From the archive, March 2015: a dense and fulfilling cultural exchange mission in Khabarovsk, Russia.

Recommended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, I visited Khabarovsk to connect our cultures through the power of Shodo.

Day 1: Historic Cinema & "Zuiki Shumon"

March 18 (Fri). The journey began at the oldest movie theater in Khabarovsk. We screened the "World Calligraphy Journey" documentary, followed by a live calligraphy performance and a stage greeting.

At the entrance, I exhibited the work 「瑞気集門」 (Zuiki Shumon). It means "many good things gather at the gate of a home filled with joy." I chose this phrase to wish happiness for the people of Khabarovsk.

Day 2: Passing the Brush to the Next Generation

March 19 (Sat). I dedicated the day to education, holding calligraphy classes for elementary, junior high, and high school students. Later, I held a public workshop in the auditorium, enjoying direct interaction with the local community through ink and paper.

Day 3: Music, Fashion, and Calligraphy

March 21 (Mon). The climax of the tour was a collaboration stage at the Music Hall. In the first part, I performed with Mr. Ito (shamisen) and Mr. Hirashima (cajon). The fusion of traditional Japanese sounds and modern rhythm created a dynamic backdrop for the calligraphy.

For the second part, a live fashion calligraphy show. On stage, I took on a bold artistic challenge: creating a dress from a single piece of cloth using draping techniques right before the audience's eyes, then brushing calligraphy directly onto the finished dress. It was a moment where fashion, performance, and Shodo united.

Special Moments in Khabarovsk

I received special permission to enter a cathedral usually closed to the public, where I wrote the character 「祈」 (Prayer). At the Consulate General of Japan, I wrote 「健」 (Health), and my artworks were also displayed at the hotel where I stayed.

World Calligraphy Journey: The Frozen Amur River

As the 4th installment of my "World Calligraphy Journey" series — where I create art in the most inspiring natural landscapes across 15 countries and 50 cities — I chose the frozen Amur River.

Khabarovsk was blessed with record-breaking snowfall, the heaviest in 70 years, turning the world into a vast silver landscape. As the setting sun sank far beyond the Amur River, the sky turned a deep red-purple, and the ice shimmered in crimson light.

In this breathtaking silence, I danced with my brush on the paper, feeling as if I were being absorbed into the river itself. I inscribed a poem on the ice, capturing the eternal beauty of the moment.

Calligraphy That Connects Hearts Across Borders

Stage, education, and wild nature — in every form, a single brush ties people and cultures together. This journey reminded me that calligraphy can reach hearts beyond the barrier of language.

See more overseas activities on the WORLD ACTIVITY page.

For inquiries about international cultural exchange or calligraphy performances, please feel free to contact me.