JCC E-Magazine July 2025

Mr Maaya Wakasugi during his calligraphy performance. He wrote the word “moon” in his own invented style, with emphasis on the use of negative space.

Guests trying their hand at calligraphy, writing the words “moon” or “star” with guidance by Mr Maaya Wakasugi.

The Opening Ceremony of “Shaping Stories in Ink by Maaya Wakasugi – Bridging Cultures, One Stroke at a Time”, an exhibition that blends Japanese traditional scripts with contemporary art, was held at JCC on 6 June 2025. JCC Director Ms Kawabe Akiko and Ms Miyawaki Nao from LUMINE SINGAPORE welcomed all the guests with their speeches.

This was followed by an engaging talk and performance by the artist Mr Maaya Wakasugi, accompanied by explanation and interpretation by Ms Sakai Namiko. The artist shared his personal journey with calligraphy and demonstrated writing the word “moon” in 7 different calligraphy styles, as well as his own invented style. Showcasing how tradition and innovation resonate in harmony, Mr Maaya Wakasugi also wrote the words “moon”, “star”, “dance”, “flower” in celebration of Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence. After which, the guests were invited to personally experience calligraphy by grinding their own ink and writing the words “moon” or “star”, and Mr Maaya Wakasugi guided them through the process.

The exhibition was held at JCC from 5 - 13 June 2025.

Mr Maaya Wakasugi demonstrating how he will grind the inkstone.		His Excellency Mr Peter Storer, Ambassador of Austia to Singapore (second from left), and Ms Andrea Elisabeth Strohmeier (second from right) created these beautiful calligraphy pieces.
JCC Director Ms Kawabe Akiko giving her opening speech.		Ms Miyawaki Nao from LUMINE Singapore speaking at the opening.
Mr Maaya Wakasugi during demonstration. He explained that it can take him up to a week to decide where on the paper he would place his stamp to achieve the very best balance of his art work, even though the calligraphy itself is completed in a flash.		Mr Maaya Wakasugi answering a question from the audience, with interpretation by Ms Sakai Namiko of HIBIKIYA.
Group photo.		Mr Maaya Wakasugi’s finished calligraphy. The words “moon”, “star”, “dance”, “flower” were chosen in celebration of Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence, with the meaning that the moon and stars dance beautifully like a flower.

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