From the archive, November 29, 2012: a project rooted in tradition and the spiritual heart of Chosho Yabe's hometown, Kawagoe.

It was a one-chance commission, writing not on paper but directly onto a single plank of wood.

Calligraphing the Signboard for Kawagoe Hachimangu's "Sanshuden"

The commission was to calligraph the signboard for the entrance of the Assembly Hall, the "Sanshuden," a place where people gather.

Kawagoe Hachimangu is a historic shrine that has watched over the city for centuries.

As someone who lives in this town, being entrusted with its welcoming "face" filled me with a solemn sense of responsibility.

An Unforgiving Match with a Single Plank

The defining feature of this work is that the brush meets not paper but a single, natural plank of wood.

Each piece of wood has its own grain, and the ink is absorbed differently from one spot to the next.

Above all, on such a precious single plank, there are no second chances.

In that taut silence, I steadied my breath and wrote the whole thing in one decisive movement.

Grain and Ink in Resonance

The warmth of the pale wood and the dignified black ink create a beauty possible only with this material.

Moving the brush in step with the natural grain demanded a concentration and a dialogue quite unlike working on paper.

A "Face" That Does Not Fade with Time

The finished signboard blends the modern brick-toned exterior of the building with the beauty of traditional pale wood, warmly welcoming those who visit.

As the years pass, the wood deepens in color and the calligraphy settles in as part of the scenery.

The result is a dignified entrance whose very aging is beautiful.

Records of signboards and title calligraphy are gathered on the LOGO DESIGN page.

For inquiries about signboard or title calligraphy, please feel free to contact me.