Have you ever heard of a woman named Shishu, a world-renowned artist who trained as a calligrapher and created a new worldview by elevating calligraphy to art? Many people would recognize her as the person who wrote the title of the NHK taiga drama ``Ryomaden.''
Shishu's works are elegant, powerful, and warm. This is also true for herself. As everyone agrees, Shishu is dignified and always straightforward. Her passion is reflected not only in her work as an artist, but also in her social activities.
All ofI used all my strength.
The power that still remains deep in my stomach!
Roaring eternal Vajra power, gale of wind,
Spread the hot whirlpool, wake up the tiger,
Release the dragon and show the morning glory!
“Todoro! Power!” 96 yen (excluding tax)
I have always wanted to participate in the workshop ``Love Letter Project'' hosted by Shishu, and last year I finally got the chance. When I took part, I realized that it was even more amazing than I had imagined, and I wanted to convey this excitement to as many people as possible, so I asked him to speak about it specially.
A look at the ``Love Letter Project.''
“I am happy to say that many people have been moved by the workshops.When we started this project in 2005, Japan was very rich and fulfilled. I learned that there were people who lamented that they were not recognized for their work, and I thought that calligraphy could lead to the salvation and liberation of those people's hearts, which is what got me started.'' It is said that calligraphy can make you feel free, but Shishu says that it doesn't make you feel empty, but rather that it frees your mind a little. ``When I write calligraphy, I concentrate all my attention on the tip of the brush and the paper, so for just that moment I can forget my deep sadness and suffering.I hope I can free my mind even for just that brief moment.'' Shishu's belief that the ``power of calligraphy'' will surely help someone was clearly felt through my participation in the workshop.
Face your own heart and calm your heart through calligraphy
This is a valuable opportunity to receive direct instruction from Shishu, who does not offer calligraphy classes.
``Love Letter Project'' is a project where students learn calligraphy and write letters to people they are grateful for. It was a bit of a hurdle for me, as I had no knowledge of calligraphy, but the teaching method was completely different from the calligraphy classes I had as a student, and it was a valuable experience that gave us the fun and discovery of calligraphy. For example, at school, I was told many times to handle my brushes with care and not put them all down, but Shishu tells me that it's okay to slam my brushes against the paper.
The writer's thoughts are conveyed.
Of course, they repeat the basic practice of marking dots, brushing, and drawing straight lines, and then they experience writing with their hearts, such as writing with gentle feelings and writing with strong and intense feelings. Then, depending on the thickness of the lines and the way the dots are placed, expressions are created in the letters, and the heart of the writer is reflected.
And now it's time to create the letter. On a large piece of washi paper, I write down my feelings of gratitude to my two daughters. While weaving the words of gratitude that are deep in my heart, I concentrate on the tip of my brush with all my heart. Then, an honest and kind feeling wells up inside me. The completed letter was immediately printed in small size, placed in a photo frame, and presented to the daughters. My daughters were more excited than any other present I had given them, which moved me even more. Although there are fewer opportunities to write letters these days, there is no doubt that the experience of expressing my feelings in writing and writing them down gave me new awareness.
You can't get anywhere unless you take a step.
Be the one who goes, like a dragon dancing in the sky.
You can't become anything unless you start.
Become a doer, like a carp rising up a waterfall.
"If you don't go, you won't get there. Like a dragon. If you don't try, you won't get anywhere. Like a carp."
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Good things are best in moderation.
Even if it is a good thing, a good thing that is not asked for is
Sometimes it can be a nuisance to the other person.
When you spend time and effort cooking,
Expecting “delicious” from the other person,
I get emotional because I don't say "thank you" and I ask for something in return.
I feel condescending even though I have done it for you,
I always feel like it's just me...
Everyone has it.
Even if you do something good like that,
If you get too attached to that, your mind may not be clean.
Sometimes I get caught up in the feeling that I should have done it for you.
Sometimes we feel a desire for something in return even if we are not consciously aware of it.
I don't want to be dissatisfied if I don't receive gratitude,
Good things are best in moderation.
It's good to have just the right amount, the right amount of seasoning, and the right amount.
If you do something good, don't go after it.
Yes, it's over. You did a good job, that's enough!
"Ee hot water level" 73 yen (excluding tax)
“Calligraphy is a culture that has been cherished by the Japanese people for 1300 years. Nowadays, computers and smartphones are commonplace, but even so, the number of calligraphers will not decrease. This is because calligraphy has always been close to our hearts. I feel that it is a testament to our heritage, and that it conveys many feelings to us through the power of tradition."
Shishu is immersed in his work.
Photo Tadahiko Nagata
Shishu also told us about his desire to create a ``hospital of the future'' as part of his future social activities. ``Many countries around the world do not have health insurance systems, and the reality is that it is not easy to go to the hospital.If there is a problem that does not warrant a hospital visit, the hospital of the future will be able to deal with it instead of a doctor or pharmacist. I believe that art and technology have the power to heal people, and I am currently working with various people to make this a reality little by little." Books and art have a great influence on us and give us a lot of insight. I feel that through this experience. The possibilities of art are truly endless.
(Titles omitted)
Profile
SISYU
Calligrapher, artist, professor at Osaka University of Arts
He elevates calligraphy, a traditional Japanese culture, into paintings, sculptures, and media art, and transmits Japanese thought and culture to the world. At the SNBA exhibition held in the basement of the Louvre Museum in France, he became the first Japanese to win the gold medal for calligraphy and the highest gold medal for sculpture, and was praised as ``Hokusai turned a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional object, and Shishu turned a two-dimensional object into a three-dimensional object.'' (2014). He worked on the entrance exhibition for the Japan Pavilion at Expo Milano, Italy, which won a gold medal (2015). Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress (currently Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress Emeritus) visited the Shishu Exhibition (2017). Japanese NHK taiga dramas ``Ryomaden'' and ``Tsubo of Beauty'', Ise Jingu ``Shukugo Sengu'', and Meiji Shrine ``Meiji Jingu Enshrining Centennial Festival''.
Photo by Noriaki Ito
Profile
Shizuko Hirata
Representative director of Hirata Works, publishing producer. Joined Fuji Television Co., Ltd. in 1969. In 1984, he was seconded to Fusosha Co., Ltd. and worked as editor-in-chief in the advertising department and book editorial department. He became the editor-in-chief of the magazine CAZ in 1994, and then served as executive officer, director, and managing director of the company. In 2000, he published and produced ``Where Has the Cheese Gone?'' which became a huge hit with cumulative sales of 400 million copies. She won the Woman of the Year award sponsored by Nikkei Woman. In 2010, he retired from Fusosha Co., Ltd. and established Hirata Works in the same year. In 2016, he became the representative director and president of Sunnyside Up Career Co., Ltd. (human resources business), and retired in 2020. Since 2020, he has been a member of the Meiji University Council. In 2021, he was appointed as an outside director of Amana.
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