CALLIGRAPHY COMPETITION 2026

The 19th Annual Japanese Calligraphy Competition in Canada proudly received 122 entries from adults and 28 from students, representing a breathtaking diversity of participants—from four years old to one hundred and one years young. Entrants came from across the country, each bringing their own stories, backgrounds, and creative sensibilities. 

This diversity has become the defining hallmark of our competition. It reflects not only the individuality of each calligrapher, but also the richness that emerges when different experiences, traditions, and inspirations meet on a shared canvas.

We hope this online exhibition offers a space for everyone—artists, students, and viewers alike—to appreciate the beauty and depth of Japanese calligraphy. Through these works, we invite all to discover the quiet joy and meditative focus that comes from the rhythm of brush and ink.

This year, as we celebrate the 19th anniversary of the exhibition, we are reminded that Shodo—the way of writing—is not only a solitary pursuit, but also a deeply social art form. Calligraphy is born in the space between people: between teacher and student, between viewer and artist, between tradition and innovation. Each stroke carries not just personal expression, but also echoes of dialogue, mentorship, and shared understanding.

In that sense, this competition is more than a showcase—it is a conversation among calligraphers across generations and communities. Every piece becomes part of a larger, living exchange that connects us through the simple yet profound act of writing.

Though Japanese calligraphy arises from humble materials—brush, ink, and paper—it extends far beyond them. It connects language to spirit, movement to meaning, and individuals to one another.

It is Shodo Canada’s great honor to host this event for the 19th year, and to celebrate the collective beauty that emerges when a community of calligraphers comes together. In every line and composition, we see not only artistic mastery, but also the shared human impulse to express, to connect, and to create something greater together.

KENZABURO DATE MEMORIAL AWARD

This award honors the memory of the late Mr. Kenzaburo Date, whose deep love for Japanese calligraphy earned him Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards, as well as multiple Honorable Mentions in this competition.

This year two grand category winners selected themes derived from the study of Rinsho Classics.  The calligraphers selected two prominent 11th century masterpieces called Sunshoan-shikishi and Tsugi-shikishi, both of which are essential in the development and study of Kana Shodo. The calligraphers immersed themselves deeply and enthusiastically in their study of these ancient masterpieces and emerged to create a set of masterful new calligraphic works with traditional Ryo-shi/Kana-paper.

DR. RICK NISHIKAWA MEMORIAL AWARD

Dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Rick Nishikawa, this award celebrates his boundless passion for sharing the joy of Japanese calligraphy with others.

The Canadian Japanese Calligraphy Competition is known for its expressive power and bold individuality—qualities that stretch the boundaries of traditional Shodo. 

This year’s judges selected four exquisite pieces for the Rick Nishikawa Memorial Award. And even as the works shared the same themes, each piece enriched the expression with the unmistakable aura of the calligrapher's own unique story. The awards in this category are a wonderful encapsulation of the unique beauty of this competition.

JUDGE’S PRIZE

This year's Judges’ awards honours two tenkoku works, and four calligraphic pieces dedicated to the theme of uma/horse. Of the two tenkoku works, one piece lovingly expresses a traditional method of composition and carving, while the other expresses contemporary concepts across five exquisitely carved stones. 

The four young calligrapher's horse theme pieces are very lively and meaningful in different ways. They capture a contagious sense of enjoyment in their energetic brush movements.

GOLD AWARD

This year’s Gold Award showcases five exceptional works that signal new directions in the ever evolving artistry of Japanese calligraphy. Each of the five pieces uses a different script style - Kaisho, Gyosho, Sosho, Ancient and Kana, and yet they all radiate a resolute sense of beauty, confidence, and deep reverence for the art of Shodo.

SILVER AWARD

The five Silver Award-winning pieces each demonstrated a strong artistic core and a distinctive creative voice. In these entries, the calligraphers clearly challenged themselves to extend their expression and creative finish beyond typical bounds. We can find a fleeting glimpse of the abundant future of Shodo in these fresh and striving works.

BRONZE AWARD

Five striking works were selected for the Bronze Award this year.  Each piece deploys a deeply haptic sense of texture and creative composition.  The works also include delicate contrasts in detail. These works effortlessly embody the deeply satisfying sense of achievement that emerges from a gradual and long accumulation of careful and dedicated effort.

HONORABLE MENTION

The Honorable Mention category represents the vibrant heart of the Shodo Canada community. These selected works—35 from adult artists and 10 from young calligraphers—reflect a rich diversity of styles, backgrounds, and personal journeys.

Each piece tells its own story, animated by spirit and imagination. Above all, they radiate a joyful sincerity and love for calligraphy—the essence of what brings this community together.

HONORABLE MENTION - YOUTH

GRAND CATEGORY

This special grand category has been established to recognize a very special selection of calligraphers and their enduring devotion to the art of calligraphy. Recipients of this honor have been awarded the Gold award or other special award in this competition at least three times. These calligraphers represent the leaders of Japanese Calligraphy in Canada. Their pieces represent the standard of excellence to be pursued by following generations of calligraphers in Canada.

ENTRANTS

ENTRANTS - YOUTH