WORKS / PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE Shodo Performance / Live Calligraphy Performance
The moment when ink, music, and light fuse into one, and a single character is born before your eyes. Chosho Yabe, who has transformed the traditionally “quiet” art of calligraphy into a dynamic stage performance around the world, will turn your event into an unforgettable night.
- 200+ Corporate Events
- 16 Countries Visited
- 100,000+ Total Audience
Live Art That Channels the Full Energy of Calligraphy
In a minimal world composed only of deep black ink and pure white space, music, lighting, and visual effects intertwine to transform the entire venue into a single immersive artwork. The sweeping motion of the oversized brush and the powerful strokes created with the whole body carry both the dynamism of a dancer and the refined elegance unique to traditional Japanese culture.
Audience members, including announcers and event hosts seated close to the stage, often describe the performance as “impossible to look away” and “breathtaking in its intensity.”
A Pioneer of Calligraphy Performance With an Unmatched Record of Excellence
Long before calligraphy performance became widely recognized across Japan, Chosho Yabe had already been presenting large-scale stage works throughout the country, transforming calligraphy from a traditional seated demonstration—sekijō-kigō— into a dramatic and fully realized performing art.
Why Corporate Events Continue to Choose Us
From milestone ceremonies and award presentations to kick-off meetings, summits, and industry forums, we have been entrusted with performances at some of the most important moments for companies and organizations. Even in high-pressure situations where perfection is required and there is only one chance to deliver, our extensive experience, composure, and ability to improvise have earned strong, lasting trust from our clients.
A Performance Recognized Around the World
We have presented stage performances, workshops, and cultural programs in 16 countries, including the United States, Europe, China, the Middle East, and across Asia. Our appearances at embassies, international conferences, and cultural institutions have been featured extensively in overseas media, including television and newspapers.
Stage Productions That Connect Japan and the World
From collaborations with traditional Japanese musicians, orchestras, and dancers to large-scale works such as writing on 100-meter sheets of paper and performances with mass taiko drum ensembles, we design fully customized stage productions to match each event concept. These performances are also ideal for international conferences and inbound events such as “Japan Night” and “Japan Day.”
Clients (partial list, titles omitted)
Ferrari Japan, PEUGEOT, Volkswagen, TOYOTA, MIKIMOTO, YAMAHA, Recruit, AEON, Apple, Yakult, Suntory, NTT DOCOMO, Idemitsu Kosan, Kao, JTB, Japan Quality Assurance Organization, Daiichikosho, Senshu University, Fuji Xerox, Ebisu Garden Place, Shinagawa East One Tower, and many more.
IN JAPAN
Bringing Authentic “Japan” to Corporate Ceremonies and Forums As a Memorable Opening Act
Performances at International Conferences and Awards
At an international award ceremony attended by IOC officials and representatives from national Olympic committees, we performed the character “Passion” in sync with a snowfall-themed visual backdrop and live shamisen and shinobue music. Incorporating elements of ink-painting aesthetics, the stage blended Japanese cultural expression with a deep respect for the world of sports.
By carefully listening to each event’s theme and core message, we coordinate the calligraphy, music, and visual direction as a unified experience—creating scenes that overseas guests can understand intuitively and remember vividly.
Recommended for Events in Japan
- Corporate anniversary or foundation ceremonies
- Opening acts for award ceremonies and kick-off meetings
- Receptions for incentive tours or dealer meetings
- Inbound-focused reception parties
IN THE WORLD
Performances in 16 Countries Worldwide
Bringing Japanese Calligraphy to the Global Stage
Since our appearance at “JAPAN WEEK” in 2006 in Salamanca, Spain—a UNESCO World Heritage city— we have delivered performances and workshops across Europe, the United States, Asia, and the Middle East.
United States
- World Beat Festival – International Sister City Exchange Event (Salem, Oregon)
- Corporate conventions for global companies (Hawaii)
- Stage performance at the residence of the Consul General of Japan in New York
Europe
- Seated calligraphy performance at the official residence of the Japanese Ambassador in Luxembourg
- Stage performance at the National Culinary Institute in Florence, Italy
- Theater and cultural venue tour performances in Paris, France
Middle East & Russia
- Calligraphy performance & signing event at the World Petroleum Congress (Doha, Qatar)
- Opening performance for an Arabic calligraphy exhibition (Oman)
- Guest appearance at the Japanese Film Festival & special lectures at an arts academy (Khabarovsk, Russia)
Asia
- Performances at cultural festivals and symposiums across China
- Live performances and special lectures at galleries and universities in Seoul, South Korea
- Corporate events and PR projects in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, and more
Calligraphy Performance:
A Complete Form of Entertainment
One of the greatest appeals of calligraphy performance is that the audience can witness—and share—the entire process of a work coming to life. As the music reaches its climax, the brushstrokes accelerate, and in perfect harmony with the rising energy of the venue, a single character emerges. That moment creates a universal “WOW” experienced by audiences around the world.
Performing in Harmony with Music
We have collaborated with a wide range of artists across genres, including traditional Japanese instruments such as taiko drums, koto, shamisen, hayashi, and gagaku, as well as rock shamisen, erhu, soprano vocals, violin, cello, ocarina, flute, piano, accordion, percussion, Indian music, Brazilian music, and wind ensembles.
Musical selections can be tailored to the theme, audience nationality, and demographic of each event. Performances blending traditional Japanese sounds with contemporary music are particularly well-received.
Add a Moment of Inspiration
to Your Event with a Live Calligraphy Performance
From corporate ceremonies and international conferences to incentive tours
and inbound-focused events, we create the ideal stage plan tailored to the
size, purpose, and atmosphere of your venue.
We can also provide English explanations and on-stage guidance for overseas guests.
Please feel free to contact us for inquiries or booking information.