A quiet first visit of the year
In January, I visited Meiji Jingu for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the new year. The big trees, the wooden halls, and the clear winter sky make this one of my favorite places in Japan.
Words written by children
Inside the shrine grounds, I came across a long row of calligraphy written by children from all over Japan. Each work had the child’s name and grade written beside it, and every brushstroke was bold and full of energy.
A few of the words I could read:
- 美しい空 (Utsukushii sora): “Beautiful sky”
- ともだち (Tomodachi): “Friends”
- 世界平和 (Sekai heiwa): “World peace”
- 花だより (Hana dayori): “News of blossoms,” a gentle way of saying that spring flowers are on their way
What is kakizome?
Kakizome (書き初め) means “the first writing” of the new year. In Japan, many people, especially children, write a word or a short phrase with a brush and ink at the beginning of the year, as a wish for the months ahead.
Why it touched me
I studied calligraphy until I finished high school. Seeing these children’s bold, bright brushstrokes made me want to pick up a brush again. Their words were simple, but they felt very strong: sky, friends, peace.
If you would like to visit
Meiji Jingu is a quiet, beautiful place that I love to visit. If you would like to spend a relaxed half day around Meiji Jingu and Harajuku, you can book a cultural experience online on Klook (affiliate link).
What word would you write in your heart at the beginning of a new year?