Wa Culture International Communication

Establishment of Wa Culture International Communication.
UNESCO's spirit: ‘Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.’ The organisation started activities to nurture richness of mind through Japanese cultural exchanges around the world.

‘Nodate experience & Kanji-ru ichigo ichie at the Kamogawa River in Kyoto in autumn’. Other events were subsequently postponed due to Covid-19.

‘Let's compare Tea Time around the world’ at the Setagaya International Exchange Centre, Tokyo Setagaya Cultural Foundation. Video footage of Tea Time in 10 countries (UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Mexico, Argentina, Egypt, France and Japan) will be shown by foreign lecturers, followed by a talk show by lecturers associated with each country.

‘Nodate experience & Kanjiru ichigo ichie at Yohoji Temple, Kyoto in winter’. (Supported by Kyoto City) Participation in and appreciation of the art exhibition ‘Gei-Ten’, which was simultaneously held at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kiyomizu Temple to showcase the diversity of Japanese art to the world.

Participation in and appreciation of the art exhibition ‘Gei Ten’ at the Museo Querini Stampaglia, Venice, Italy.

A Japanese culture course, ‘Kanjiru ichigo ichie in Kyoto - Etegami Course’, was held at COSMOS, a joint project with the Kyoto City International Foundation.

Participation in Experience Japan festival 2022 in Dublin, European Capital of Culture Ireland.

European Capital of Culture Lille, France ‘Calligraphy Experience & Kanjiru ichigo ichie in France in Summer’. (Supported by Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City and Kyoto City International Foundation) . Participation in and appreciation of the International Peace Art Exhibition Paris at the UNESCO Paris Headquarters, which was held at the same time. Preview viewing of Creative Japan 2022. Also, lobbying activities to promote the registration of calligraphy as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
A class on ‘Japanese Calligraphy Culture’ was held at International School Montebello in Lille, European Capital of Culture, France. (Cooperation: Association Japon et Culture )

The ‘Autumn Stroll through Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto, Etegami Experience & Kanjiru ichigo ichie’ was held. (Supported by Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto city,Kyoto City International Foundation.) At the same time, the ‘Ukraine Evacuee Exchange Meeting’ organised by Kyoto City and managed the calligraphy experience event ‘Calligraphy Experience in the City’ (in cooperation with Japan Shodo Culture Association).

Commemorative event for the relocation of the Agency for Cultural Affairs to Kyoto: ‘Kyoto Marugoto Art Festival’ - ‘Calligraphy Experience & Kanjiru ichigo ichie ’ workshop in Maizuru, Kyoto in autumn. Planning and organisation of the ‘Calligraphy Experience in the City’ (in cooperation with Japan Shodo Culture Association).

‘Autumn in Tokyo - Film Talks, Calligraphy Experience & Kanjiru ichigo ichie in places associated with film directors’. (Supported by Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City and Kyoto City International Foundation). Through arts and culture at the simultaneously held Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Participation in and appreciation of the International Peace Art Exhibition Tokyo by transmitting a message of desire for peace and the SDGs. Appreciation of concert by Ukrainian folk instrument bandura player Katerina and harpist Alexander Boldachev. Awarding of a letter of appreciation for support of the activities of the Ukrainian children's magazine ‘Poznaika’.

‘90th anniversary of the ward system, 6th Setagaya International Messe’ ‘Kanjiru ichigo ichie at Setagaya International Messe’ workshop in Tokyo. Planning and organisation of the ‘Feeling Kanji in Setagaya International Messe , Calligraphy by Calligrapher Ouka Magari’ stage. Planning and organisation of the ‘Calligraphy Experience in the City’ (in cooperation with Japan Shodo Culture Association). Planning and operation of an exhibition to introduce the Agency for Cultural Affairs' Kyoto relocation commemorative project, the Kyoto International Community House, the Japan Etegami Association, etc.

The ‘Kyoto Marugoto Art Festival’, a commemorative event for the relocation of the Agency for Cultural Affairs to Kyoto, and the ‘Calligraphy & Kanjiru ichigo ichie in Kameoka, Kyoto in spring’ workshop were organised. Planning and organisation of the ‘Calligraphy Experience in the City’ (in cooperation with Japan Shodo Culture Association), 'Etegami Experience'（in cooperation with the Japan Etegami Association）.

‘Etegami Experience & Kanjiru ichigo ichie in Kyoto in Spring’. (Supported by Kyoto Prefecture and Kyoto City). Planning and organisation of the ‘Let's Deliver the Fragrance of Happy Flowers - Etegami Exhibition’ at the Kyoto International Community House (cooperation: Japan Etegami Association), which was held at the same time.

