Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs has decided to recommend "shodo" calligraphy as a candidate for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list for the second straight year.

Shodo is a form of written expression that involves traditional brush techniques using tools such as brushes and ink to write Japanese kanji and kana characters.

The handwriting practice has become a social custom in Japan where it is used in various occasions including writing letters as well as signatures at ceremonies like weddings and funerals.

Japan also recommended shodo to UNESCO last fiscal year, but the world body did not carry out a review as the number of applications exceeded its limit.

The agency said it chose shodo again from the standpoint of showcasing the diversity and depth of Japan's culture to the world.

It plans to send its application to UNESCO by the end of March, with the goal of registration in 2026.