Edomoji (江戸文字) are Japanese lettering styles which were invented for advertising in the Edo period. The Edo period (江戸時代, Edo-jidai) is a division of Japanese history running from 1600 to 1867. ...

The main styles of Edomoji are

Kanteiryū (勘亭流)

This style is used for publicity and programmes for arts like kabuki and rakugo. Invented by Okazaki Yakanroku (岡崎屋勘六), the name derives from Okazaki's nickname, kantei (勘亭). The Kabukiza in Ginza is one of Tokyos leading kabuki theaters. ... Rakugo (落語 literally fallen words) is a Japanese entertainment form based on comical monologues. ...

Yosemoji (寄席文字)

The name yosemoji literally means "letters to draw in customers". A combination of kanteiryū and chōchinmoji, it was used for posters and flyers.

Kagomoji (篭文字)

This name literally means "cage letters". The font is thick and square in shape. It is usually used in inverted form or sometimes as an outline.

Higemoji (髭文字)

These characters have little "whiskers" on them.

Sumō moji (相撲文字)

Style of lettering used for sumo wrestling advertisements and programmes. Sumo (相撲 Sumō, alternatively 大相撲 Ōzumō), or Sumo wrestling, is a competition contact sport wherein two wrestlers or rikishi face off in a circular area. ...

Chōchin moji (提灯文字)

These characters are the ones used on chōchin (hanging paper lanterns), such as the ones you might see outside a yakitori stand in Japan. Paper lanterns come in various shapes and sizes, as well as various methods of construction. ... Yakitori being cooked Yakitori (焼き鳥, やきとり), lit. ...

Kakuji (角字)

This very heavy, rectangular style is used for making seals. Seal on envelope A seal is an impression printed on, embossed upon, or affixed to a document (or any other object) in order to authenticate it, in lieu of or in addition to a signature. ...

External links

• sci.lang.japan FAQ on Japanese writing styles contains examples of most of the above fonts. (These pictures cannot be copied to Wikipedia due to copyright concerns.)