photo: David Cobb
Master Calligrapher Sekko Daigo
photo: Jonathan Ley
Ask people in Japan to name their most important holiday and most will answer O-Shogatsu, or New Year's. The holiday is a time for family and friends to celebrate this auspicious day and wish for good health and blessing in the New Year.
2010 is the "Year of the Tiger," according to the Chinese zodiac (also observed in Japan). Tiger people, born in 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, and 1998, are said to be sensitive, given to deep thinking, and capable of great sympathy.
Kakizome is the custom of writing the first calligraphy characters of the year. Children in Japan are encouraged to write a few characters with a new brush in the very best style they can for good luck with their studies over the coming year.
