手稿

This term specifically refers to a text written by hand. While the more common word "genkō" (原稿) can refer to any draft—including those typed on a computer or typewriter—"shukō" (手稿) emphasizes the physical act of handwriting and the original, tangible nature of the document.

It is most frequently used in academic, literary, or historical contexts, such as when discussing the original drafts of a famous author or ancient documents in a museum. In everyday modern conversation, people rarely use "shukō" unless they are specifically highlighting that the work was handwritten.

Because it often implies a level of historical or artistic value, it carries a more formal and scholarly tone than "genkō." It is often associated with the study of paleography or the authentication of an author's original thoughts before they were edited for publication.