With aspiration in mind and passion in your writing brush, what will you aim for in 2026?

The year 2026 has begun.
As we have just opened the door to a new year, many people are likely making resolutions to themselves that “this year will be it.”
Goals, resolutions, dreams — there are many different ways to call them, but what they all have in common is a strong will for the future, embodied in the single character “志（aspiration）”

This time we would like to introduce the single character “志” (aspiration), written by calligrapher Iwasaki Shourin.
Powerful lines woven together with varying shades of ink and brush strokes that seem to cut through space.
This piece is more than just written characters.

At the start of a new era, 2026, the weight and beauty of the aspirations that each of us holds in our hearts are sublimated onto ink and paper.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！　／

The deep meaning of the word “志”

“志” – This kanji is made up of the characters for “心（heart）” and “士” (scientist).
In other words, it indicates the direction the heart is heading, the direction the heart is aiming for.
It’s not just a wish or a dream, but the will to move forward towards that goal.
That is the essence of the word “志”

Since ancient times, Japanese people have treasured the word “aspiration.”
“Setting aspirations,” “achieving aspirations,” “halfway through one’s aspirations” — these phrases are still used today because we subconsciously understand the importance of having aspirations in life.

There are many four-character idioms that include the character for “aspiration.”
・有志竟成”Your aspirations will come true” (If you have aspirations, things will come true in the end): If you have a strong will, you will be able to accomplish anything.
・不撓不屈の志”Indomitable will” (This refers to a strong will that does not give in to any difficulty).
・青雲の志”Aiming for success” (This refers to a high ambition to achieve success in life).
・初志貫徹”Persist in your initial ambition” (This refers to following through on the ambition you set at the beginning until the end.

These aren’t just random thoughts, but goals worth pursuing in life.

Thoughts put into the brush

Take a look at Iwasaki Shourin’s “志” (aspiration).
The strong line in the first stroke, the flowing vertical stroke in the second stroke, and the sense of stability in the final “心” (heart). Overall, it resembles a tree that is firmly rooted in the earth yet reaching for the sky.

The shades of ink are also impressive, from deep black the moment the brush is placed down to a gradation of gray that appears as the brush moves.
This change seems to express the complexity of having aspirations.
The strong resolve felt at the moment one sets one’s aspirations, and the difficulty of maintaining that resolve in everyday life. Both are embodied in this single character.

Calligraphy is not simply the art of writing beautiful characters.
It is an art in which the writer’s heart is directly expressed through the brush and onto the paper.
This work, “志,” conveys the calligrapher’s sincere attitude, passion for calligraphy, and hopes for the new year of 2026.

What is your “aspiration”?

What will you feel when you see this work?
Perhaps it will remind you of your own aspirations.
Or perhaps a deep-seated feeling in your heart that has yet to be made clear will gradually begin to take shape.

It’s never too late to have aspiration.
We can set new ambitions at any stage in life.
Whether it’s a big dream or a small everyday goal, the important thing is to have a direction in which your heart is directed.

2026 is a new year.
A year full of possibilities unfolds before us, like a blank canvas.
As a calligrapher, I would be very happy if this work, “Aspiration,” could inspire you to reexamine your own aspirations.

Welcome to the world of calligraphy

Iwasaki Shourin’s Instagram (@iwasaki_shourin) posts her daily calligraphy works, the creative process, and the thoughts behind each piece.
Each piece has its own story and message.

Calligraphy is an art form with a history dating back thousands of years, yet it is also a most contemporary means of expressing the feelings of those living in the present moment.
It is a place where classical beauty intersects with modern sensibilities.
This is the world of Iwasaki Shourin’s calligraphy.

If you are moved by this single character “志” (aspiration), be sure to take a look at his other works.
From seasonal words to characters that mark life’s turning points, to even avant-garde expressions, through the various works, you will surely be able to feel the profound depth of the art of calligraphy and the infinite possibilities that can be created with a single brush.

What do you aspire to in 2026?

May Iwasaki Shourin’s calligraphy works accompany you on your journey to find the answer.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のInstagramはこちら！　／

To you – Online shop open

Now, we are able to deliver Iwasaki Shourin’s calligraphy works to you.

For your home or office, or as a gift for a loved one.
Each piece has been lovingly crafted and is waiting for you to discover it.

Please stop by our online shop where you can view detailed images and explanations of the works.

Just as threads intersect to form a woven fabric, inks intertwine to create twill.
Why not incorporate the beauty of that moment into your daily life?

We look forward to seeing you in the world woven by Iwasaki Shourin’s brush.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！　／