Looking back at a heartwarming event in 2012.
I visited Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture, to speak at the “Longevity Celebration” held at Kikyo University (a senior citizens’ college).
A 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” (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 life seniors was a humbling experience, and I received so much energy from their vitality.
Performance: “Nanzan no Ju” (Longevity as High as the Southern Mountain)
To conclude the event, I performed a calligraphy demonstration.
The phrase I chose was 「南山寿」 (Nanzan no Ju).
It is a phrase used to celebrate longevity, wishing for a life as enduring and unshakable as the Southern Mountain.
Blooming Kikyo Flowers
Alongside the calligraphy, I painted Kikyo (Bellflowers) in full bloom, honoring the university’s name.
I poured my heart into the brush with the 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.
Yabe Chosho Office
