Looking back to the summer of 2016, we revisit a grand celebration of calligraphy held at one of Tokyo’s cultural landmarks, the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.
A Dual Celebration of Art
Starting on July 27, 2016, we hosted a significant event that combined two exhibitions into one immersive experience:
- Yabe Chosho Solo Exhibition: A retrospective featuring representative works from the past decade alongside brand new creations.
- “Bokusho-ten 2016”: The exhibition of the Masumi Shodo-kai, presided over by Chosho Yabe.
The Mystery of Life (Inochi no Shinpi)
Behind the scenes, this exhibition marked a profound personal milestone for the artist. Just two weeks prior to the opening, Chosho Yabe gave birth to her first son.
The centerpiece of the exhibition, titled “Inochi no Shinpi” (The Mystery of Life), was created while she carried this new life within her. Watching her child grow day by day in the womb, she channeled the overwhelming awe and gratitude for life into her brushwork. The resulting piece resonated with a powerful, organic energy that moved many visitors.
The Culmination of Four Years
The gallery was filled with the diverse expressions of approximately 120 students, ranging from young children to adults. Displayed side-by-side with the master’s works, the exhibition showcased the full spectrum of the calligraphic journey.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many visitors who came to Ikebukuro to witness this convergence of passion, tradition, and the celebration of life.
You can watch the digest of this performance.
Please enjoy the serene atmosphere of the shrine in the rain.
Yabe Chosho Office
