Looking back to 2017, we recall a monumental collaboration where the rhythm of R&B met the rhythm of the brush on a national stage.
The Concept: “Wa to Yo” (Japanese & Western)
In 2017, the renowned Japanese musician AI released her album “Wa to Yo” and embarked on a nationwide tour. The title signifies the fusion of “Japanese style” (Wa) and “Western style” (Yo)—a concept that mirrors the very soul of Yabe Chosho’s artistic philosophy: “Tradition meets Innovation.”

A Canvas of Grand Proportions
We were commissioned to create the title calligraphy for the massive stage curtain (Doncho) that would greet thousands of fans at every venue across Japan.
- The Scale: Unlike gallery pieces, this work demanded a presence strong enough to hold the vast space of concert halls.
- The Energy: The brushstrokes needed to embody the powerful, soulful voice of AI and the dynamic fusion of musical genres.

When the curtain fell, the giant calligraphy of “Wa to Yo” appeared, bridging the gap between the silence of tradition and the heat of modern entertainment. It was a visual overture to an unforgettable performance.
Yabe Chosho Office