Samples of Tategaki

        Traditionally, Japanese is written in a format called tategaki (縦書き), which is inspired by the traditional Chinese system. In this format, the characters are written in columns going from top to bottom, with columns ordered from right to left. After reaching the bottom of each column, the reader continues at the top of the column to the left of the current one.

       Modern Japanese also uses another writing format, called yokogaki (横書き). This writing format is horizontal and reads from left to right, as in English. A book printed in tategaki opens with the spine of the book to the right, while a book printed in yokogaki opens with the spine to the left.