For the Love of Lettering

Kichiya Tachibana is a calligrapher specializing in "yose moji," a type of lettering with roots dating back around 150 years. The 27-year-old writes and designs the background for shrine festival signs, good luck charms, and other special orders. As a young child, Tachibana was fond of the big, bold letters he would see at local festivals, and grew to love the art of lettering and traditional Japanese designs. After training for 6 years under his master, Unokichi, he has finally become a calligrapher in his own right, able to take on jobs. His first big project is to design a restaurant sign. But when he shows his draft to Unokichi, his master does not mince his words.