Genkō yōshi is Japanese manuscript paper: vertical columns of squares, one character per square, separated by narrow spacer columns for furigana and corrections. Students of Japanese use it for composition and to practice character size and balance.
How to print it
- Choose the paper size (US Letter, A4, Legal, A5 or Half Letter) and portrait or landscape — the page updates as you change settings.
- Choose the style of practice squares (tianzige, mizige, plain, genkō yōshi or wongoji) and the square size.
- Add a title or a name/date header if you want, or keep the page plain.
- Click Print / Save as PDF. In the print dialog choose “Actual size” (100%) and turn off “Headers and footers”.
Tips
- Punctuation such as 。 and 、 takes its own square, in the upper right corner.
- Write each character centered in its square, using the dashed guides to balance the strokes.
- Start with 15–20 mm squares while learning stroke order and shrink to 8–10 mm for everyday writing.
FAQ
Which direction do I write?
Traditionally top to bottom, starting with the right-hand column and moving left.
How big are the squares?
9 mm by default; choose 7 to 20 mm.
Can I use this for Japanese, Chinese and Korean?
Yes. The grids are writing-system neutral — choose the style your teacher uses.
Is it free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up and no download. Change the settings, print it or save it as a PDF, and bookmark the address — your settings are stored in the link.
Related paper
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