My own involvement in this special art has a haunting and evasive, sometimes very simple, undertone. Haunting because it is part of my mental life that includes much that is beyond or not part of everyday rational habits. It is more than an exotic Asian mystery and philosophy felt as a special mystique by many…
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I remember when I first started to visit Calligraphy exhibitions with a friend, he would always comment on every piece of calligraphy that we looked at together. Unless there was a ribbon which meant that it had won an award from the organization or it was done by a teacher, he would say, “The calligraphy…
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“Lucid Dreaming” is an act of rebellion. The dreamer gains control over his actions and thoughts. The subconscious becomes conscious, dreams become a memory. The Lucid Dreamer is like a magician, imposing willpower and constantly struggling with himself, to master his skills and gain full control of the dream, thus becoming the ruler of the…
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Many universities in Japan have a Calligraphy Clubs led by students, and many students learn Calligraphy as club activities. Hosei University also has a Calligraphy Club called “Hosei University Shodōkai”. Usually, a University Calligraphy Club is only for students enrolled in that university. But Hosei University Shodōkai is so unique and intercollegiate. It accepts not…
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The opera “ Madame Butterfly ” was written by the Italian composer Puccini in 1904, based on the short story written by John Luther Long in 1898.
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Shadows began to intrigue me more than 20 years ago when I, someone fascinated by calligraphy and the color of ink, moved from my beloved Japan to Australia. In a southern country whose language was different from mine, I was struck less by that difference than by the contrast of Australia’s drier air and clear…
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There are branches of the International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society (ICCPS) in eight major cities around the world. I was fortunate enough to be invited to enter the studio of ICCPS founder Master Ransui Yakata, who is the recipient of numerous awards at public exhibitions, including in ink painting (sumi-e). Master Ransui Yakata…
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When I decided to come to Japan for a year (18 years ago), I had no idea how much this country suits my personality. However, it did not take me long to notice how important cuteness is in Japanese culture. So I can easily see why Snoopy is so well-loved here. The Snoopy Japanesque exhibit…
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An exhibition organized by Master Yakata Ransui (矢形嵐酔), President and Founder of ICCPS, was held in Tokyo from June 3rd to June 9th. Ink painting, sumi-e, suibokuga and Japanese and Chinese calligraphy were presented. The International Chinese Calligraphic Art & Chinese Ink Painting Artist Society, with Ransui Yakata as President and General Director, has head…
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Then there is Urban Calligraphy. His own words about what that means are illuminating but none more so than seeing the work itself. Responding to what is, finding the
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