Hello everyone! ?✨
Today, I’d like to share with you the fun and meaningful New Year’s event we held at NILS — Hatsumode (New Year’s Shrine Visit) and Kakizome (Calligraphy Practice)! This event was a wonderful opportunity for us to experience traditional Japanese customs while having a lot of fun. Let me take you through the details!

What is Hatsumode? Experiencing a Shrine Visit!

First, let me explain Hatsumode! It’s a Japanese tradition where people visit a shrine at the beginning of the new year to pray for good health and happiness. In our classroom, we began by teaching the students the proper etiquette for visiting a shrine. How should you bow? What is the correct way to wash your hands at the water basin? These small but important details were explained carefully before we headed out.

Visiting Gion Shrine

Once everyone was ready, we set off together! We walked for about 10 minutes to Gion Shrine. At the entrance, we all bowed in front of the torii gate, washed our hands at the water basin, and offered our prayers. We expressed our gratitude for the past year and made a wish or set a goal for the year ahead. It was a peaceful and uplifting experience, and it felt great to share this special moment with everyone!

Calligraphy Practice (Kakizome)

After our shrine visit, it was time for Kakizome — the first calligraphy of the year! Teachers first taught the students how to properly hold the brush and how to write. Some of the teachers at NILS are calligraphy masters (with certifications!), so they shared their expertise and taught us all the best techniques. It was fascinating to learn the fine details of brushwork from them!

Writing on Paper

Once the students got the hang of it, they practiced on calligraphy paper. After a few more strokes, each student chose a kanji character that was meaningful to them and wrote it carefully on Shikishi board. Everyone’s character was unique, reflecting their personal hopes and wishes for the year. It was so fun to see how creative and thoughtful everyone was!

Take It Home and Display It!

Once the calligraphy was complete, each student took home their artwork to display in their homes. It’s a beautiful way to welcome the new year and invite good fortune into their lives.

This year’s Hatsumode and Kakizome event was not only fun but also an insightful way to experience Japanese culture. We made great memories, and I’m sure it will stay with us throughout the year! If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend joining next year’s event to start your year on a positive note.

Wishing you all a wonderful and prosperous year ahead! ?

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