The Power to Move an Era, Contained in a Single Stroke
The moment ink touches paper, something more than mere characters is born.
Standing before the work “Restoration” created by calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki’s brush, such thoughts come rushing to the heart.
Bold yet graceful brushwork.
The gradations of deep black ink seem to express the undulations of an era.
Within these two characters breathes a spirit both ancient and new, deeply etched into the Japanese soul.
＼ 岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！ ／
A Moment Where Three Sentiments Intersect
Behind the creation of this work lie three catalysts.
The first was a reunion with the film Kyoki no Sakura (Mad Cherry Blossoms) starring Yosuke Kubozuka.
Watching this work again after a long time, I was once more moved to my core.
“This is the Heisei Restoration, you fool!” – this famous line shouted by Yosuke Kubozuka condenses the passionate energy of young people trying to break through established concepts and create new values.
Although years have passed since the film’s release, the power of those words remains undimmed.
The second is my own deep love of history.
I am particularly drawn to the turbulent period from the late Edo period through the Meiji Restoration.
For me, who holds the death poem of Shinsaku Takasugi – “I shall make this uninteresting world interesting” – as my motto, the word “Restoration” is not merely a historical term.
It is a life philosophy itself: transforming a mundane daily life through one’s own will.
And the third is the contemporary political situation.
On January 14, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi announced the dissolution of the House of Representatives.
One wing of the ruling coalition is none other than the “Japan Restoration Association.”
While I don’t support any particular political party, I approached this work with the hope that as long as they bear the noble word “Restoration” in their party name, they will realize politics worthy of that name.
The Profound Meaning Held by “Restoration”
“Restoration” – the origin of this word traces back to the Chinese classic Book of Odes.
Coming from the passage “Though Zhou is an old state, its mandate is renewed,” this word encompasses a profound philosophy: “while preserving the old, constantly being reborn anew.”
Restoration is not mere destruction and creation.
It is the wisdom of respecting tradition while renewing oneself according to the times – this is what these two characters condense.
Shourin Iwasaki’s brush embodies precisely this spirit.
While preserving traditional calligraphy techniques, he composes the paper surface with modern sensibility.
Within strength lies elegance; within stillness lies dynamism.
This truly embodies the realm of “Shu-Ha-Ri” (preserve, break, transcend) and can be called the calligraphy of Restoration itself.
The Energy of Transformation Dwelling in the Brushwork
Please look closely at the work.
The powerful sweep of the character “維” (preserve), the dynamism of the character “新” (new).
Each stroke stands independently, yet creates harmony as a whole.
It’s as if we’re seeing the panorama of the Meiji Restoration, where individual ambitions gathered to become a great wave of transformation, or the figures of the young people depicted in Kyoki no Sakura.
The gradation of the ink is also magnificent.
The progression from the deep ink color at the initial moment the brush touches down to the gradual lightening toward the end of each stroke evokes the diffusion of transformative energy through space and time.
And in that white space, infinite possibilities seem to spread.
The vermillion seal in the lower left is also effective.
Against the monochrome ink writing, the vivid red tightens the entire work while simultaneously adding warmth.
The Spirit of Creating “Interesting Things”
Shinsaku Takasugi left a great mark on late Edo period history in a life of merely 29 years.
He established the Kiheitai militia, broke down the existing class system, and opened the door to a new era.
His death poem, “I shall make this uninteresting world interesting,” expresses a strong will to not settle for the given world but to make the world interesting through one’s own actions.
That Shourin Iwasaki holds this poem as his motto is deeply connected to his attitude toward calligraphy, a traditional art.
Rather than merely imitating the classics, he learns from tradition while infusing his own sensibility and creating new expression.
Isn’t this the spirit of “Restoration” in the modern age?
A Message to Those of Us Living in the Present
In modern society with its rapid changes, the word “Restoration” carries special resonance.
Politics, economics, culture – transformation is demanded in every field.
However, Shourin Iwasaki’s “Restoration” teaches us: transformation is not the total negation of the past.
It is preserving (“維”) what is important while creating (“新”) new value.
This is what true Restoration means.
There is a phrase “維新之志” (the ambition of Restoration).
It refers to the ambition to pioneer a new era.
Looking at this work, such passionate ambition seems to transmit from every drop of ink.
The “Heisei Restoration” shouted by young people in the film, the “Meiji Restoration” for which late Edo period warriors risked their lives, and the “Japan Restoration Association” championed by contemporary politicians – though the eras differ, the spirit flowing through them is the same.
The will to not be bound by existing frameworks and to create a better future.
This is the universal message contained in the word “Restoration.”
A Sincere Attitude Toward Calligraphy
The appeal of Shourin Iwasaki’s work is not merely technical perfection.
The attitude of sincerely engaging with calligraphy itself, poured into each stroke, moves the viewer’s heart.
Calligraphy is the art of “once in a lifetime.”
Even writing the same characters, the same work will never be born twice.
The state of mind at that moment, the breathing, the minute movements of the hand holding the brush – everything is reflected in the work.
In this “Restoration” too, one feels the serene yet powerful spirituality of the moment when the artist took up the brush.
Finding Your Own “Restoration”
Standing before this work, what do you feel?
Longing for transformation?
Respect for tradition?
Or perhaps a desire to renew yourself?
The wonder of calligraphic works lies in giving different resonance to each viewer.
I hope you will receive Shourin Iwasaki’s “Restoration” with your own unique interpretation.
There is a four-character idiom: “日新又日新” (renewed daily and again daily).
It means being reborn anew each and every day.
Shourin Iwasaki’s creative activities are permeated by precisely this spirit.
And if this work has moved your heart, please follow his Instagram.
There unfolds a world of calligraphy being reborn daily.
Small restorations born in the moments when ink and paper meet.
Each one eventually connects to great transformation – Shourin Iwasaki’s brush shows us such hope.
The latest works and daily creative activities of calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki can be viewed on Instagram.
＼ 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！ ／
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