The Tradition of Kakizome: Starting the Year with Intention

As the New Year begins, many of us look for ways to start fresh and set intentions for the months ahead. In Japan, a beautiful tradition called “kakizome” provides a creative and reflective way to do just that. Whether you're familiar with this practice or hearing about it for the first time, you'll find that its principles can be applied to enrich your life wherever you are in the world.

What Is Kakizome?

Kakizome (書き初め) translates to "first writing" and is traditionally performed on January 2nd. It marks the first calligraphy of the new year, where participants use ink and brush to write meaningful words or phrases that reflect their hopes, goals, or resolutions for the year ahead.

Historically, kakizome was performed at the imperial court, but over time, it became a widespread cultural practice. Today, it's a cherished activity for people of all ages in Japan.

How Kakizome Works

1. Choosing Your Word or Phrase The first step in kakizome is deciding what you want to write. This could be a single kanji character, like 安 (peace) or 力 (strength), or a short phrase such as 健康第一 (health comes first). The key is to choose something meaningful that aligns with your aspirations for the year.

2. Gathering Materials Traditional kakizome requires:

   • Fude (筆筆): A calligraphy brush.

   • Sumi (墨): Black ink, often prepared by grinding an ink stick with water.

   • Washi (和紙): Japanese paper, known for its texture and durability. If you don’t have traditional materials, a brush pen and high-quality paper can work just as well.

3. Writing with Intention Once your materials are ready, find a quiet and comfortable space. Focus on your word or phrase, and let your brushstrokes reflect your intention. The act of writing is meditative and helps you connect with your goals on a deeper level.

4. Sharing and Displaying After completing your kakizome, many people display their work in their homes as a reminder of their intentions. Traditionally, the completed pieces were burned in a ceremony on January 15th, called Sagichō, with the belief that the smoke would carry the writer’s wishes to the gods.

Applying Kakizome to Your Life

You don’t have to live in Japan or own calligraphy tools to embrace the spirit of kakizome. Here’s how you can incorporate this practice into your life:

1. Reflect on Your Goals Take time to think about what you want to achieve this year. Write down key words or phrases that inspire you.

2. Create Your Own Ritual Dedicate time to write your goals in a deliberate and thoughtful way. Use a beautiful pen and paper or even try digital tools if that’s more accessible.

3. Display Your Intentions Place your words somewhere visible, like a vision board, your workspace, or as your phone’s wallpaper, to keep them top of mind.

4. Revisit and Reflect Check in with your intentions throughout the year. Adjust them as needed and celebrate your progress.

I talk about my special word for 2025 in the following video:

Why Kakizome Matters

Kakizome isn’t just about writing; it’s about clarity, focus, and setting the tone for a fulfilling year. By intentionally choosing and writing words that resonate with your heart, you create a powerful connection to your goals.

Start Your Kakizome Journey Today

Why not try kakizome this year? It’s a simple yet profound way to begin the year with purpose. Whether you follow traditional methods or adapt the practice to suit your lifestyle, you’ll find that taking a moment to reflect and write can set you on a path to a brighter, more intentional year.

What word or phrase will you choose for your kakizome? Share your thoughts in the comments below!