Did you know that in Japan, the New Year often begins with a single, powerful kanji character? Instead of drafting long resolutions, people choose one character or sometimes a phrase to guide their intentions, a symbol that captures the hope, intentions, discipline, or energy they want to bring into the year. It’s a quiet yet deeply meaningful ritual, a way of aligning heart and mind through the elegance of a single brushstroke. This practice is called Kakizome.
What is Kakizome?
Kakizome, literally translated to “the first writing,” is a beloved New Year tradition in Japan, one that blends intention, artistry, and a touch of ceremony. Historically, the ritual began with drawing the year’s first water, wakamizu, at dawn, then grinding fresh sumi ink by hand. Facing an auspicious direction, people would write their first poem, phrase, or hopeful words of the year. Each stroke was believed to set the tone for the months ahead, turning the act of writing into a gentle yet powerful form of renewal.
How Kakizome Is Practiced Today
Today, the tradition continues much as it has for generations, though most people now write a single kanji character rather than a full poem. Kakizome is practiced widely throughout Japan, during the New Year period, at home with family, in schools, or at community events across the country. It encourages people to pause and consider what they hope the new year will bring, and to choose a character that will serve as their guidepost for the months ahead.
Once the kanji is chosen, the ritual shifts into preparation. Participants ready their paper and brushes, slowly grind their ink, and settle into a grounded posture that encourages focus. The process is unhurried and meditative: circle the ink stone, feel the brush grow heavy with sumi, then commit the character to paper in clear, deliberate strokes. Each movement becomes part of the intention itself, turning a single kanji into a quiet declaration for the year ahead.
There’s also a familiar saying in Japan: “Calligraphy reflects the person.” It suggests that every stroke reveals the writer’s inner state, their calm, their hesitations, and their clarity. Through this lens, kakizome becomes more than a cultural tradition; it becomes a quiet mirror. It marks the very first written expression of the year, a moment where intention, emotion, and hope flow onto the page, setting the tone for everything that follows.
Popular Kanji and Phrases Chosen for Kakizome
When people choose a kanji for kakizome, they often select characters that carry their hopes, resolutions, and determination for the year ahead. Strong, uplifting themes are common, words that express growth, resilience, gratitude, or renewal. Below are some of the most beloved choices, each holding a meaning that resonates deeply with the spirit of the New Year.
Popular and Simple Kanji Characters & Phrases
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挑戦 (Chōsen) - “Challenge” → A commitment to face new opportunities with courage.
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前進 (Zenshin) - “Advance” → A reminder to keep moving forward without stagnation.
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望 (Nozomi) - “Hope” → An expectation for a bright, positive future.
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感謝 (Kansha) - “Gratitude” → Honoring the people and experiences that support you.
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成長 (Seichō) - “Growth / Rise” → Expressing ambition and self-development.
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輝 (Kagayaki) - “Shine” → A kanji that symbolizes light and radiance, and a popular choice for 2025.
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夢 (Yume) - “Dream” → A classic, easy-to-write kanji filled with aspiration.
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笑 (Warai) - “Smile” → Wishing for a joyful, bright-hearted year.
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福 (Fuku) - “Good Fortune” → A beloved New Year character tied to luck and celebration.
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和 (Wa) - “Harmony” → Symbolizing peace and connectedness.
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光 (Hikari) - “Light” → A simple, elegant character that feels fresh and hopeful.
Popular Kanji Among Adults
Many adults choose characters connected to personal foundation or long-term growth, such as:
金 (Gold / Achievement), 昇 (Rise), 成 (Accomplish), 礎 (Foundation), these kanji characters speak to building stability, strengthening one’s career, or investing in one’s future.
Tools to Begin Your Own Kakizome Practice
For those who feel inspired to begin the New Year with their own chosen kanji, the tools you use play a meaningful role. In Japan, the beauty of kakizome isn’t only in the final character, it’s in the quiet ritual of preparing ink, holding a well-balanced brush, and letting each stroke settle the mind. With the right materials, you can recreate that same sense of calm focus at home. The brush, the ink, the paper, each one shapes not just how your kanji character looks, but how the entire experience feels. By choosing tools crafted for traditional calligraphy, you can step into the same thoughtful, grounding practice that has begun the year for generations in Japan.
Echizen-Nuri Calligraphy Set by Akashiya Fude
Each calligraphy set case is hand-painted using the traditional Echizen-Nuri lacquer technique, giving it depth, shine, and artistry. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to begin writing with intention: a fine brush, ink stone, premium sumi ink, and a water dropper, all perfectly arranged in a compact, travel-friendly case.
Choose from Animal Caricatures, Dragonfly, Flower, or Uroko designs, and enjoy a beautifully intentional calligraphy experience wherever you are.
Echizen-Nuri Calligraphy Set – Rose (Small)
This compact set features a beautifully lacquered Echizen-Nuri case adorned with an elegant rose motif. Inside are the tools you need to practice kakizome: a fine brush, ink stone, and premium sumi ink, all arranged for effortless use at home or on the go. With its a built-in rubber band for easy carrying.
Echizen-Nuri Calligraphy Set – Rose (Large)
Crafted with a deep reddish colored Echizen-Nuri lacquer finish, this premium set offers everything you need for traditional Japanese calligraphy. Inside, you'll find both large and small brushes, an ink stone, sumi ink, a water dropper, a brush holder, a double-sided mat, and a sturdy 300g paperweight, all arranged for effortless practice. With a secure rubber band for easy portability, it’s a complete, beautifully made set perfect for classes or dedicated practice at home.
Calligraphy Paper
A beautiful calligraphy set deserves paper that can bring out the depth and movement of every stroke. The calligraphy tools work best when paired with proper high-quality washi designed to absorb sumi ink with just the right balance of softness and control. To recreate the same smooth, intentional writing experience practiced in Japan, choosing the proper paper is absolutely key.
We’ve curated a selection of calligraphy papers you can choose from:
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Calligraphy Paper for Fine Writing (Practice): Smooth, bleed-resistant practice paper that keeps your brushstrokes crisp and expressive.
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Japanese Calligraphy Paper – Mashiro (Thick): A thick, durable washi-style paper that delivers sharp, vivid strokes with minimal bleeding.
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Japanese Calligraphy Paper – Yellow Plum: A naturally textured paper that balances ink absorption and durability, ideal for exploring both soft bleeds and bold dry-brush effects.
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Japanese Calligraphy Paper – Mashiro: A smooth, sturdy paper that delivers crisp, vivid strokes with minimal bleeding, perfect for clear, confident calligraphy practice.
Begin the Year with Intention, One Stroke at a Time
Kakizome is more than a New Year tradition; it’s a moment to pause, breathe, and set your heart in motion for the year ahead. By pairing thoughtfully crafted tools with this mindful practice, you can recreate the same sense of calm focus that has grounded people in Japan for centuries. As you enter the New Year, may each stroke guide you toward clarity, purpose, and a beautifully intentional beginning.
