Bio
KASHUŪ is a London based Japanese calligrapher.
Calligraphy is her life-long practice to train and purify the mind. The age-old tradition is a discipline of beauty, a search towards pure form and a peace within.
KASHUŪ was born in Kumamoto, Japan in 1979 and started Japanese calligraphy at the age of 6. In 1998, at the age of 18, she was given the title of “Shihan”(Master) and the following year, awarded the highest title of “Kyoju”(Grand master) by The Japan Calligraphy Foundation and given the calligrapher name“KASHUŪ”(佳萩). She holds the top grade, 8th dan in The Japan Calligraphy,
“KASHUŪ” translates broadly as a gracious, but strong flower blooming in the wild mountain which adds an extra touch of beauty to its surroundings. She hopes to reflect this meaning in her artworks and the way she lives her life.
KASHUŪ has been commissioned by a host of notable clients and companies around the world in a variety of presentations and media. Her mission guiding all her projects is to spread a mindful way of living through the spirit of Japanese Calligraphy.
Recently KASHUŪ’s projects have included a collaboration with Mastercard for their 2019 Rugby World Cup advert and a commission to write the book title “ Studies from Nature” from the master of ukiyo-e, Kitagawa Utamaro (c.1754–1806) which has now been nominated for “Best British Book” at British Book Design & Production Awards 2019.
Major Clients
Performances
2021 ・The Royal Garden of Kew (Kew Gardens)
2020 ・Embassy of Japan UK Season of culture-National Gallery London
・Bridgestone 70 years Anniversay in Saudi Arabia
・The British Library(WRITING exhibition) London
2019 ・England Rugby World Cup Celebration in Twickenham Stadium
・Harrods London, Floraiku Perfume (MEMO Paris)
2018 ・Kuwait, Floraiku Purfume(MEMO Paris)
・TOYOTA Lexus Opening Ceremony, Qatar
・NOBU Restaurant & Hotel Opening Ceremony, London
2016 ・ Aman Hotel, Morroco & London
・ Philip Mould Gallery, Pall Mall, London
・Mason Assouline, Piccadilly London
2015 ・Suntory Whiskey Hibiki, London
2011 ・TOYOTA Lexus, Lincoln UK
2010 ・Mazda Ceremony, Germany
etc.
Artworks and Designs
2021 ・Ueshima Coffee Company package design(UCC)
2019 ・Kitagawa Utamaro Ukiyoe Collection Book titles
2018 ・Chivas Whiskey package label
2016 ・Classic Rock Award Title Budo-kan Tokyo
・Sunrtory Whiskey gifts labels
2013 ・ Panasonic Launch Ceremony banners
2012 ・PenguinBooks “Paper trail” booktitle
・Royal Borough Kensignton and Chelsea, Holland Park, London “Fukushima Garden” signboard
・Mitsubishi UFJ
etc.
Films
2021 ARMANI
2021 England Premire League Show(Halftime)
2021 London Sifonietta Orchestra(Rain Coming)
2019 Mastercard Rugby World Cup Advert
2017 ABSOLUT Vodka TV Advert
2016 PAKER PEN Website
2015 Qatar Gas
2012 Infiniti
2011 TOYOTA “Toyota Way”
etc.
Workshops
2021 ARMANI
2019 The British Institute of Interior Design at TOTO showroom, London
2015 Otsuka Seiyaku Pharmaceutical Europe (大塚製薬）
2015 to 2018 Japan Matsuri London in Trafalger Square
2010 Imperial College London
etc.