The annual New Year's calligraphy event "Tenmagaki" began on January 2, 2025 at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. Many worshippers boldly wrote their aspirations for 2025 on blank sheets of paper.
This is a traditional event in which worshippers calligraph their New Year's calligraphy in front of the shrine, in honor of Sugawara no Michizane, who is worshiped as the god of learning and calligraphy. Every year, about 4,000 pieces of calligraphy are dedicated, including works written at home, in hopes of improving their calligraphy skills.
Worshippers lined up at the ema place, took up their brushes, and wrote with serious expressions on their faces, "Year of the Snake," the zodiac sign for 25, as well as "Challenge," "Pass," and other words. A 10-year-old fifth-grade girl at Kinugasa Elementary School in Kita Ward wrote "Genki," and said, "I want to stay healthy and stay healthy, and live a happy life with my family."
The event runs until January 4. Works written at home will be accepted until January 5.
