From the archive, January 5, 2014: looking back at a New Year's event. I held a calligraphy performance and a New Year's "Kakizome" workshop at AEON Mall Atsuta in Nagoya.

Three Panels of Hope

On the central event stage, I created three distinct artworks on large panels, each carrying a wish for the new year.

For 「夢」 (Yume - Dream) and 「愛」 (Ai - Love), I portrayed the character itself as a thick branch, painting cherry blossoms (Sakura) blooming from it, symbolizing dreams and love blossoming in the year ahead.

For 「飛翔」 (Hisho - Soaring), alongside the word I painted a mountain and a bright red sun representing the First Sunrise (Hatsuhinode), expressing a powerful leap forward.

Kakizome Workshop

After the performance, I hosted a workshop where participants could experience "Kakizome" (the first calligraphy of the year). Guests wrote their favorite characters on postcards to take home as a New Year's memento.

The workshop was fully booked, and it was heartwarming to see so many people enjoying Shodo to start their year.

A New Year's Moment, Feelings Carried in Characters

At the start of the year, we entrust our wishes for dreams, love, and a leap forward to a single character. Kakizome is a uniquely Japanese custom of giving form to the hopes drawn in our hearts. I was truly glad to share the hopes of a new year with everyone who came.

Records of performances at commercial facilities and events are gathered on the PERFORMANCE page.

For inquiries about New Year events or Kakizome workshops, please feel free to contact me.