Every year, on Jan 2 to 4, the New Year Calligraphy Contest takes place at the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
The deity of the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is Sugawara no Michizane, an important court officer as well as a gifted poet and calligrapher in the Heian period (794-1185). A lot of Japanese people come to this shrine during these three days to write the first calligraphy of the year. It’s fun to witness the way Japanese parents push their young children to write calligraphy. Some of these kids are really good at writing these kanji.
I enjoyed walking around, watching the way the kids try their best to write a beautiful calligraphy, under the guidance of their mom or dad. Always a good opportunity to capture a few photos and discuss with the people. This little girl was so proud as her work has become the center of interest of a photographer!
