The calligraphy club of Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Commercial High School, known as the "Kurasho Project," is engaged in recovery activities and message dissemination through calligraphy, triggered by the heavy rain disaster in July 2018.
The trilogy "Living in the Now," "Towards Tomorrow," and "Wishes" has empowered not only the victims but also many citizens of Kurashiki City.
However, three years have passed since the disaster, and the students who have seen this trilogy graduated in March 2021.
Entering its fourth year, the Kurasho Project is undergoing a generational change.
The key message chosen by the third-year calligraphy club members for the 2021 academic year is "Connect."
The works were exhibited at the newly reopened "Mabi Fureai Center" from July 9 to 23, 2021, and this report will cover that.
What is the Calligraphy Club of Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Commercial High School?
The calligraphy club of Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Commercial High School (hereafter, Kurasho) aims to ensure that each member grows and enjoys a fulfilling high school life through club activities, with the motto "Calligraphy is the person."
As of July 2021, the club has 45 members (13 first-year, 16 second-year, and 16 third-year students).
They engage in various activities related to calligraphy, such as:
- International High School Selected Calligraphy Exhibition (Calligraphy Koshien)
- AEON Mall Cup High School Calligraphy Performance Grand Prix
- Social contribution activities through calligraphy, "Kurasho Project"
In 2020, activities were limited, including the cancellation of the Calligraphy Performance Grand Prix, but in 2021, competitions are gradually resuming, albeit with restrictions.
Kurasho Project
The Kurasho Calligraphy Club, triggered by the heavy rain disaster in July 2018, is engaged in recovery activities and message dissemination through calligraphy, referred to as the "Kurasho Project."
I believe the trilogy "Living in the Now," "Towards Tomorrow," and "Wishes" has empowered many citizens of Kurashiki City. I am also one of those who were inspired by the trilogy.
▼ Living in the Now (2018)
▼ Towards Tomorrow (2019)
▼ Wishes (2020)
However, the students who know the beginning of the Kurasho Project graduated in March 2021.
The generational change occurred in the 2021 academic year.
The 2021 Work is "Connect"
The work for the 2021 academic year is titled "Connect."
The wording was decided through discussions among the 16 third-year members, and it seems that everyone participated in its creation.
Here is the wording:
The key message "Connect" carries two meanings.
The first is the image of "Connect" as envisioned by the members: "Memory, Life, Thoughts, People, Heart, Future Generations."
The second is their determination as the Kurasho Calligraphy Club to carry on the "Kurasho Project."
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, calligraphy performances and club activities themselves are restricted, and it was impressive to see them earnestly explaining despite being inexperienced in handling interviews.
Exhibited at "Mabi Fureai Center" until July 23, 2021
"Connect" is scheduled to be exhibited as follows as of July 2021.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| July 9-23, 2021 | Mabi Fureai Center |
| July 30-August 31, 2021 | JR Kurashiki Station Underground Gallery |
Here is a brief introduction to the exhibition at Mabi Fureai Center.
Conclusion
Three years have passed since the heavy rain disaster in July 2018.
The weather on the day of the interview, July 9, 2021, was "rainy," with thunder and heavy rain, creating a somewhat uneasy atmosphere.
Rain during this season always feels uneasy...
Three years is surprisingly long, and while some feel reassured seeing the town getting cleaner and think, "Isn't it enough already?" others believe, "The recovery is still far from complete."
The journey over the past three years has been different for everyone, and the same can be said for the Kurasho Calligraphy Club and each student.
What do we "connect"?
Continuing to think about that may be our responsibility as those who live in the present.
Data on the Exhibition of the 2021 Major Work "Connect" by the Calligraphy Club
| Name | Exhibition of the 2021 Major Work "Connect" by Kurasho Calligraphy Club |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | [Mabi Fureai Center] July 9-23, 2021 [JR Kurashiki Station Underground Gallery] July 30-August 31, 2021 |
| Location | Mabi Fureai Center, JR Kurashiki Station Underground Gallery |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free |
Connect
Let’s talk about that day
Let’s convey what happened that day
We must not forget
The precious memories we lost
The days we faced loneliness
The memories etched on that day
Are messages for the future
Connecting hearts and thoughts for our hometown
We will carry them forward