1.3.9.4. Edomoji (江戸文字)

A chouchin
Photo credit: Stardog Champion (real name unknown) Used under a Creative Commons licence

This general term covers many Japanese lettering styles which were invented mostly for advertising purposes in the Edo period. For example,

Kanteiryuu

This style is strongly associated with arts like kabuki and rakugo.

Yosemoji

The name yosemoji literally means "letters to draw in customers".

Kagomoji

This name literally means "cage letters". The font is thick and square in shape.

Higemoji

These characters have little "whiskers" on them.

Sumou moji

This style is the one used for sumo wrestling posters.

Chouchin moji

These characters are the ones used on chouchin, hanging paper lanterns, such as the ones you might see outside a yakitori stand in Japan.

Kakuji

This very heavy, rectangular style is used for making seals.