Kakizome — Writing the First Character of the New Year

January 2nd is traditionally known in Japan as kakizome, the first calligraphy of the year.

Kakizome is the practice of writing a character or word at the beginning of the new year, carrying one’s thoughts and hopes into the months ahead. Its origins are said to date back to the Heian period, around 794, when members of the imperial court would write poems and waka at the start of the year. As time passed, the tradition continued to evolve.

During the Edo period (1603–1868), calligraphy became more accessible to ordinary people, and kakizome spread widely among children and adults alike. What began as a courtly custom gradually became a quiet New Year ritual shared by many. At the start of the new year, we take a brush in hand and write our current feelings and wishes as a single character or a few simple words on paper.

Kakizome is not only about making resolutions. The scent of ink, the texture of the paper, and the pause before the first stroke help us step away from the busyness of daily life and gently turn our attention inward. There is no need to write beautifully. There is no need to choose strong or impressive words. One character that feels right, just as you are, is enough.

In our calligraphy workshops, we also value this time to pause and work with our hands. As we move the brush and fold paper, we hope you can experience the quiet feeling of your mind naturally settling.

At the beginning of this new year, may you encounter a character that feels truly meaningful to you.