How does one express the self with ink, brush and paper?
Many people view calligraphy simply as an art form that showcases beautiful handwriting. However, it is more than just elegant writing; it is a profound way to convey meaningful messages.
In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Naoko Mikami about how calligraphy goes beyond aesthetics to express deep thoughts and emotions.
Podcast Highlights
- Becoming a professional calligraphy artist. Naoko shares her journey on becoming a calligrapher.
- Developing a calligraphy style. Naoko shares how she found her own style in calligraphy.
- Choosing the artist name, Fuh-mi. Naoko explains the meaning behind her artist name, Fuh-mi.
- Purpose behind the calligraphy art. Naoko discusses what her artworks are designed to accomplish.
- Shin/kokoro. Naoko explains what shin or kokoro is.
- Shoshin. Naoko explains the idea of having a beginner’s mind.
- Fudoshin. Naoko discusses the concept of fudoshin.
- Mushin. Naoko talks about how mushin shaped the samurai's perception of life and death.
- Heijoshin. Naoko discusses another term, heijoshin.
- Zanshin. Naoko talks about zanshin and explains why she thinks it could be a tip for a better tomorrow.
Naoko Mikami
Naoko Mikami is a leading calligrapher and translator in Japanese martial arts and traditional culture. She creates calligraphy for dojos and meditation centres in Japan and abroad; she frequently collaborates with martial arts federations and prominent publications focused on Budo, Zen, and Wellness. Her work can be found in public and private spaces throughout the world.
A former director of Art Curator Japan, an initiative that aimed at promoting Japanese artists internationally, Naoko nowadays works primarily on her own calligraphy career.
'Elevating executive or personal spaces with a custom Japanese calligraphy, blending ancient wisdom with modern aesthetics.' - Naoko Mikami
With Heaven's Help
Talisman
Turbulence
Becoming a professional calligraphy artist
Naoko started doing calligraphy at the age of seven. Initially, she wasn’t passionate about it, partly due to the unpleasant smell of rotting ink and the teacher wasn’t well-suited for young children, so the classes were uninteresting for her. However, her grandmother, being a poet and calligrapher, taught her calligraphy at home, and made her enjoy doing calligraphy.
As a teenager, she became more interested in Western culture and drifted away from calligraphy; her first job was at the International Budo University, where she couldn't practise calligraphy but immersed herself in samurai culture and Japanese traditions.
Overwhelmed by stress, she quit her job and moved to Taiwan. Encouraged by the art community there, she resumed calligraphy and started Art Curator Japan. In 2018, her first exhibition in France was a success, prompting her to pursue calligraphy full-time.
Developing a calligraphy style
It took time for Naoko to find her own style in calligraphy. Initially, she focused on design, mixing painting with calligraphy and honing technical brush skills. However, she realised that traditional calligraphy, particularly from periods like the Edo era, was simpler and prioritised the message over aesthetics.
Observing that modern calligraphy often leans towards abstract forms and flow, she felt that the essence of calligraphy was being lost. Naoko decided to return to the traditional spirit, where the message held the utmost importance.
While calligraphy can be appreciated as an art form, especially by those who can't read kanji, its true value lies in the meaning of the characters. Historically, samurais, nobility, and monks kept calligraphy in their homes and workplaces because the messages inspired reflection and motivation. Naoko aims to achieve the same effect with her work.
“The message should empower the person who owns the calligraphy.” - Naoko Mikami
Choosing the artist name, Fuh-mi
Naoko chose the artist name Fuh-mi, which means ‘not beautiful,’ to stand out in a field where names are often stylish and elegant. She chose this name because of its punkness and because it resonated with her struggles with imposter syndrome, making it personally meaningful.Purpose behind the calligraphy art
Naoko’s calligraphy art process involves discussing with clients their desired motivation and message. Based on these, she creates several calligraphy options for them to choose from. Her focus is on conveying the client's intended message. She works primarily on tailored kakejiku (scrolls), and once the client selects their preferred option, she sends it to a craftsman for final production.Shin/kokoro
The kanji for kokoro or shin frequently appears in Naoko’s calligraphy. The concept of kokoro is difficult to translate into a single English word, as it encompasses the heart, mind, and spirit—ideas that are deeply intuitive and nuanced in Japanese culture.Naoko explains that in calligraphy, the character kokoro is distinctive, consisting of just four unconnected strokes, which create a floating sensation that makes it challenging to brush. This character can embody both delicacy and strength, much like the human mind. Consequently, it is often used in calligraphy to represent themes of philosophy and life.
Shoshin
In Japan, the concept of shoshin is often understood as having a beginner's mind. When learning something new, one should be like an empty vessel, avoiding the influence of prior knowledge. However, Zeami, who contributed to the establishment of the Noh theatre in the 14th to 15th centuries, had a different view of shoshin. He believed in handling new situations and challenges by using the 'first experiences' you've had in life, rather than starting completely fresh.
Fudoshin
Fudoshin, a Zen concept famously used by the samurai Yagyu Munenori, represents the idea of an ‘immovable mind.’ To illustrate this, Naoko shared an example involving a young person new to Zen meditation and a seasoned Zen master. Both meditated while their brainwaves were monitored. Initially, their brainwaves were similar. However, when a loud noise startled them, both experienced disturbed brainwaves.
The difference was that the young person's brainwaves remained chaotic for a while, whereas the Zen master's brainwaves quickly returned to calm. This shows that even a Zen master can be startled but regains calm much faster. Fudoshin is about resilience and bouncing back, reminding us that true strength is shown by staying calm during tough times.
Mushin
While fudoshin is about external influences, mushin refers to being influenced by internal instincts. For Naoko, an easy way to explain it is like driving while listening to music and suddenly realising you've been driving automatically without thinking.
Often translated as ‘no mind,’ mushin is crucial in martial arts. It means having a clear, undistracted mind, a concept rooted in Buddhist and Zen teachings. On the battlefield, where life and death were always at play, maintaining this focused, detached mindset was essential for survival.
Heijoshin
Heijoshin translates to staying calm in any situation and is heavily used in martial arts. Naoko shares that famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi spoke of a similar mindset, stating:
Zanshin
Zanshin is a crucial concept in Japanese martial arts and translates to ‘lingering mind.’ It refers to the mental state of remaining alert and aware, even after executing a move. For example, in a kendo competition, maintaining zanshin is essential for scoring a point, as it involves being ready for any counterattacks from your opponent. It’s not just about the physical strike but also about the mindset of staying vigilant.Conclusion
Calligraphy is not just an art form; it is a powerful tool for expressing thoughts and emotions. It can convey messages that inspire and uplift, turning written words into beautiful, meaningful art.