A Living Calligrapher of Beauty and Sensibility
Currently 102 years old, based in New York

SEIKOU, now 102, was born in 1922 in Fukuoka, Japan. Raised in a liberal household, she developed a deep appreciation for beauty early on, believing that the ability to feel beauty brings true happiness.
She began as an elementary school teacher but later enrolled in a music university while working, driven by her passion for learning and the arts. As a music educator, she nurtured her students’ sensitivity and encouraged a pure love for artistic expression.
After retiring, she moved to the U.S. to reunite with her son. What was meant to be a short stay turned into a lifelong path after being asked to help introduce Japanese educational values—especially the art of “Sho” (calligraphy)—to America. She embraced this mission as her destiny.

For nearly 50 years, SEIKOU has continued to share Japanese culture in New York. In 1996, she participated in an educational project at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering workshops on calligraphy-based teaching methods. To this day, she continues to teach “Sho”, which she sees not just as technique, but as a way to express breath, thought, and the spirit of art—with a clear, honest heart.

A single umbrella stands closed. There is no rain, no wind. But that doesn't mean nothing is happening. Invisible forces are always present—and when the time comes, the umbrella will open. "⾵不鳴條/Fū Fu Meishō" comes from a Chinese classic. It means “the wind is still, but the branches move,” showing that something may be stirring beneath calm. Even when the world seems peaceful, hidden forces are at work. True harmony needs understanding, respect, and quiet cooperation. Now more than ever, we need peace supported by such unseen strength.

Zen Priest and calligrapher /
20th head priest of Obai-in, Daitoku-ji Temple, Kyoto

Born in 1938, Taigen Kobayashi entered monastic life at the age of six after losing both parents. He graduated from Hanazono University and undertook rigorous Zen training under the guidance of Master Reki-dō Ōtsu at the monastery of the Shōkoku-ji school of the Rinzai Zen tradition. In 1975, he was appointed the 20th abbot of Ōbai-in, a subtemple of Daitoku-ji, the head temple of the Rinzai Daitoku-ji school in Kyoto. At the time, the temple buildings and gardens had fallen into disrepair. Through decades of dedicated effort, Kobayashi restored Ōbai-in to its former dignity, overseeing the revitalization of its historic architecture and landscape.

Daitoku-ji, established during the Muromachi period, is one of Kyoto’s most prominent Zen temples, closely associated with the culture of tea. Among its many subtemples, Ōbai-in holds special significance. It was founded in the late 16th century as a memorial temple for Oda Nobunaga and features a garden attributed to the tea master Sen no Rikyū—a profound space where the spirit of Zen and the aesthetics of the tea ceremony quietly converge.

As both a Zen monk and a calligrapher, Kobayashi brings together spiritual depth and artistic sensibility. His work, grounded in the discipline of Zen practice, has earned acclaim in Japan and internationally for embodying and communicating the timeless teachings and refined aesthetics of Zen in the contemporary world.

The Enso—a single circular brushstroke—is one of the most iconic expressions of Zen calligraphy. In this work, Taigen Kobayashi conveys the deep teachings of Zen through simplicity and motion. The circle represents the full cycle of life: not a straight path from birth to death, but a continuous flow in which endings give rise to new beginnings. Central to this work is the Zen teaching of jiri-rita(⾃利利他)—that one’s own happiness is fulfilled by contributing to the happiness of others. In this view, compassion is not separate from personal joy; they arise together, like two parts of the same circle.

He reflects: “There are many perspectives and ideologies in this world. But no matter the differences, their ultimate purpose should be the same—to help people live happily. That’s why we must never lose sight of our path as human beings. Laugh, enjoy life, and live in happiness.”

This enso is a silent prayer—a visual expression of that wisdom. May this circle of peace and connection resonate within you, too.

This work has been mounted as a hanging scroll by skilled Kyoto artisans, in a style that suits both traditional Japanese spaces and modern Western interiors. It comes with a handcrafted kiri-bako (paulownia wood box) for safe storage. A portion of the proceeds from this piece will be donated to Ōbai-in Temple to support the preservation of its historic gardens and cultural heritage.

Gospel Singer

Click here to read The New York Times article on TiA

In 2004, at the age of 16, TiA made her major debut under Sony Music's EPIC Records Japan with the self-written and composed song “Every Time,” which had already gained attention as the ending theme for the popular TV program HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP when she was just 14. Her second single, “Ryuusei,” was selected as the ending theme for the hit anime NARUTO. Her first album humming received the Japan Gold Disc Award for New Artist of the Year.

In 2014, TiA moved to the United States alone and began performing from her new base in New York City. She made history as the first Japanese artist to win the top prize at one of America’s largest gospel competitions, held in a stadium of 20,000 people. Her groundbreaking achievements were featured on the front page of The New York Times. She was also named one of “6 Japanese Recognized by the World” alongside Shohei Ohtani in Courrier Japon. TiA has appeared on numerous Japanese TV programs, including UTAGE! and Monitoring (TBS), Uta-Con (NHK), Konya Kurabete Mimashita (NTV), Daimei no Nai Ongakukai and SONG vs DANCE (TV Asahi), Sunshine and Nonstop! (Fuji TV), among others. On the popular TV Tokyo show THE! Karaoke ★ Battle, hosted by Masaki Sakai, she won twice and drew widespread attention.

In May 2025, TiA and her group, the Sakura Japanese Choir, made headlines by winning the choir category at the McDonald’s GospelFest 2025 in New York —a historic victory that continues to inspire.