From the archive, January 19, 2014: looking back at a monumental event. I traveled to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, for the grand opening of AEON MALL Tan Phu Celadon, the first AEON MALL in the country.

Vietnam's Largest Commercial Facility

Following Malaysia and China, Vietnam became the third country for AEON's overseas expansion. As the largest commercial facility in Vietnam at the time, it attracted an astounding 150,000 visitors on the first day.

To celebrate this historic opening, I held calligraphy performances and workshops over two days (January 18th–19th).

"YOUKOSO NIPPON!!" (Welcome Japan)

The theme was to deliver the spirit of Japan. I performed a total of four stages.

The response from the local audience was incredible. I was told that the calligraphy performance was even "more popular than the Ninja show" that was held around the opening! Some enthusiastic visitors even came back to watch the performance multiple times.

Connecting through Calligraphy

Through the workshops, I was able to interact directly with many local people.

It was a joy to make new friends and to feel that, through ink and brush, many people felt a closer connection to Japan. I am filled with gratitude to the staff and everyone who supported this successful overseas tour.

Ink and Brush Tying Japan and Vietnam Together

Even across a language barrier, a single character born from ink carries feeling beyond borders. I hope a fondness for Japanese culture continues to spread from each of these encounters.

Records of overseas performances and international exchange are gathered on the WORLD ACTIVITY page.

For inquiries about calligraphy performances at overseas events or grand openings, please feel free to contact me.