Participation in Experience Japan festival 2023 in Dublin, European Capital of Culture Ireland.

Commemorative project for the relocation of the Agency for Cultural Affairs to Kyoto: ‘Calligraphy Experience & Kanjiru ichigo ichie in Ginza, Tokyo in Autumn’. Concurrently held ‘Tour of Europe with the Scent of Kyoto - Ouka Magari Kanji-ru Calligraphy Exhibition’. Planning and organisation of three Kyoto aromas (1) Calligraphy experience, (2) Incense at the venue, (3) Japanese tea tasting. Planning and organisation of the ‘Calligraphy Experience in the City’ (in cooperation with Japan Shodo Culture Association). Supported by: Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City. cosponsorship : Gallery Sugino, Kyoei Seicha Co. In cooperation with Shoyeido incense co.

Commemorative event for the relocation of the Agency for Cultural Affairs to Kyoto: ‘Kanjiru ichigo ichie for Tea - Kyoto Uji TEA SQARE Morihan’. Supported by: Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City and Kyoto Shimbun. In cooperation with Kyoei Tea Co. ） Planning and organisation of the ‘Calligraphy Experience in the City’ (in cooperation with Japan Shodo Culture Association).

Commemorative event for the relocation of the Agency for Cultural Affairs to Kyoto: ‘Kanjiru ichigo ichie in Ireland in spring - calligraphy, Etegami and kimono experience’. Supported by: Embassy of Japan in Ireland, Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Kyoto Shimbun, EU Japan Fest Japan Committee. cosponsorship:House of Japan, Kyoei Tea Co.,Naraya hompo. Co-operated by TCD Japanese Society‘Calligraphy Experience in the City’ (in cooperation with Japan Shodo Culture Association)., Japan Etegami Association, All Japan Japanese Dress Consultants Association, Piacha Music Method, EJ Committe Executive Committee）. Participation in Experience Japan festival 2024 in Dublin, European Capital of Culture Ireland. Conducted a class on hands-on calligraphy at Gorey Community School, Gorey, Ireland. （Organised by Embassy of Japan in Ireland, co-operated by ‘Calligraphy Experience in the City’ (in cooperation with Japan Shodo Culture Association).
Courtesy visit to the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Japan in Ireland.

Participation in and appreciation of the International Peace Art Exhibition Hiroshima at the MS Aster Plaza Civic Gallery in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the opening of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, by transmitting the message of the desire for peace through art and culture.

Agency for Cultural Affairs Traditional Culture Parent and Child Classroom Project ‘Kanjiru ichigo ichie for Tea - Kyoto Uji TEA SQARE Morihan’. (Co-organised by Kyoei Tea Co. Cooperation:Urasenke Sokyu Takagi, All Japan Japanese Dress Consultants Association, Naraya Hompo Co Ltd, Piacha Music Method). Planning and organisation of the ‘Calligraphy Experience in the City’ (in cooperation with Japan Shodo Culture Association).

Participation in the “International Peace Art Exhibition Santiago de Compostela” held at the Eugenio Granell Foundation Museum in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The exhibition delivered messages of peace through artistic and cultural expressions. We also hosted the event “Kanjiru ichigo ichie in Spain("A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter Through a Kanji）” and organized the concurrent event ”Calligraphy Experience in the City’ (in cooperation with Japan Shodo Culture Association)” The events were covered by local media and television. A certificate of appreciation was presented by Ms. Flavia Ramil Millarengo, Director of the Santiago de Compostela Tourism Office.

Held “Kanjiru Ichigo Ichie in Ireland” (“A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter Through a Kanji”) at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and the House of Japan in Dublin, Ireland. Planned and operated the concurrently held “Calligraphy Experience in the City” (in cooperation with Japan Shodo Culture Association). As an official diplomatic program of the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, visited schools including *St. Conleth’s College and *Fingal Community College. Also, at the opening ceremony of the TCD University “Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Poster Exhibition” (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Ireland, Ambassador Mr. Norio Maruyama, and MayorMr. Kazumi Matsui, of Hiroshima City were in attendance), calligraphy artist Ouka Magari wrote “Peace” (music by Hiroshi Kobayashi) and the Mayor of Hiroshima wrote “‘Dream’ and Hope”. The event was also reported by the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, the City of Hiroshima, the Peace Leaders' Council News, and SNS. Attended a dinner hosted by the official residence of the Embassy of Japan in Ireland and paid a courtesy call.

