My goal for 2026 is to give my absolute best in a completely new environment. I will start working full-time for the first time in my life, and while there will be many new challenges, I want to approach them with 全力投球, a Japanese expression that means giving everything you have, without holding back.
Before that, I have one important milestone ahead: my medical licensing exam. Until the exam, my word is 絶対合格, which means “I will pass, no matter what.” After that, I want to step into this new chapter with full commitment and an open mind.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment—and for sharing the post as well!
That’s a beautiful intention. I gave it some thought, and the four-character phrase that came to mind was 不完全美 (Fukanzen-bi), which means finding beauty in imperfection—embracing what is broken without denying it.
I’ve sent it to your DM, and I hope it becomes something you’ll enjoy carrying with you into the new year!
Also, I just wanted to thank you a lot for sharing and commenting to my post this year! It meant a lot to me!
I love this and thank you for the screensaver. I have just put it on my phone. When I used google translate lens it translated it as ‘completely unbeautiful’ which I love - It sounds whole in its brokenness. Depending on our perspective and mental state, anything can be beautiful or ugly.
Love this! Just shared with my audience to raise awareness of the ritual.
My words or commitment for 2026 would be to “focus on the work that matters.” I want to grow spiritually, in my craft as a creator and writer and as a more healthy well-balanced 46 year old woman still figuring it all out. I want to convert what I love into a new career. It is so easy to get distracted, fall victim to self-doubt and self-sabotage or the pressures around us.
I want clarity of purpose so my actions, thoughts and heart keep me and my energy channeled against my dream. Streamline, simplify and shine!✨
Thank you for your comment and for sharing this with your audience! Your intention for 2026 is beautiful!
For that theme, I think 専心一意 suits you perfectly. It means focusing your heart and energy on one essential direction, without being distracted. It reflects the idea of clearly identifying what truly matters, channeling your energy with intention, and letting go of noise and self-doubt. It’s a quiet but strong phrase, and one that fits spiritual growth, creative work, and rebuilding life with clarity.
I’ve sent you a DM with this for your kakizome. I hope it supports you throughout 2026!
I can’t tell you how much this means to me and how special this is. Thank you so, so much! Please know you will forever play a role in my journey and dream. The best to you and yours in 2026.
Thank you Dr Miki. I was grateful for Japanese medical care when there in May. Wishing you all success with your exams. I would love a lock screen but I’m low on funds at present. My desire for myself and others for the new year is: Let love lead with thoughtful kindness. More concretely: I hope to see my book published and on the shelf of my local bookshop. With best wishes for 2026 from the UK - I always think of us as Japan’s island twin on the other side of the gigantic Eurasian land mass!
Thank you so much for the message. I’m really glad to hear that you had a positive experience with Japanese medical care when you visited in May!
Since you are a subscriber and took the time to share your thoughts, I’ve sent the lock screen to you in the DM as a small thank-you. For your wish, my recommendation is the four-character phrase "温厚篤実". It describes someone who is gentle, compassionate, and sincere in their actions, where kindness and integrity naturally come together. I hope this word resonates with you.
By the way, I currently help foreign travelers access Ningen Dock, Japan’s comprehensive medical checkup system. If you ever visit Japan again, I would be very happy to help you navigate a checkup as well!
This is gorgeous thank you, I learned so much... I'm still reflecting on the exact words but for my 2026 theme I'm thinking around a feeling of pushing through discomfort to audacity and taking up more space unapologetically, spreading positivity while doing so and not being afraid to speak up 🥰
Thank you so much for sharing your intention for 2026. I think it’s a wonderful and powerful theme!
For that feeling, I would recommend 勇気凛然. It describes standing with courage and a calm, dignified strength. It’s close to the idea of having the courage to speak up and carrying yourself with a strong, grounded presence.
I’ve sent you the lock screen for this in the DM. I hope it supports you throughout 2026, and that the year brings you confidence, positivity, and joy!
Thank you for this offering and for your sharing throughout the year. My intention for 2026 is to be even more connected to the land and to be a vessel for it's voice.
Thank you for your comment, and that’s a beautiful intention for 2026!
I spent some time thinking about the best kakizome for this, and I feel that 天人合一 fits it best. It’s a very classical and well-established phrase that expresses the idea that humans and nature are originally one. The meaning quietly carries a sense of deep connection with the land, surrendering to its flow, and becoming a vessel for nature’s voice. It’s also visually beautiful as calligraphy, which makes it especially suited for kakizome.
I’ve sent you the image in the DM so you can use it as your lock screen! I hope you’ll like it. And if you feel inspired, I’d be very happy if you share the article or your new lock screen as well!
Love the connection between ritual and intention-setting through calligraphy. The yojijukugo examples really capture something that gets lost in translation, especially ichigo-ichie which reframes every interaction as precious. I've been expirmenting with daily writing practices but never thought about tying it to a New Year reset in this way. The physical act of brush calligraphy forces a kind of mindfulness that typing or even journaling with a pen doesn't quite match. Curious if the favorable direction aspect still plays a role for most people today or if that's mostly faded from modern practice?
Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment! I’m really glad the connection between ritual and intention came through for you.
In terms of education, kakizome is still very much part of the culture in elementary and middle school in Japan. I did it every year during those school years as well. After that age, though, it’s no longer something most people continue with using formal brush calligraphy. Many stop once it’s no longer part of school life.
That said, I continued practicing calligraphy until I was about 17, and because of that, kakizome remained something I naturally did even afterward. I still do it now with my family. So while it’s probably less common than it was in the past, it hasn’t disappeared. For some people, it remains a quiet, personal tradition rather than a public one.
I also agree with you about the physicality of brush calligraphy. The act itself slows you down in a way that typing or even pen-and-paper journaling doesn’t quite replicate.
Thank you Dr Miki for this insight to this beautiful ritual, and for sharing your intentions. Wishing you every success in your endeavours in 2026. Thank you for all the wonderful content you have shared with us this year, your substack has been a treasure trove of Japanese culture, nature, language, food and history... with every post I receive a strong 懐かしい feeling for every moment I have spent in Japan. Thank you for giving me that experience, until I can return in person, and explore some of the wonderful places and experiences you have shared with us
My goal for 2026 is to boldly pursue some new big goals in my life. I like the expression you shared below 全力投球,... google translate tells me it expresses the idea of "maximum effort"... which is the way I want to approach the new year.
Thank you so, so much for this beautiful message! It truly means a lot to me, and I’m very happy that you were my very first paid subscriber. Hearing that my writing brings you that 懐かしい feeling for Japan makes me incredibly grateful. I hope to create even more meaningful content next year as well, so please let me know anytime if there’s anything you’d like to read more about.
Yes, 全力投球 does mean giving your maximum effort, putting everything you have into what you do. I’ve sent the image to you in a DM, and I hope it resonates with you and supports your goals for 2026!
If you don’t mind, can I share your comment in my notes? Messages like this encourage me more than you can imagine.
Thank you so much for the image, i love it! And yes, you're very welcome to share my comment, I hope that more people discover and subscribe to your wonderful substack.
My goal for 2026 is to give my absolute best in a completely new environment. I will start working full-time for the first time in my life, and while there will be many new challenges, I want to approach them with 全力投球, a Japanese expression that means giving everything you have, without holding back.
Before that, I have one important milestone ahead: my medical licensing exam. Until the exam, my word is 絶対合格, which means “I will pass, no matter what.” After that, I want to step into this new chapter with full commitment and an open mind.
What a lovely gift to offer. My phrase would be 割れたものを抱いて生きよ
Live while embracing what is broken.❤️
Thank you so much for your lovely comment—and for sharing the post as well!
That’s a beautiful intention. I gave it some thought, and the four-character phrase that came to mind was 不完全美 (Fukanzen-bi), which means finding beauty in imperfection—embracing what is broken without denying it.
I’ve sent it to your DM, and I hope it becomes something you’ll enjoy carrying with you into the new year!
Also, I just wanted to thank you a lot for sharing and commenting to my post this year! It meant a lot to me!
I love this and thank you for the screensaver. I have just put it on my phone. When I used google translate lens it translated it as ‘completely unbeautiful’ which I love - It sounds whole in its brokenness. Depending on our perspective and mental state, anything can be beautiful or ugly.
I’m very happy you liked it. Wishing you a great 2026!
Love this! Just shared with my audience to raise awareness of the ritual.
My words or commitment for 2026 would be to “focus on the work that matters.” I want to grow spiritually, in my craft as a creator and writer and as a more healthy well-balanced 46 year old woman still figuring it all out. I want to convert what I love into a new career. It is so easy to get distracted, fall victim to self-doubt and self-sabotage or the pressures around us.
I want clarity of purpose so my actions, thoughts and heart keep me and my energy channeled against my dream. Streamline, simplify and shine!✨
Thank you for your comment and for sharing this with your audience! Your intention for 2026 is beautiful!
For that theme, I think 専心一意 suits you perfectly. It means focusing your heart and energy on one essential direction, without being distracted. It reflects the idea of clearly identifying what truly matters, channeling your energy with intention, and letting go of noise and self-doubt. It’s a quiet but strong phrase, and one that fits spiritual growth, creative work, and rebuilding life with clarity.
I’ve sent you a DM with this for your kakizome. I hope it supports you throughout 2026!
I can’t tell you how much this means to me and how special this is. Thank you so, so much! Please know you will forever play a role in my journey and dream. The best to you and yours in 2026.
I am very very happy to hear that! wishing you the best in 2026 too!
Thank you Dr Miki. I was grateful for Japanese medical care when there in May. Wishing you all success with your exams. I would love a lock screen but I’m low on funds at present. My desire for myself and others for the new year is: Let love lead with thoughtful kindness. More concretely: I hope to see my book published and on the shelf of my local bookshop. With best wishes for 2026 from the UK - I always think of us as Japan’s island twin on the other side of the gigantic Eurasian land mass!
Thank you so much for the message. I’m really glad to hear that you had a positive experience with Japanese medical care when you visited in May!
Since you are a subscriber and took the time to share your thoughts, I’ve sent the lock screen to you in the DM as a small thank-you. For your wish, my recommendation is the four-character phrase "温厚篤実". It describes someone who is gentle, compassionate, and sincere in their actions, where kindness and integrity naturally come together. I hope this word resonates with you.
By the way, I currently help foreign travelers access Ningen Dock, Japan’s comprehensive medical checkup system. If you ever visit Japan again, I would be very happy to help you navigate a checkup as well!
https://www.japanwellnesstravel.com/p/full-comprehensive-health-exams-in
Thank you very much Dr Miki. I shall lock my screen with pride! All good wishes for 2026.
I’m glad you like it! Good wishes for 2026 to you too!
This is gorgeous thank you, I learned so much... I'm still reflecting on the exact words but for my 2026 theme I'm thinking around a feeling of pushing through discomfort to audacity and taking up more space unapologetically, spreading positivity while doing so and not being afraid to speak up 🥰
Thank you so much for sharing your intention for 2026. I think it’s a wonderful and powerful theme!
For that feeling, I would recommend 勇気凛然. It describes standing with courage and a calm, dignified strength. It’s close to the idea of having the courage to speak up and carrying yourself with a strong, grounded presence.
I’ve sent you the lock screen for this in the DM. I hope it supports you throughout 2026, and that the year brings you confidence, positivity, and joy!
Thank you for this offering and for your sharing throughout the year. My intention for 2026 is to be even more connected to the land and to be a vessel for it's voice.
Thank you for your comment, and that’s a beautiful intention for 2026!
I spent some time thinking about the best kakizome for this, and I feel that 天人合一 fits it best. It’s a very classical and well-established phrase that expresses the idea that humans and nature are originally one. The meaning quietly carries a sense of deep connection with the land, surrendering to its flow, and becoming a vessel for nature’s voice. It’s also visually beautiful as calligraphy, which makes it especially suited for kakizome.
I’ve sent you the image in the DM so you can use it as your lock screen! I hope you’ll like it. And if you feel inspired, I’d be very happy if you share the article or your new lock screen as well!
Thank you for this. I will carry it with me in hand and in heart
Yes, I hope you will like it!!
Love the connection between ritual and intention-setting through calligraphy. The yojijukugo examples really capture something that gets lost in translation, especially ichigo-ichie which reframes every interaction as precious. I've been expirmenting with daily writing practices but never thought about tying it to a New Year reset in this way. The physical act of brush calligraphy forces a kind of mindfulness that typing or even journaling with a pen doesn't quite match. Curious if the favorable direction aspect still plays a role for most people today or if that's mostly faded from modern practice?
Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment! I’m really glad the connection between ritual and intention came through for you.
In terms of education, kakizome is still very much part of the culture in elementary and middle school in Japan. I did it every year during those school years as well. After that age, though, it’s no longer something most people continue with using formal brush calligraphy. Many stop once it’s no longer part of school life.
That said, I continued practicing calligraphy until I was about 17, and because of that, kakizome remained something I naturally did even afterward. I still do it now with my family. So while it’s probably less common than it was in the past, it hasn’t disappeared. For some people, it remains a quiet, personal tradition rather than a public one.
I also agree with you about the physicality of brush calligraphy. The act itself slows you down in a way that typing or even pen-and-paper journaling doesn’t quite replicate.
Thank you Dr Miki for this insight to this beautiful ritual, and for sharing your intentions. Wishing you every success in your endeavours in 2026. Thank you for all the wonderful content you have shared with us this year, your substack has been a treasure trove of Japanese culture, nature, language, food and history... with every post I receive a strong 懐かしい feeling for every moment I have spent in Japan. Thank you for giving me that experience, until I can return in person, and explore some of the wonderful places and experiences you have shared with us
My goal for 2026 is to boldly pursue some new big goals in my life. I like the expression you shared below 全力投球,... google translate tells me it expresses the idea of "maximum effort"... which is the way I want to approach the new year.
Thank you so, so much for this beautiful message! It truly means a lot to me, and I’m very happy that you were my very first paid subscriber. Hearing that my writing brings you that 懐かしい feeling for Japan makes me incredibly grateful. I hope to create even more meaningful content next year as well, so please let me know anytime if there’s anything you’d like to read more about.
Yes, 全力投球 does mean giving your maximum effort, putting everything you have into what you do. I’ve sent the image to you in a DM, and I hope it resonates with you and supports your goals for 2026!
If you don’t mind, can I share your comment in my notes? Messages like this encourage me more than you can imagine.
Thank you so much for the image, i love it! And yes, you're very welcome to share my comment, I hope that more people discover and subscribe to your wonderful substack.
Thank you so much for your kind word!