Genki Sudo - Calligraphy

What prompted me to start calligraphy was reading Ryotaro Shiba's novel "Kukai no Fukei." I learned that Kukai was a master of calligraphy and became interested in his profound technique and talent. However, my more direct motivation was that as I became more well-known as a martial artist and the number of times I was asked to sign autographs increased, I was shocked at how messy my own handwriting was, and I felt strongly that I couldn't continue like this.

Later, through my high school teacher, I met Yanagida Taizan, the fourth generation of the Yanagida family. The Yanagida family is a prestigious family of calligraphers, beginning with Yanagida Shosai in the Edo period, followed by Yanagida Tairoku, the second, and Taiun, the third. When I visited the Taishokai, I was so moved by the way Taizan wrote and the beauty of his characters that I decided to join on the spot.

When I first started calligraphy, I expected that I would improve my handwriting, but Master Taizan told me that practicing calligraphy would not improve my handwriting. At the time, I didn't understand what he meant, but now I understand it deeply. Calligraphy is not just the "technique of writing characters," but I was fascinated by the spirituality and aesthetic sense that lie behind it, and I became completely absorbed in it.

In today's world, digitalization is progressing and opportunities to write characters are decreasing. However, I feel that this is exactly why the value of calligraphy, which is analog and has a certain "fluctuation," stands out even more. Calligraphy has the power to express humanity and individuality, and I would like to continue to cherish and express that charm.

Biography

2003: Introduction to the Taishokai

Selected for the 58th Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition in 2006

Selected for the 60th Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition in 2008

In the same year, he won the Newcomer Encouragement Award at the 15th Thai Calligraphy Exhibition.

Selected for the 26th Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition in 2009

In 2015, he was awarded the pen name "Taigen" by Taizan Yanagida.

2016 Tokyo Calligraphy Exhibition Encouragement Award Winner

Winner of the Excellence Award at the 2021 Tokyo Calligraphy Exhibition

Winner of the Encouragement Award at the 2023 Tokyo Calligraphy Exhibition

My Journey into Calligraphy

The spark that ignited my passion for calligraphy came from reading Shiba Ryotaro's novel “Kukai no Fukei” (The Landscape of Kukai). In this book, I learned that Kukai was a master of calligraphy, and his profound skills and talents deeply intrigued me. However, the more direct reason for pursuing calligraphy was the realization of how terrible my handwriting was. As a professional fighter gaining recognition, I was often asked for autographs. The state of my handwriting shocked me, and I felt a strong urge to improve.

Later, through a connection with my high school mentor, I had the privilege of meeting Master Taizan Yanagida, the fourth-generation head of the Yanagida family. The Yanagida lineage is a renowned name in the world of kaisho (block script) calligraphy, tracing back to the Edo period with its founder Seisai Yanagida, followed by the second-generation Tairiku and third-generation Taiun. During a visit to Taisho-kai, I was profoundly moved by Master Taizan's graceful writing and immediately decided to join the group.

When I first began, I had the naive expectation that practicing calligraphy would automatically improve my handwriting. However, Master Taizan quickly dispelled this notion, saying, “Calligraphy does not necessarily make your handwriting better.” While I didn't understand his words at the time, I now fully grasp their meaning. Calligraphy is not merely about improving penmanship—it is about delving into the depth of its spiritual and artistic beauty. Captivated by this profound world, I have been fully immersed ever since.

In an era of accelerating digitalization, the opportunities to write by hand are diminishing. Yet, I believe this is precisely why the analog and inherently human aspect of calligraphy has become even more valuable. Calligraphy has the power to convey individuality and emotion, and I am committed to cherishing and expressing its unique charm.

Career in Calligraphy

• 2003: Joined Taisho-kai

• 2006: Selected for the 58th Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition

• 2008: Selected for the 60th Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition

• Received the Newcomer Encouragement Award at the 15th Taisho Exhibition

• 2009: Selected for the 26th Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition

• 2015: Received the art name “Taigen” from Master Taizan Yanagida

• 2016: Received the Encouragement Award at the Tokyo Calligraphy Exhibition

• 2021: Received the Excellence Award at the Tokyo Calligraphy Exhibition

• 2023: Received the Encouragement Award at the Tokyo Calligraphy Exhibition

This journey reflects my growth and dedication to the art of calligraphy, a discipline I deeply value and continue to pursue.