Attended the “EU Japan Fest Year-end Reception Party” held at the Romanian Embassy in Japan. Courtesy visit to Ambassador Mr. Ovidiu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Romania in Japan. Attended the Japan-Ireland Network (in cooperation with the Embassy of Ireland in Japan) Christmas Party.

Attended “the National Culture Day” hosted by the Embassy of Romania in Japan.

Attended “the cultural exchange event” hosted by the Embassy of Romania in Japan.

Held Kanjiru Ichigo Ichie in Europe (France, Ireland, UK) ("A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter Through a Kanji of Japanese Sounds"). Planned and operated the concurrently held “Calligraphy Experience in the City” (in cooperation with Japan Shodo Culture Association).
Venues: France: Paris – UNESCO Headquarters Miro Hall,France: Lille – Ecole Japonaise du Nord-Pas de Calais, Ma Pause Manga Café / La Madeleine, Ireland: Dublin – House of Japan, *St. Conleth’s College, *St. Raphaela’s Secondary School,UK: London –The London School of Economics and Political Science, Haringey Libraries, Miyabi Nursery
Organized by:Wa Culture International Communication, Wa Culture International Communication Europe Branch, *Overseas Diplomatic Mission Project, Embassy of Japan in Ireland. Sponsored by : Embassy of Japan in the UK /The Japan Foundation in London. Supported by：World Peace Art Exhibition Committee/Japan Shodo Culture Association/Atelier.Keyaki/House of Japan/ LSE / Haringey Libraries/ Miyabi Nursery /All Japan Waso Consultant Association / Naraya Honpo Co., Ltd./PiaCha Music Method

Supported by the French Ministry of Culture, hosted by the Embassy of Romania in Japan, the event “RENDEZ VOUS AUX JARDINS TOKYO” （The world's first event of its kind to be held in Japan, connecting European countries and cultures) featured “Romania wo Kanjiru Ichigo Ichie in Tokyo.”("A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter Through a Kanji"） Planned and operated the concurrently held “Calligraphy Experience in the City” (in cooperation with Japan Shodo Culture Association).
Venue:Tokyo: Embassy of Romania in Japan
Introduction of Japanese and Romanian folk costumes (Yuzen, embroidery, needlework) , ikebana performances and exhibitions by Romanian flower artists, video and photo exhibitions.
In preparation for the upcoming UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage registration of calligraphy next year, we received support from H.E. Mr. Ovidiu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to Japan, Minister-Counsellor Ms.Jeta Mederanu, Cultural Officer Ms.Stefana Marmureanu, and other staff at the Embassy of Romania in Japan.

Appeared as the overall host and model for the kimono show “Waso Yume Tabibito” held at the Festival Station on Japan Day of Expo in Osaka/Kansai, commemorating the 55th anniversary of the All Japan Waso Consultant Association. The Japan Day parade was covered by many media including live TV coverage with Honorary Director of the Japan Government Pavilion, Ms. Norika Fujiwara, Myakmyak, Kitty, Kumamon, Hikonyan, and others.

Implemented the Agency for Cultural Affairs Traditional Culture Parent-Child Classroom Project: Kanjiru Ichigo Ichie (“A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter Through a Kanji”) - Kyoto and Hiroshima” was held. (Supported by Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Kyoto City Board of Education, Kyoto Newspaper, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima City Board of Education, in cooperation with All Japan Waso Consultant Association, Kansai Japanese Dress Institute Hiroshima Nishi, Fujimori Gagakkai, National Federation of Calligraphy Supplies Manufacturers, Naraya Honpo Co., Ltd ,PiaCha Music Method). Planned and operated the concurrently held “Calligraphy Experience in the City” (in cooperation with Japan Shodo Culture Association).

Conducted the Introductory and Beginner courses of the “Etegami Instructor Training Program in Kyoto,” certified by Wa Culture International Communication, and held an appointment ceremony for certified Etegami Ambassadors.

Participated in the “International Peace Art Exhibition Tokyo” at Theater 1010 Gallery and attended a viewing event, which promotes messages for peace through art and culture.

Attended the Romanian traditional music concert “NOI și VECHI,” organized as a cultural program by the Embassy of Romania in Japan. Also held “Waon wo Kanjiru Ichigo Ichie in Tokyo,” featuring an introduction to Romanian traditional instruments, a live performance, and a calligraphy experience workshop.

