2nd New Year’s Calligraphy Contest – Winners Announcement
Announcement of Nominees for the 2nd Kakizome (New Year Calligraphy) Contest
On January 1, 2021, Shoyu Online invited entries for the “2nd Kakizome Contest” under the theme “Goals and Aspirations for 2021.”
We received nearly 300 submissions of freely imagined works expressing each participant’s personal goals and resolutions without being bound by traditional writing styles.
This year, we received even more entries than the previous contest, with many wonderful and inspiring works. Thank you very much.
As more people spend time at home, we hope this online event helps spread the joy of calligraphy and contributes to the development of the art.
From among all submissions, we are pleased to announce the nominated entries for this year’s Kakizome Contest.
Shoyu Online Grand Prize [1 Winner]
Special Prize [5 Winners]
Excellence Award [10 Winners]
Honorable Mention [20 Winners]
Shoyu Online Grand Prize
sayaka_kato0225
The Grand Prize of the 2nd Shoyu Online Kakizome Contest goes to sayaka_kato0225.
Announcement of Nominees for the 2nd Kakizome (New Year Calligraphy) Contest
On January 1, 2021, Shoyu Online invited entries for the “2nd Kakizome Contest” under the theme “Goals and Aspirations for 2021.”
We received nearly 300 submissions of freely imagined works expressing each participant’s personal goals and resolutions without being bound by traditional writing styles.
This year, we received even more entries than the previous contest, with many wonderful and inspiring works. Thank you very much.
As more people spend time at home, we hope this online event helps spread the joy of calligraphy and contributes to the development of the art.
From among all submissions, we are pleased to announce the nominated entries for this year’s Kakizome Contest.
Shoyu Online Grand Prize [1 Winner]
Special Prize [5 Winners]
Excellence Award [10 Winners]
Honorable Mention [20 Winners]
Shoyu Online Grand Prize
sayaka_kato0225
The Grand Prize of the 2nd Shoyu Online Kakizome Contest goes to sayaka_kato0225.
Special Prizes
The following artists have been selected for the Special Prize:
- minako_mrkm
- phenix_1111
- artsho_tsukuribito_creator_asa
- hikkou_kasyu
- medaka_saien.a
Their works were chosen for their excellence.
Special Prize: minako_mrkm
[Judging Comments]
Beautifully Expressing the Weight of the Word “Live”
This piece makes the viewer reflect on the meaning of “life.” The composition, ink tone, and placement of the seal are all well-balanced, creating a harmonious work that conveys both depth and gentleness.
Special Prize: phenix_1111
[Judging Comments]
Superb Use of Fading and Negative Space
The overall balance of the piece is outstanding. The craftsmanship (“Takumi” spirit) is perfectly expressed, embodying the essence of handmade artistry within this single work.
Special Prize: artsho_tsukuribito_creator_asa
[Judging Comments]
A Stunning Fusion of Color and Calligraphy
Expressed with brilliantly vivid colors that instantly captivate the viewer, this piece overflows with creative energy. The harmony between color and calligraphy is exquisite, inspiring a joyful sense of playfulness.
Special Prize: hikkou_kasyu
[Judging Comments]
Impressed by Its Simple and Gentle Expression
The work seems to whisper, “If you keep trying, good days will surely come.” It’s a touching piece that encourages perseverance. Even when tired, viewing this work evokes a sense of stepping forward. The placement of characters and the seal is thoughtfully executed in perfect balance.
Special Prize: medaka_saien.a
[Judging Comments]
A Beautiful Expression That Feels as if It Could Take Flight
The downward extension of the final stroke is perfectly harmonized with the entire composition, creating a natural and flowing motion. The piece has a gentle rhythm, as if it were “slowly and gracefully dancing,” bringing a sense of calm to the viewer.
Excellence Awards
The following artists have been selected for the Excellence Awards:
- shouka.2662
- kinako8700
- waka_036
- nagomitoiro
- oit_shodo
- koheikajito
- nm____0408
- kisyuu_calligraphy
- flone2020
- sai_313_mi
Their works have been recognized for their outstanding quality.
Excellence Award: shouka.2662
[Judging Comments]
Drawn to the Profound and Powerful Style
The rich ink tone and the way each stroke connects to the next are beautifully executed. The lower character “心 (heart)” skillfully supports the upper “相 (thought),” resulting in a well-balanced and solid composition. The character “想 (imagination/emotion)” conveys a range of feelings—sadness, brightness, simplicity—and the piece as a whole leaves a deeply moving impression.
Excellence Award: kinako8700
[Judging Comments]
A Perfect Expression of Passion and Focus in a Single Stroke!
This piece conveys both the strength of the brushwork and the care put into every line and dot. Although inspired by table tennis, the work embodies the spirit of all sports—instilling energy, focus, and a heightened sense of determination in anyone who views it.
Excellence Award: waka_036
[Judging Comments]
A Dynamic and Energetic Style
This piece embodies a true cry from the soul. Despite its bold and powerful strokes, the balance between black and white space is perfectly maintained, resulting in a refreshing and clear impression. Behind the strong energy of the character “魂 (spirit)” lies a gentle seal mark that brings a sense of warmth and comfort.
Excellence Award: nagomitoiro
[Judging Comments]
A Work That Makes You Excited to See What Will Bloom Next
The smooth, flowing lines give the piece a gentle and heartwarming feeling. The balance between calligraphy and color is exquisite, showing a high level of artistry. By placing the seal in the center, the composition achieves a refined sense of balance and completion.
Excellence Award: oit_shodo
[Judging Comments]
A Work That Boldly Pushes Forward with Determination
This piece skillfully conveys the feeling of courage and steady progress forward. The addition of a subtle golden tone enhances the overall brightness and elegance, giving the work an uplifting and radiant impression.
Excellence Award: koheikajito
[Judging Comments]
A Work That Conveys Strength Within Serenity
This piece seems to embody the artist’s thoughts and experiences entirely within the calligraphy. The delicate linework is exceptionally refined — the final leftward stroke of the character “祈 (pray)” is executed with remarkable precision and focus, reflecting deep concentration until the very end.
Excellence Award: nm____0408
[Judging Comments]
A Work That Surely Inspires Emotion
This piece embodies the power of how brush and ink can move and touch people’s hearts. It conveys both emotional depth and strength, showing the full potential of expressive calligraphy. The fluid and lively brush movements also bring a sense of joy and lightness to the viewer.
Excellence Award: kisyuu_calligraphy
[Judging Comments]
A Bold and Steady Kakizome Befitting the Year of the Ox
The overall character forms, color balance, and placement of the seal perfectly complement the calligraphy. The solid, weighty shapes evoke the image of an ox, while still maintaining a sense of charm and warmth. The uniquely designed seal adds a touch of playfulness and originality to the piece.
Excellence Award: flone2020
[Judging Comments]
A Work That Inspires Cheerful Morning Greetings
A heartfelt “greeting” has the power to uplift others, and this piece beautifully conveys that warmth. The placement of the artist’s name is refreshingly original, giving the impression of someone speaking out energetically and brightly to start the day.
Excellence Award: sai_313_mi
[Judging Comments]
A Work That Conveys a Heartfelt Wish
In today’s world filled with somber news, this piece inspires a sense of hope. The phrase “A bright future will surely come” resonates through the brushstrokes, making it a deeply moving work that gently stirs optimism in the viewer.
Honorable Mentions
The following artists have been selected for Honorable Mention:
- yoshikobanba
- zag04659
- risa_happygirl
- shinyaaah.1702
- miya_summer81
- yoko.eri.shinohara
- sutekina.kokorosho
- mi.yuki0719
- nakanakanakanakana
- misora3
- kimamaneko.onoresho
- kobe5312022
- yu_na_moon
- reii9221
- ichigoichiep
- kou_sho
- nichoyo_writing.road
- gihitusou
- en_utageya
- chichuan.s
Their works have been recognized for their creativity and expressive beauty.
Honorable Mention: yoshikobanba
[Judging Comments]
A Stroke That Truly Conveys Grace and Flexibility
Within its graceful flow lies the strength of “life.” Beyond the skillful brushwork, the harmony between the calligraphy and the elegant background pattern is beautifully executed.
Honorable Mention: zag04659
[Judging Comments]
A Work That Inspires the Feeling of “Let’s Move Forward with Energy!”
Within the rugged character forms lies an encouraging expression that gives strength to the viewer. It conveys the message that it’s okay to move slowly—as long as you keep taking steady steps forward.
Honorable Mention: risa_happygirl
[Judging Comments]
A Work That Brings an Incredibly “Happy” Feeling
Just looking at this piece naturally brings a smile. Its vibrant energy radiates positivity, giving the sense that people all over the world could smile from seeing it.
Honorable Mention: shinyaaah.1702
[Judging Comments]
A Work Expressed with Remarkable Care and Precision
Doing things with care may seem simple, yet it is one of the hardest virtues to practice. This piece conveys that dedication beautifully—the sincerity of the artist’s mindset can be felt in every single stroke and dot.
佳作：miya_summer81様
【受賞理由】
大きなゆめがこの書から伝わりました
大きく力強いゆめはきっと何でも叶う気がする書に仕上がっています。この一筆にはなんとも言えないくらい可愛らしいほんわかした表現になっています。
Honorable Mention: yoko.eri.shinohara
[Reason for Award]
Beautiful expression of character balance and dry brush technique
The brush moves freely, showing thoughtful composition for a horizontal piece. The artist skillfully uses the dry brush to create crisp contrast against the overall ink tone, resulting in strong, refined lines.
Honorable Mention: sutekina.kokorosho
[Reason for Award]
A brushwork that inspires the continuation of one’s New Year goals
The creative idea of expressing “One sheet per day” with a brush, combined with a vivid use of colors, gives a lively impression. Although maintaining such a routine can be challenging, this calligraphy feels like an encouraging companion to help move forward little by little.
Honorable Mention: mi.yuki0719
[Reason for Award]
Deeply moved by the sincerity of the words
Rather than relying on individual strength, it is important to join forces and cooperate with others. This calligraphy strongly conveys that sense of power and sincerity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration in various settings such as schools and workplaces.
Honorable Mention: nakanakanakanakana
[Reason for Award]
You can almost picture the joyful, passionate focus
This work conveys a desire to dive into something wholeheartedly, to the point of losing oneself in concentration. From the characters, you can feel both determination—“I will make it happen!”—and a sense of care and precision in execution.
Honorable Mention: misora3
[Reason for Award]
It stirred a passionate feeling
This boldly written piece, executed with confidence and without hesitation, conveys a powerful surge of emotion. The expressive, forward-driven style inspires courage and energy in the viewer.
Honorable Mention: kimamaneko.onoresho
[Reason for Award]
A heartwarming piece perfect for the New Year
All seven gods of good fortune are depicted with delightful smiles, creating a heartwarming and peaceful feeling. The exquisite balance between the calligraphy and illustration leaves a lasting impression.
Honorable Mention: kobe5312022
[Reason for Award]
Captivated by its simplicity and smooth brushwork
This piece brings a sense of calm and purity to the heart. The gentle and graceful flow of the brushstrokes conveys a soft, soothing warmth.
Honorable Mention: yu_na_moon
[Reason for Award]
A wonderful piece that radiates richness and strength
With its message of having a “broad heart” — treating others kindly with a calm and generous spirit — this calligraphy left a deep impression. The red background and patterned accents beautifully enhance the overall work.
Honorable Mention: reii9221
[Reason for Award]
Moved by the solid and grounded composition
The powerful energy emanating from this piece struck deeply in the heart. Each stroke is refined and confident, conveying an unshakable determination to persevere.
Honorable Mention: ichigoichiep
[Reason for Award]
It conveys the feeling of “Run straight toward your dream!”
With its dynamic yet pure brushwork, this piece inspires the belief that dreams will surely come true. It feels as though all emotions and aspirations are condensed into this single character.
Honorable Mention: kou_sho
[Reason for Award]
This piece conveys a profound sense of depth
A work that truly makes one reflect. It inspires introspection and the desire for deeper self-discipline. In the brushwork of “Deepen,” the flowing, natural strokes create a smooth and deeply expressive impression.
Honorable Mention: nichiyo_writing.road
[Reason for Award]
A style that conveys the aesthetic beauty of calligraphic form
This piece, created on washi paper, captivates with the form and line quality of the character “育” (“nurture”). The artist skillfully controls the ink bleed, achieving a refined balance that avoids heaviness while maintaining delicacy.
Honorable Mention: gihitusou
[Reason for Award]
A powerful work that embodies the strength to achieve one’s goals
This piece, written in the Kanteiryu style, is refined in every aspect—form, spacing, and balance. The natural layering of black ink over red is especially moving, demonstrating a masterful sense of expression.
Honorable Mention: en_utageya
[Reason for Award]
Captivated by the radiant brilliance of this calligraphy
The harmonious fusion of overall composition and the use of metallic elements is truly compelling. Within the dynamic motion of the character “環” (“circle”), there remains a calm and graceful presence, making this a beautifully balanced work.
Honorable Mention: chichuan.s
[Reason for Award]
A beautifully radiant calligraphy full of brilliance
The brushwork flows with excellent movement, and the balance between dense and sparse areas is truly exquisite. From this piece, one can feel a strong, radiant energy shining forth.
Through the theme of “Goals and Aspirations,” we could sense the personal stories and emotions of each artist, making for a fascinating variety of expressions.
We are pleased to introduce the 36 award-winning works from the 2nd Kakizome (First Calligraphy of the Year) Contest.
Although this was only the second event, nearly 300 participants joined—thank you very much for your enthusiastic entries.
Unlike traditional exhibitions, this online contest allows people from around the world to participate in the art of calligraphy, and we hope to contribute to the future development of calligraphy through projects like this.
At Shoyu Online, we will continue to share engaging content centered on the joy of “writing,” so that everyone can enjoy calligraphy even more.
We look forward to your participation in our next interactive event!