Calligrapher Shoko Kanazawa writes this year’s (2025) kanji, '輝' (shine), Kugahara, Ota Ward, Tokyo (©Sankei Koki Uemura).
このページを 日本語 で読む
Each year, JAPAN Forward unveils its New Year Kanji, a tradition that shares a meaningful character with the world. For 2025, the chosen kanji is 輝 (kagayaki), meaning "shine." This powerful symbol was selected by renowned calligrapher Shoko Kanazawa, 39, who has Down syndrome, together with her mother, Yasuko, 81. With a glowing smile, Shoko boldly inscribed 輝 and encouraged, "Let's all shine brightly this year!"
Radiant Prayer and New Year's Wishes
Shoko wore a cream-colored kimono adorned with delicate gold and silver chrysanthemum patterns, a gift from her mother. Its subdued tones were complemented by vivid red sleeves. Kneeling before the washi paper, she quietly offered a prayer to her late father. With a brush larger and longer than her own arm, she poured her energy into completing the kanji in one stroke.
After completing the calligraphy, Shoko, standing before her work, expressed, "I wrote this with all my heart. Stay healthy, keep smiling, and embrace happiness. Wishing everyone a radiant and shining year ahead!" She added cheerfully, "Happy New Year, everyone! Happy New Year!" When asked by a reporter about her resolutions for the year, she shyly replied, "I want to get married."
Shoko's Gallery
Located in Kugahara, Ota Ward, Tokyo, Shoko's gallery was opened two years ago. In late 2023, its first floor was converted into a gallery café, providing a space for Shoko to interact directly with visitors. The second floor, where Shoko created 輝, will now be open to the public as an exhibition space showcasing her work.
An Army of Light
The New Year Kanji tradition, now in its eighth year, began with the kanji 光 (light). Over the years, characters like 祈 (prayer), 和 (harmony), 勝 (victory), 飛 (flight), 愛 (love), and 翔 (soar) have carried messages relevant to the times.
This year's kanji, 輝, combines "light" and "army." In a world still shrouded in the darkness of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, it expresses a wish for an "army of light" to bring peace and hope to those suffering from despair and strife.
RELATED:
- 'Soar' Into the Future: Shoko Kanazawa Reveals New Year Kanji for 2024
- 'Love' is the 2023 New Year Kanji: Shoko Kanazawa Declares From Tokyo Tower
- The Shoko Kanazawa Story: Moving Documentary of a Remarkable Calligrapher
Author: Japan Forward
このページを 日本語 で読む