Attended the National Day commemorative event hosted by the Embassy of Romania in Japan. Enjoyed solo performances of the national anthems of Romania and Japan by a Romanian opera singer. Presented a calligraphy work featuring the kanji “瓏（Rou）” the theme of the year, created by artist Ouka Magari, to Mr. Ovidiu Raețchi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to Japan, and exchanged views on promoting cultural exchange between Japan and Romania. Received generous support for our activities from Mr. Hitoshi Noda, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Romania.

Paid courtesy visits to the Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles and the Japanese Cultural Center in Los Angeles, and exchanged views on cooperation toward promoting the inscription of calligraphy on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

We paid a courtesy visit to the former Director of the Japan Cultural Institute in London, Japan Foundation, to introduce our initiative promoting the inscription of Japanese calligraphy on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in the United Kingdom and to exchange views on ways to seek their guidance and cooperation.

Conducted the Intermediate and Advanced Levels of the “Certified Instructor Training Course for Japanese Etegami (Picture-Postcard Art) by Wa Culture International Communication Association in Tokyo.” The certification examination, consisting of a practical test, written examination, interview, and mock teaching session, was also conducted. A presentation ceremony was held to award the Etegami Instructor Certification issued by Wa Culture International Communication Association.

We visited the Embassy of Romania in Japan and exchanged views with Mr. Ovidiu Raețchi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, on cultural exchange between Japan and Romania.
We also paid a courtesy visit to the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (FCCJ), where we introduced this year’s Agency for Cultural Affairs projects, as well as our upcoming European tour.
At the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, we participated in and attended the “International Art Exhibition for World Peace in Kanazawa,” which conveys a message of hope for world peace through art and cultural exchange.

Held the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Traditional Culture for Parents and Children Program, “A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter Through a Kanji: The Mind and Body — Kyoto & Kanazawa ”
The program was supported by the Kyoto Prefectural Government, Kyoto City, Kyoto City Board of Education, The Kyoto Shimbun, Kanazawa City, and Kanazawa City Board of Education. Cooperation was provided by the Shinshin Toitsu Aikido Kai, Tea Ceremony Urasenke — Takagi Sōkyū, Kyoeicha Co., Ltd., All Japan Waso Consultant Association, Japan Calligraphy Supplies Association , Naraya Honpo Co., Ltd., Kumano Brush Cooperative Association, Yoshimura Shokodo, and others. In conjunction with the program, we also planned and managed the Japan Shodo Culture Association’s “Calligraphy Experience in the City” program.

We are scheduled to hold the “SHODO: Japanese Calligraphy — Culture & History Poster Exhibition 2026–27 ~ France, Spain, Ireland, and the UK ~” as part of our initiative to promote the inscription of Japanese calligraphy on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The exhibition will introduce the rich culture and history of Japanese calligraphy and communicate its cultural significance to audiences across Europe, while promoting international understanding and support for its recognition as an important cultural heritage.
In conjunction with the exhibition, English, French, and Spanish editions of a booklet introducing the culture and history of Japanese calligraphy will be produced.
We will also plan and manage the Japan Shodo Culture Association’s “Calligraphy Experience in the City” program, which will be held concurrently with the exhibition and provide participants with opportunities to experience Japanese calligraphy firsthand. The exhibition is scheduled to be held at the University of Lille and the Japanese School of Northern France in France; Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Spain; Trinity College Dublin (TCD), House of Japan, St Andrew’s College Dublin, and St Anne’s National School, Shankill in Ireland; and The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom. The project is organized by the Wa Culture International Communication Association and the Wa Culture International Communication Association European Branch, and is co-organized by the Embassy of Japan in Ireland. It is supported by the Embassy of Japan in the United Kingdom, the Embassy of Japan in France, the Consulate-General of Japan in Barcelona, and the Japan Foundation, Japan Cultural Institute in London. Grant support is provided by the Kansai・ Osaka 21st Century Association The project is carried out in cooperation with the International Peace Art Exhibition Executive Committee, the Japan Shodo Culture Association “Calligraphy Experience in the City”, House of Japan, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) Japanese Society, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Japanese Society, University College London (UCL) Japanese Society, University of Oxford Japanese Society, University of Lille, Ecole japonaise du Nord de France, Association OnigiLille, Association Okiya, All Japan Waso Consultant Association, Japan Calligraphy Supplies Association , Naraya Honpo Co., Ltd., Kumano Brush Cooperative Association, and other organizations and institutions.