The Stillness of January 2nd
In the quiet of a Japanese home, the echoes of the New Year celebrations have faded. The air carries a sense of anticipation, mingling with the lingering scent of holiday sweets. On January 2nd, I find myself unfolding a crisp sheet of washi paper, the ink poised and ready. This is the day of kakizome (書き初め), the tradition of the first calligraphy of the year.
I’ve chosen my word,perhaps a single character, perhaps more. A reflection of my intentions for the year ahead. With the ink prepared, I take a deep, centering breath and let the brush meet the paper. The strokes are deliberate yet free, echoing the promise of beginnings. Kakizome is not about perfection or skill. It embodies the simple act of setting intentions, a personal vow inked onto paper.
“Kakizome invites us to greet the new year with our hands, inscribing our hopes and intentions for the months to come.”
The Essence and Etymology
The term kakizome combines two Japanese words: kaki (書き), from the verb “kaku” meaning “to write,” and zome (初め), signifying “the first” or “beginning.” Together, they stand for “the first writing.”
This practice dates back to the Heian period (794 to 1185), when the imperial court observed a ritual known as jikiso. Court calligraphers created auspicious phrases to inaugurate the new year. Over time, this tradition permeated the aristocracy, samurai culture, merchant households, and eventually became widespread during the Edo period (1603 to 1868).
January 2nd, nestled within the oshogatsu season (New Year’s celebration), was traditionally viewed as highly auspicious. Writing on this day was believed to enhance one’s calligraphy skills for the year. Today, kakizome is a part of the winter curriculum in Japanese schools. Children eagerly dive into the ritual upon returning from holiday break, their classrooms filled with the rich aroma of sumi ink and the quiet concentration of young hands mastering the brush.
The Structure of Kakizome
Kakizome is both simple and profound, with elements that have endured over centuries.
The Timing
Traditionally observed on January 2nd, known as hatsushoyo (the first calligraphy writing), kakizome aligns with the rhythm of the new year. January 1st is for worship and family gatherings. The second day is one of reflection and intention-setting. Some families practice kakizome later in the first week, but the key is to do so before life’s usual pace resumes.
The Tools
A traditional kakizome session requires a fude (calligraphy brush), sumi ink ground on a suzuri (inkstone), and hanshi or washi paper. These materials facilitate the flow of ink and intention onto the page. However, modern practitioners often use pre-made liquid sumi ink and basic brushes, emphasizing the act over the tools.
The Words
The choice of words is deeply personal. Some opt for a single kanji like nichi (harmony), yume (dream), or ai (love). Others choose a yojijukugo, such as ichigo ichie (one encounter, one chance), or craft a short poem. Schoolchildren might write from an assigned list, while at home, the selection reflects personal aspirations.
The Ritual of Burning
Traditionally, kakizome pieces are burned on January 15th during dondoyaki, a community bonfire that also consumes holiday decorations. This act symbolizes sending intentions heavenward, with the height of the flames believed to enhance one’s calligraphy skills. Though urban participation in dondoyaki has waned, many still burn their kakizome privately at the end of January.
Kakizome and the Art of Shodo
Kakizome is a part of the broader discipline of shodo (書道), the art of calligraphy. Shodo has profound roots in Chinese brush traditions that arrived in Japan alongside Buddhism and classical learning. Unlike the ongoing study of shodo, which involves technical mastery, kakizome is an annual ritual open to all. Whether a child’s first attempt or a master’s refined strokes, the essence of kakizome remains the same: a shared intention to mark new beginnings.
“The brush does not judge. It simply asks you to show up.”
Embracing Kakizome Year-Round
Kakizome can inspire us beyond January 2nd. By adapting its principles, we can bring intention and reflection to any new beginning,be it a project, a month, or a life phase.
Selecting Your Word
Take time to consider what truly resonates for the upcoming period. Avoid choosing what sounds impressive or expected. Instead, find a word that genuinely aligns with your aspirations.
Preparing Your Space
Arrange your materials, clear your workspace, and ready yourself for the practice. This preparation is not mere formality, but a way to ground yourself in the moment before the brush meets the paper.
Writing Multiple Times
Kakizome is not about crafting a single perfect piece. Write your word or phrase multiple times, allowing yourself to relax and find the strokes that feel most alive. Choose the piece that resonates with your intention, not necessarily the most technically precise.
Displaying Your Work
Place the finished piece where you will see it regularly,a gentle reminder of your commitment to your chosen word.
Reflecting at Year’s End
Revisit your kakizome at the end of the year or the period it marks. Reflect on how the word carried you through, and how its meaning may have evolved. This reflection naturally leads into the next cycle.
A Personal Memory
When I lived in Kyoto, my landlord, Mrs. Tanaka, invited me to join her family for kakizome. It was a chilly January morning. The warmth of the kotatsu table and the aroma of green tea set a comforting scene. We each chose a word. I selected shizuka (quiet), a reflection of my desire for inner calm amid the bustling city life. As I wrote, the brushstrokes felt like a gentle conversation between my hopes and the year ahead.
Mrs. Tanaka chose en (connection), honoring her wish to maintain strong family ties. Her hands moved with practiced ease, the characters flowing effortlessly. It was a moment of shared intention, bridging our different lives through the simple act of writing.
The Role of Kakizome in Japanese Culture
Kakizome is woven into the cultural fabric of Japan. It is a tradition that values both individual expression and communal participation. In schools, the ritual encourages students to think about their goals. At home, it becomes a family activity that fosters reflection and conversation. In broader society, events like dondoyaki connect communities through shared rituals and collective hopes.
This ritual also relates to other Japanese concepts, such as Wabi-sabi, which embraces the beauty in imperfection and transience. Kakizome, by focusing on intention rather than perfection, echoes this acceptance of the imperfect. Similarly, the practice resonates with Mono no aware, the awareness of the impermanence of things, as each year’s kakizome marks a fleeting moment in time.
Beyond Japan: Global Resonance
While kakizome is uniquely Japanese, the idea of setting intentions through writing resonates globally. Similar practices exist in various cultures, where individuals mark new beginnings by articulating their hopes and goals. This cross-cultural appeal highlights our shared human desire to start anew with clarity and purpose.
In the West, practices like journaling or creating vision boards offer parallel methods of intention setting. These practices, though different in form, share the essence of kakizome,using written word to manifest one’s aspirations.
Integrating Kakizome into Personal Practice
You don’t need to be in Japan or have formal training to practice kakizome. With a little preparation and sincerity, you can incorporate this ritual into your own life.
- Select Your Word: Reflect on what you wish to carry forward. Choose a word that truly resonates with your personal journey.
- Prepare Your Space: Gather your materials and create a calm environment that invites focus and intention.
- Write with Intention: Allow yourself the freedom to explore different expressions of your word. Let go of perfection and embrace the process.
- Display Your Work: Place your kakizome somewhere visible, as a daily reminder of your intentions.
- Reflect and Revisit: At the end of the year, revisit your kakizome and reflect on its impact. Use this reflection to inform your future intentions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is formal calligraphy training necessary for kakizome?
No. Kakizome is accessible to everyone. It invites participation from all skill levels, focusing on the intention rather than technical expertise. A simple brush and ink are all you need to start, making it a deeply personal ritual that emphasizes meaning over mastery.
What kinds of words are typically chosen for kakizome?
Participants often choose words that reflect their hopes and aspirations, such as heiwa (peace), yume (dream), or ai (love). Four-character phrases, like ichigo ichie (treasure each moment), are also popular. The selection is personal, allowing for a wide range of possibilities.
What is the significance of dondoyaki in relation to kakizome?
Dondoyaki is a traditional bonfire event held around January 15th, where communities burn New Year’s decorations, including kakizome pieces. This act symbolizes sending intentions skyward, with the belief that the height of the flames will enhance one’s calligraphy skills. While participation varies, the ritual remains a meaningful way to conclude the New Year celebrations.
How is kakizome different from regular calligraphy practice?
Regular shodo practice focuses on honing technique and mastering scripts. In contrast, kakizome is a ritual centered on intention and reflection. It marks beginnings, inviting participants to engage with the art of calligraphy in a deeply personal way, without the emphasis on technical perfection.
Can kakizome be practiced outside of Japan?
Absolutely. The essence of kakizome lies in setting intentions through the written word, a practice that transcends cultural boundaries. By adapting the ritual to your personal context,selecting meaningful words and creating a reflective space,you can integrate this tradition into your life, regardless of location.