NEW YEAR CALLIGRAPHY “KAKIZOME” WORKSHOPS 2026
Happy New Year! I’m offering New Year Calligraphy “Kakizome” Workshops in my studio, Atelier Towa again this year. Kakizome (書き初め) is the term for the first calligraphy writing of the new year, traditionally performed on the second day of January. This event is also called 吉書 (kissho: good luck calligraphy), 初硯 (hatsu-suzuri: first ink well) and 試筆 (shi-hitsu: challenge writing).
Traditionally, water called “wakamizu” (若水) used to make the Sumi ink for Kakizome must be the one taken from the well on the New Year’s day, which is believed to be pure and holy. Wishing for a good luck for the year, we write Kakizome facing towards “ehou” (恵方), the fortunate direction for the year based on the local zodiac. People write auspicious kanji characters or a short poetry, such as haiku or tanka, or their favorite characters that symbolize one’s wishes for the New Year.
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Experience Kakizome (New Year Calligraphy), a traditional Japanese practice that welcomes the New Year through mindful brushwork and intention. In this calm, hands-on workshop designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, you will create fresh sumi ink using an ink stick and wakamizu, and write meaningful words traditionally chosen to set intentions for the year ahead from a curated list.
Participants will learn:
• How to hold and control the brush
• Cultivating balance between mind and body
• The structure and meaning of Japanese characters
• Basic brush techniques and the expressive nature of sumi ink
The instructor will guide you through live demonstrations followed by hands-on practice. You will complete a final Kakizome artwork on yatsugiri gasen-shi paper and take home your finished calligraphy pieces, an ink stick, and an artwork folder.
Water will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring water saved on New Year’s Day (wakamizu) if available.
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SATURDAY JANUARY 24, 2026 | 10:30am – 1:30pm PST
SUNDAY JANUARY 25, 2026 | 10:30am – 1:30pm PST
Atelier Towa
4423 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA