Kakizome: A Japanese New Year Ritual for Setting Your Intention

As a small thank-you for this year, I’ve prepared a personalized Kakizome lock screen for you.

Thank you very much for being here this year and for reading my work.
As we step into the next year, I want to share one Japanese New Year ritual that has quietly shaped how I reflect on my life every January: Kakizome.

I’ve also prepared a small token of appreciation in the form of a personalized Kakizome lock screen, which I’ll share at the end!

The Tradition of Kakizome(書き初め)

Kakizome(書き初め), the traditional Japanese practice of writing the first Japanese calligraphy (or Shodo) of the year, holds a significant place in Japanese culture.

Originating as a court event in ancient Japan in the late 8th century, it has evolved into a widely observed custom. The process involves dissolving sumi ink in drawn water and writing a short poem facing a favorable direction of the year.

Over the centuries, it has become a way for people to express their hopes and aspirations for the coming year. In modern times, people often write auspicious kanji or words related to their aspirations for the year. The specific words or phrases written during Kakizome can vary widely based on individual preferences and aspirations for the coming year.

The Art of Shodo and Kakizome Today

Students of elementary and middle schools learn the basics of Shodo and often participate in the tradition of Kakizome at the beginning of each calendar year, creating calligraphic works symbolizing their wishes for the new year. While modern-day Japan mostly uses ballpoints, pencils, or felt-tip pens for everyday writing, the practice of Shodo continues to be a respected and cherished art form in Japan.

Examples of Kakizome Words

Although the specific words or phrases written during Kakizome can vary widely based on individual preferences and aspirations for the coming year, here’s some common examples.

1. 一期一会 (Ichigo-Ichie)

   • Meaning: “Once in a lifetime encounter”

   • This phrase signifies treasuring the encounters and experiences in life as unique and unrepeatable. It encourages gratitude and appreciation for the people and opportunities that come our way.

1. 初志貫徹 (Shoshi-Kantetsu)

   • Meaning: “Maintaining the initial resolve”

   • This expression represents the determination to uphold the original aspirations and goals set at the beginning, and to persistently and diligently work towards achieving them.

1. 有言実行 (Yugen-Jikko)

   • Meaning: “Action speaks louder than words”

   • This phrase conveys the importance of following through on one’s promises and commitments. It emphasizes the value of taking tangible actions to fulfill what has been expressed verbally.

Create Your Personalized Kakizome Lock Screen for the New Year

To welcome the new year, I am offering a small number of personalized Kakizome calligraphy pieces, created based on your intention for the year ahead. Your word will be written as a four-character Japanese phrase (yojijukugo) and delivered as an iPhone lock screen you can use every day.

Sample Image

How to Participate

1. Subscribe to this newsletter

2. Share your intention for next year
   Comment on this article with a few words about what you want to focus on next year. A goal, a direction, or a feeling is enough.

3. Become a paid subscriber (recommended) or share the newsletter.

   Paid subscribers are guaranteed to receive a personalized Kakizome.

   I may select a very limited number of non-paid subscribers too, and sharing this article may increase the chance of being selected!

If you are already a paid subscriber, no further steps are needed. If you can share your intention for next year, I will send you your custom four-character kanji.

I look forward to turning your intention into a word you can carry with you throughout the year!