BIOGRAPHY
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 began studying Japanese calligraphy at the age of six. At 18, she was awarded the title of Shihan (Master), and the following year received the highest title of Kyoju (Professor) from Nihon Shuji (The Japan Calligraphy Foundation), along with her professional calligraphy name, KASHUŪ (佳萩). She also holds a hachi-dan, the top grade in Japanese calligraphy.
Her calligraphy name, KASHUŪ, refers to a refined bush clover blooming in the wild mountains. Its thin yet strong stem reflects the elegance and resilience that characterise her style.
Guided by a mission to share a mindful way of living through Japanese calligraphy, KASHUŪ’s work spans large-scale live performances, collaborations, and commissioned projects for leading global brands and cultural institutions, including LOUIS VUITTON, ARMANI, Mastercard, the Emmy-winning Disney+ series SHŌGUN, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
It also includes packaging and book cover design, such as Chivas Regal, Japan’s No.1 coffee brand UESHIMA, and Kitagawa Utamaro’s Studies from Nature, nominated for Best British Book in 2019.
She still describes herself as a beginner even after 40 years of practice.
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 Penguin Books ‘Paper Trail’ book title
Royal Borough Kensington and Chelsea, Holland Park, London “Fukushima Garden” signboard
Mitsubishi UFJ
etc.
FILM
2021 ARMANI
2021 England Premire League Show(Halftime)
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 Nissan
2011 TOYOTA “Toyota Way”
etc.