Looking back to December 2014, we revisit a high-profile collaboration involving one of Japan’s most iconic music artists, Hikaru Utada. Interpreting the Music of a Legend To celebrate her 15th anniversary, the tribute album “Utada Hikaru no Uta” (Songs of Utada Hikaru) was released, featuring covers by top musicians. Alongside the music, a special promotional project was launched where creators … Read more
Looking back to 2013, we revisit a monumental installation created for one of the world’s leading professional services firms in the heart of Tokyo. A Manifesto in Ink To mark their 45th anniversary and the opening of their new office in the prestigious Marunouchi Building, Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting LLC commissioned a piece that would serve as the spiritual backbone of … Read more
Looking back at a reception held in Shinagawa in 2015. I performed at the “Meeting Japan 2015” for a Medical University, held at The Landmark Square Tokyo. Shifting the Atmosphere The event was a standing buffet party with about 70 guests, including many from overseas. In a lively environment where guests are enjoying conversation and meals, drawing attention can be … Read more
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 … Read more
Looking back at a physically demanding yet exhilarating challenge in the summer of 2015. I performed at the “Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival” (Kawagoe Hyakumanto Natsu Matsuri) held on the nostalgic Taisho Roman Yume-dori Street. Breaking My Own Record: Over 100m I have challenged myself with long-distance calligraphy before—50m in 2008 and 100m in 2009. For this event, I aimed … Read more
We revisit a memorable evening held at Kappo Kawashima, a historic ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) in the heart of Koedo Kawagoe. From Kawagoe to the World Chosho Yabe was invited to speak at the regular meeting of “Jinen-no-kai,” an esteemed organization comprised of alumni from the Kawagoe Junior Chamber (JC). The audience included many prominent local entrepreneurs and executives. The … Read more
Looking back to October 2012, we revisit a sophisticated collaboration with PARKER, the prestigious British writing instrument brand holding the Royal Warrant. Celebrating the “5th Mode” of Writing Following a previous engagement where Chosho Yabe was interviewed for the launch of PARKER’s revolutionary “Ingenuity” collection and calligraphed its cover title, we were invited to participate in a special exhibition: the … Read more
Looking back to 2012, we revisit a project deeply rooted in tradition and the spiritual heart of Chosho Yabe’s hometown, Kawagoe. The Challenge: Ink on Wood We were entrusted with a sacred task by Kawagoe Hachimangu, a historic shrine that has watched over the city for centuries. The commission was to calligraph the signboard for the entrance of their Assembly … Read more
Looking back at 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” … Read more
Looking back at a dynamic night in Yokohama. I was invited to perform at a corporate dinner event held at the Yokohama Grand Intercontinental Hotel. Entertaining Guests from North America The event was hosted by a major manufacturing company, welcoming guests from the USA, Canada, and Mexico. As the grand finale of the party, I presented a calligraphy performance to … Read more