We travel to Kagawa Prefecture to share a heartwarming report from Ichinoya Elementary School, where the next generation experienced the sheer joy of Japanese tradition. 300 Students, One Giant Canvas As part of the “Kanonji Children’s Dream Project,” Chosho Yabe held a special lecture and workshop. The event began with a dynamic performance by the artist herself on a massive … Read more
Looking back at a global corporate event in 2016. I had the honor of performing the opening act for the “TMHG Global Supplier Conference 2016” hosted by Toyota Industries Corporation (TMHG). Opening Act: “Kyodo” (Collaborative Leadership) Guests gathered from around the world for this significant conference. Accompanied by the powerful live sounds of Wadaiko (Japanese drums) and other traditional instruments, … Read more
Looking back to January 18, 2015, we revisit a lively New Year’s event that brought the community together through the traditional art of calligraphy. Celebrating the New Year with Ink At the Kawagoe Housing Stage, a hub for lifestyle and family, we hosted two sessions (morning and afternoon) of a special “Kakizome” (First Calligraphy of the Year) workshop. Both sessions … Read more
Looking back at a special journey to the cradle of the Renaissance in October 2016. To celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Japan-Italy Diplomatic Relations, I visited Florence, Italy, with members of the “Kawagoe Style Club.” Tradition of Japan, Heart of Innovation I participated in the event titled “Tradition of Japan, Heart of Innovation.” At the “Japan-Italy Forum on Food Culture … Read more
We celebrate a significant milestone in the history of the Shinboku Shodo Class, where the spirit of calligraphy is passed down to the next generation. A Gathering of New Masters We held a special mini-exhibition to commemorate the graduation and certification of the 2nd Generation Instructor Training Course students. For a calligrapher, achieving the rank of “Shihan” (Instructor) is not … Read more
We open our archives to present a breathtaking collaboration that bridged literature, textile craftsmanship, and the art of Shodo. A Triad of Japanese Tradition Held at the historic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga Soko), the exhibition “Tsunagu Dento-ten” (Connecting Traditions Exhibition) showcased a unique fusion of three artistic pillars: The Words: Haiku and Tanka poetry submitted by talented writers from … Read more
Looking back to 2016, we present a piece created for the private office of a visionary leader in the net-based reuse industry. The Motto: “Shi-Kon-Sho-Sai” (士魂商彩) We were commissioned to create a centerpiece for the President’s Office of Market Enterprise Co., Ltd. in Kyobashi, Tokyo. The requested phrase was a unique coinage: “Shi-Kon-Sho-Sai”. This four-character idiom is a creative variation … Read more
Looking back at the spring of 2016 in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most traditional districts. I was invited as a guest performer for an event held at “Marugoto Nippon” (a commercial facility showcasing regional specialties from all over Japan), located at the Asakusa Rock Broadway entrance. “En” (Connection) – Cherry Blossoms in Asakusa On stage, I performed a dynamic calligraphy … Read more
Looking back to 2014, we revisit a comprehensive spatial coordination project that redefined the relationship between corporate welfare, local community, and art. The Venue: “Ranzan Cafeteria” as a Gallery In August 2014, Taiyo Holdings Co., Ltd. opened its new employee cafeteria, “Ranzan Cafeteria,” with a visionary concept: “A space contributing to the local community.” Far from a typical canteen, this … Read more
Looking back at a memorable autumn day in 2015. To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Sister City Agreement between my hometown Kawagoe City and Salem City (Oregon, USA), a commemorative ceremony was held to welcome the delegation from Salem. A Solemn Performance at Hikawa Shrine The venue was the historic Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. As an introduction to Japanese culture … Read more