The Depth of “Rely” Embodied in Powerful Brushstrokes ─ Calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki Depicts the Bonds Between People

The moment ink dances across paper, the calligrapher’s breath intersects with the emotions embedded in each character.

The character that calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki has brushed this time is the single word “頼” (rely).
When you look at the image, you’re immediately struck by brushwork that is both powerful and graceful.
The momentum of the leftward sweep, the rhythmic variation of speed and pause visible in the “束” section, and the dot-strokes imbued with spirit down to the very last drop.
This work is not merely a reproduction of a character, but an expression of the human warmth inherent in the act of “relying” itself.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！　／

The Meaning Hidden Within the Character “Rely”

To “rely”—it means to share burdens too heavy to carry alone with someone else.
In our modern age, often described as one of isolation, there is perhaps no word more warm, yet requiring more courage, than this.

The Chinese character “頼” is composed of “頁” (head, person) and “束” (bundle).
It represents a person firmly bundling and bringing things together.
By extension, it came to mean entrusting with trust.
In other words, to “rely” is a profoundly human act of trusting another person and exposing one’s own vulnerability.

One four-character idiom using this character is “信頼関係” (shinrai kankei – relationship of trust).
It speaks to the bonds of heart where people trust and support one another.
There’s also the term “依頼心” (irai shin – dependent spirit), which carries a somewhat negative connotation of “a mind that relies excessively on others.”
Yet paradoxically, this suggests just how deeply rooted the act of “relying” is in our daily lives.

“信頼Trust,” “依頼request,” “頼母子講” (tanomoshi-kou)—an old term representing a system of mutual aid where people help one another.
In all of these, the character “頼” lives and breathes.

Human Connection Manifested in Calligraphy

When you gaze upon Shourin Iwasaki’s “頼,” the character seems to speak to you.

In the “束” section on the left, delicacy and boldness coexist.
Meanwhile, the “頁” section on the right displays a powerful energy that rushes from the brush’s entry to its sweep—conveying the sincerity and reliability of one who can be relied upon.
The spacing between horizontal strokes, the variations in thickness of vertical strokes—here, calculated beauty and the calligrapher’s sensibility naturally merge.

Particularly striking is the sweeping section of “束.”
From the brush tip leaving the paper with vigor, ink scatters as if breathing.
This technique called “flying white” (kasure – drybrush) gives the work a sense of vitality.
Not perfectly arranged characters, but living calligraphy where human warmth can be felt—this is the appeal of Shourin Iwasaki’s work.

The Courage to Show Weakness, the Strength to Rely

We tend to perceive “relying” as weakness.
But is that truly the case?

To rely on someone first requires the courage to acknowledge one’s own limits.
It demands a trusting heart and the strength to overcome the fear of potential rejection.
In other words, “relying” is actually a highly proactive act accompanied by strong will.

Shourin Iwasaki’s “頼” seems to convey this very message to us.

Within the dignified brushwork, suppleness and gentleness coexist.
Strength and weakness, independence and dependence, individual and community—beyond these opposing concepts lies the fundamental way of human existence.

The red seal stamped in the lower left also plays an important role in anchoring the entire work.
The black of ink and the red of the seal—these two contrasting colors seem to symbolize the relationship between people.

Connecting Hearts Through Calligraphy

Calligraphy is not merely the art of writing characters beautifully.
It is an expression of the heart, where the writer’s spirit is captured on paper through ink.

Shourin Iwasaki faces each character daily, creating works while deeply exploring the meaning held within each word.
His choice of the character “頼” was surely made with the intention of conveying something to those of us living in the modern world.

To those suffering from loneliness.
To those who push themselves to be perfect.
To those who cannot show weakness to anyone.

“It’s okay to rely on others.”

Such a gentle message seems to resonate from this single character.

On Shourin Iwasaki’s Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/iwasaki_shourin/), he shares his daily works and thoughts about calligraphy.
The stories embedded in each character, the tension of the moment the brush moves, and the messages he wishes to convey through calligraphy—please follow and experience the profound depth of the world of calligraphy.

Characters are bridges that connect people’s hearts across time.
Won’t you join us in savoring this world?

＼　岩﨑翔凛のInstagramはこちら！　／

Online Shop Now Open

Furthermore, we are pleased to announce that an online shop where you can purchase Shourin Iwasaki’s calligraphy works has now opened on STORES.

Bring calligraphy works such as “Breaking the Limits” into your hands.
As a gift, as a present to yourself, as a message of encouragement to someone important.
Calligraphy conveys feelings that go beyond words.

We offer framed works and a variety of sizes.
Perfect not only as interior decor for your room, but also as gifts for those embarking on new beginnings.

Limits exist to be surpassed.
A single piece of calligraphy gives you that extra push forward.

Please experience the world of Shourin Iwasaki’s calligraphy.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！　／