Shimonoseki City Arts and Culture Festival Art Exhibition
November 10, 2022
Nacchan, now a university student, made her first exhibition entry.
Her submission was a rubbing copy of the “Lanting Xu” (Preface to the Poems Collected from the Orchid Pavilion), done on a half-cut size sheet.
Having already become familiar with the large half-cut paper format since high school, she carefully followed all the necessary steps—creating her artist seal, preparing the layout, writing the explanatory text—and awaited the exhibition.
On the opening day, I had the chance to view her work at the museum. It was truly impressive!
At the same time, I was deeply moved by the continuous support and dedication of her parents.
Nacchan joined our calligraphy class as a 4th grader, together with Ryoma, who was in 1st grade at the time.
Both of them have continued practicing ever since.
During exam periods and the emotionally intense and busy days of high school, her mother would frequently bring Nacchan’s works to the classroom, tirelessly going back and forth between home and the studio.
I can only imagine how many times she did this.
I truly admire the swift responsiveness and nurturing care of her mother — it’s within this cradle of support that Nacchan and her younger brother have grown.
Up until high school, Nacchan consistently remained among the top group of students in every exhibition.
Now, she is stepping into a new challenge — competing in the general adult division.
Will you give it a try, Nacchan?
I hope that calligraphy becomes a lifelong companion for her.