Can artwork inspire us?
Beyond mere decoration, art forms like calligraphy have the unique ability to evoke feelings of motivation and purpose.
In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick welcomes back Naoko Mikami to explore how calligraphy can be a powerful source of inspiration, helping to set the tone for a positive and fulfilling day.
Podcast Highlights
- Conducting a calligraphy workshop for the Ikigai retreat. Naoko shares her experience of leading a calligraphy workshop during the first Ikigai retreat.
- Nichi nichi kore kō jitsu. Naoko explains the meaning of this Zen phrase.
- Applying nichi nichi kore kō jitsu. Naoko shares how the Zen phrase nichi nichi kore kō jitsu can be applied to our daily lives.
- How to turn a day into a great one. Naoko shares advice on how people can make each day a good one.
- A modern touch to the Japanese hanging scroll. Naoko explains why she chose to incorporate wider scrolls in her calligraphy.
- The experience of practicing calligraphy. Naoko shares her personal experiences and feelings while practicing calligraphy.
- Expanding the limits of her art. Naoko discusses how she strives to push the boundaries of her craft.
- The feeling of completing a calligraphy piece. Naoko shares how she feels when finishing a calligraphy work.
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.
Nichinichi Kore Kojitsu - Everyday Is a Good Day
Conducting a calligraphy workshop for the Ikigai retreat
Naoko had the chance to join the Ikigai retreat, headed by Nick, where she conducted a calligraphy workshop. She shares that the workshop was a deeply rewarding experience and was inspired by the participants' enthusiasm and openness to learning.
Her goal was for everyone to truly experience the essence of calligraphy. Rather than focusing on technical details like grinding ink or brush techniques, she encouraged participants to immerse themselves in the unique sensations—the glide of the brush on paper, the scent of the ink—elements often absent from daily life.
Nichi nichi kore kō jitsu
During the workshop, Naoko introduced several Japanese concepts, including the Zen phrase nichi nichi kore kō jitsu. The phrase means that every day is a good day, not because every day is perfect, but because we can find something meaningful in each day, no matter what happens.
It encourages us to value each day as an opportunity for growth and learning, reflecting the Zen principles of mindfulness and acceptance, and reminding us to stay present and appreciate the beauty in each moment.
Applying nichi nichi kore kō jitsu
Naoko recounts applying the Zen phrase nichi nichi kore kō jitsu during her first art exhibition abroad. While exciting, the experience was filled with challenges, including delayed shipments, customs issues, and unexpected duties, forcing her to adapt and make amends with artists. Cultural differences and faulty lighting added to the stress, but teamwork resolved the issue just in time.
Despite these challenges, the exhibition succeeded, with visitors praising the showcased art. The experience taught her valuable lessons about international logistics, cultural adaptability, and resilience. The Zen phrase nichi nichi kore kō jitsu reminded her to find positivity daily, helping her stay calm and persevere.
How to turn a day into a great one
Naoko believes the best way to have a great day is to focus on small joys, such as a kind word, a good meal, or the beauty of nature. She emphasizes the importance of appreciating even the smallest moments on tough days and staying open and grateful, even when not every moment feels perfect.
A modern touch to the Japanese hanging scroll
Traditional Japanese kakejiku are long and narrow, designed for display in a tokonoma, a traditional alcove. While charming, Naoko finds them sometimes outdated in modern settings. Inspired by her French husband’s suggestion, she began using wider formats, which suit Western homes better and feel more contemporary. This adaptation honors traditional aesthetics while embracing modern lifestyles, offering a sense of openness.The experience of practicing calligraphy
Naoko recalls her time working at the International Budo University, where the president, Oka Sensei, practiced shakyo (sutra tracting) every morning as a form of meditation and spiritual focus. This daily ritual left a deep impression on her, demonstrating how a simple, repetitive practice can clear the mind and bring calm.
Similarly, Naoko finds that practicing calligraphy provides a sense of peace and focus, much like shakyo. Both practices, she notes, share the ability to anchor one in the present moment, a valuable quality in today’s fast-paced world.
Expanding the limits of her art
Naoko strives to push the boundaries of calligraphy while honoring its traditions. She values the art's long history but believes it’s essential to adapt it for modern life, making it resonate with today’s audience. For example, she experiments with unconventional materials like denim fabric and wider formats, making calligraphy easier to display in contemporary spaces.
She also blends calligraphy with other art forms, such as a piece inspired by The Matrix, combining traditional Japanese text with modern digital aesthetics. Naoko’s goal is to keep calligraphy alive and relevant, preserving its timeless beauty.
The feeling of completing a calligraphy piece
Naoko feels grateful every time she finishes a calligraphy piece. She views completing the calligraphy as about 80% of the process, with the remaining 20% contributed by the professional craftsmen who mount it. The moment she sees the mounted scroll for the first time is always special, both exciting and nerve-wracking.
She likens the transformation of the paper to being dressed in an elegant couture gown, appreciating the incredible final result and the collaboration that made it possible. Naoko hopes her work resonates deeply with clients, inspiring them to remain calm, appreciate life, or find strength.
One memorable story she shares is of a client who purchased a piece as a gift for his wife, who was struggling to launch her own business. The artwork’s message of inner strength and self-belief profoundly encouraged her, and Naoko feels truly grateful to know her work can have such a personal and uplifting impact.
Conclusion
Crafts like calligraphy make excellent additions to any space, offering an uplifting touch, especially on days when motivation is needed. Each scroll, adorned with inspiring messages and meticulously crafted by skilled calligraphy artists, brings both beauty and encouragement to any setting.
Make everyday a good day
Naoko’s nichi nichi kore kō jitsu piece is available for purchase. Her exquisite brushwork, paired with the profound yet practical message of Zen philosophy, serves as a beautiful reminder that each day is a gift. This one-of-a-kind artwork makes a thoughtful gift for someone special or a meaningful addition to your own space.