WORKSHOP: New Years "Kakizome" with Aoi Yamaguchi 2026

Kakizome (書き初め) is the term for the first calligraphy writing of the new year, which is traditionally performed on the second day of January in Japan. 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) is used to make the Sumi ink for Kakizome which must be the one taken from the well on the New Year’s day. It is believed to be pure and holy. Wishing for 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 that symbolize one’s wishes for the New Year or short poetry, such as haiku or tanka. 

During the workshop, you will rub the ink stick with your wakamizu to create fresh sumi ink, and write calligraphy from a selected list provided by the instructor. We will go over the basics from holding the brush to controlling the brush, maintaining the balance between mind and body, understanding the structure and meaning of Japanese characters, and exploring the limitless possibilities of sumi ink. Participants will practice the chosen word on hanshi paper, and write the final piece on Japanese hand-made shikishi paper. You will go home with your kakizome artwork and a sumi ink stick!

All supplies will be provided including the wakamizu water.

The class will be taught in English. Knowledge of Japanese is not necessary.

Aoi Yamaguchi, Japanese Calligrapher
山口碧生 / 書家

Born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan, Aoi Yamaguchi has been trained to master calligraphy learning under Master Zuiho Sato from the age of 6. She is a recipient of numerous awards and supreme prizes at competitive public exhibitions. She uniquely transforms Japanese calligraphy into physical artistic expression through conceptual performance. She has performed with contemporary dancers, models, and traditional and contemporary musicians all over the world.

Currently based in Venice, California, Yamaguchi continues her work on her conceptual calligraphy installations, exhibitions, workshops and performances as she continues to push the boundaries of traditional Eastern classics and contemporary artistic expression.