About the Artist

About Yoshiko Anzai

YOSHIKO ANZAI

Born in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, in 1939. Former board member of the Japan Calligraphic Carving Association and former judge in the calligraphic carving division of the Mainichi Shodo Exhibition (2012–2022).

For 58 years, Yoshiko Anzai has pursued the art of calligraphy while developing a distinctive practice in kokuji—giving written characters physical form through carving.

She has created approximately 100 kokuji works. Many have been dedicated to temples, including Shihozan Denshinji, and in recent years she has received commissions from Zen dojos and the Omotesenke tea school Ririan. Her practice connects calligraphy with acts of culture, reflection, and prayer.

She received the Grand Prize at the 1st International Open Calligraphic Carving Exhibition and the Members’ Award at the Mainichi Shodo Exhibition for “Mukuteki.” She continues to create, study under her teachers, and deepen her practice through daily disciplines including Zen meditation. Her Dharma name is “Kokushin.”

Career

2026Continues to exhibit with Chitosekai
2022Became a student of Hokoan’s Zen master Shuntan Marukawa; received the Buddhist name “Kokushin”
2000Began studying under Tosen Usuda, president of the Japan Calligraphic Carving Association
1981First exhibited at the Mainichi Shodo Exhibition
1979Began calligraphic carving as a member of the first NHK Culture Center class
1968Selected for the calligraphy division of Nitten
High schoolBegan practicing calligraphy

Awards

2015Dedicated a calligraphic work commemorating the 1,200th anniversary of the founding of Koyasan
2012Members’ Award, Mainichi Shodo Exhibition — “Mukuteki”
2009Grand Prize, 1st International Open Calligraphic Carving Exhibition — “Sogyo”

Award-winning Works

December 2009

Sogyo

Grand Prize, 1st International Open Calligraphic Carving Exhibition

At the 1st International Open Calligraphic Carving Exhibition, Anzai’s “Sogyo” received the highest honor, the Grand Prize, from among 102 entries from eight countries, including Korea, Japan, China, and Singapore. The jury chair, 安民寛, commented: “The beauty of the character forms and the refined colors, further enhanced by the artist’s intricate and beautiful carving, earned the highest evaluation from the judges.” (See the publication of the 1st International Open Calligraphic Carving Exhibition.)

Source: Jury review, 1st International Open Calligraphic Carving Exhibition

Jury review, 1st International Open Calligraphic Carving ExhibitionView full image in a new tab

July 2012

Mukuteki

Members’ Award, Kokuji Division, 64th Mainichi Shodo Exhibition

At the 64th Mainichi Shodo Exhibition, held the year after the Great East Japan Earthquake, Anzai’s “Mukuteki” received the Members’ Award in the kokuji division. Jury member Saito Zuisen commented: “The sharp, dynamic lines stand out against the vermilion background. It has great artistic merit as a contemporary interpretation of bronze-inscription script.” (See the Mainichi Shimbun article of July 10, 2012.)

Source: Mainichi Shimbun, July 10, 2012

Mainichi Shimbun article (July 10, 2012)View full image in a new tab View work →

February 2018

Jozen Jakusui

Selected Exhibitor, 49th Exhibition of 100 Contemporary Women Calligraphers

Selected in the kokuji division among 100 leading women calligraphers representing Japan, Anzai exhibited “Jozen Jakusui.” The work was dedicated to Shihozan Denshinji temple.

Sources: Mainichi Shimbun, February 6, 2018; supplied artwork introduction

Mainichi Shimbun article (February 6, 2018)View full image in a new tab

Selected Moments

Yoshiko Anzai practicing Zen meditation at Shinka Zen Dojo — At Shinka Zen Dojo, where she continues her daily practice of Zen meditation.

Yoshiko Anzai with the head priest of Denshinji and her work Josui — With the head priest of Shihozan Denshinji and “Josui,” a work dedicated to the temple.

Yoshiko Anzai presenting a commissioned kokuji work to the Omotesenke tea school Ririan — Presenting a commissioned kokuji work to the Omotesenke tea school Ririan.