Thousands brush up on their calligraphy in Tokyo to start the new year

Video. Thousands brush up on their calligraphy in Tokyo to start the new year

Thousands of people brushed up their calligraphy as they gathered and competed in the traditional Kaikizome (literally ‘first writings’) of the New Year on Thursday (January 5).

Thousands of people brushed up their calligraphy as they gathered and competed in the traditional Kaikizome (literally ‘first writings’) of the New Year on Thursday (January 5).

Similar events are also held in homes and other venues across Japan at this time of the year and are meant to help strengthen one’s resolve and resolutions for the new year – regardless of the characters used.