From the archive, September 20, 2012: a heartwarming event in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture.

I was invited to the "Longevity Celebration" held at Kikyo University, a college for senior citizens.

A 90-Minute Lecture on "Shodo" for Life's Seniors

It was a rare opportunity for me to give a 90-minute lecture on the theme of Shodo (Japanese calligraphy).

The audience consisted of about 400 seniors aged 60 and above — including around 50 who were honored for being over 80 years old.

Speaking in front of such experienced seniors was humbling, and their vitality gave me far more energy than I could ever give back.

"Nanzan no Ju" — Longevity as Enduring as the Southern Mountain

To conclude the event, I performed a calligraphy demonstration.

The phrase I chose was 「南山寿」 (Nanzan no Ju) — a classic blessing for longevity, wishing for a life as enduring and unshakable as the Southern Mountain.

Blooming Bellflowers for the University

Alongside the calligraphy, I painted Kikyo (bellflowers) in full bloom, honoring the university's name.

I poured my heart into the brush with this wish: "May you continue to dream, bloom another flower in your life, and remain a guiding light for us, the younger generation."

The completed artwork — a massive 2m x 6m piece — is now displayed in the main hall of Kikyo University.

Calligraphy Connects Generations

The stage for calligraphy is not limited to corporate ceremonies or international events.

Being present at milestones in people's lives and delivering respect through words and brush is one of the great joys of being a calligrapher.

You can see more lectures and talk events on the TALK SHOW page. For lecture and event commissions, please feel free to contact me.