Japan's Cultural Affairs Agency is set to propose to UNESCO that "Shodo," or Japanese calligraphy, be added to the organization's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

An agency panel agreed to make the proposal at a meeting on Monday.

Shodo is an art form of writing Chinese or hiragana characters in "sumi," or black ink, with a traditional technique and handling of "fude," or a writing brush.

The agency said it selected calligraphy as its proposed item from the view point of spreading the diversity and profundity of Japanese culture to the world.

It plans to submit the proposal to UNESCO by the end of next March after obtaining formal approval from the government. The United Nations cultural body is expected to discuss Japan's nomination for the listing in around November, 2026.

Japan also plans to propose more elements be added to some of its UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage items that have already been registered, as the screening process for the expansion of the items' scope has become easier. The items are Washi, craftsmanship of traditional Japanese hand-made paper, and Yama, Hoko, Yatai float festivals, as well as traditional architectural techniques.

Japan already has 22 items registered on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. They include Nogaku theater, and Washoku traditional Japanese cuisine.

Japan is currently proposing traditional sake brewing for UNESCO registration.