about us

Bringing the time and beauty of calligraphy to the world

We share the spirituality, the sense of nature, and the momentary beauty embodied in Japanese calligraphy with the world as contemporary art.

A single character is not a mere symbol — it is a bridge connecting people and nature, eras and emotions.

Our mission is to present this cultural value in a new context and to enrich people's hearts.

Releasing the power of calligraphy into space.

The moment ink meets paper.

Calligraphy is more than letters — it reflects the flow of time and the tremor of the heart.

We carry calligraphy beyond the flat surface,
breathing life into materials and three-dimensional forms.

The warmth of wood, the coolness of metal, the stillness of washi paper.

Resonating with different materials,

calligraphy brings a deep, lingering presence to a space.

Works imbued with the Japanese sense of beauty

gently ease the hearts of those who encounter them,

weaving moments that remain in memory.

Hakurei — weaving tradition, a light beyond time.

Light and shadow, born of the contrast between the black of ink and the white of empty space.

The beauty and craft of tradition dwelling in every stroke transcend time, breathing new life into contemporary spaces.

A fleeting light floating in the shades of ink; time dwelling in the spaces left by the brush.

"Hakurei" delivers a mysterious radiance that quietly resonates in the hearts of those who see it — beyond time, beyond space.

Tradition and modernity, stillness and motion, light and shadow — the world of Hakurei is born the instant they all intersect.

artists

Sonobe Hakurei

Sonobe began studying calligraphy in early childhood and has been captivated by the written character ever since.
During her school years she studied under several schools of calligraphy, exploring a wide range of styles and techniques.
In 2009 she became a student of Kaneko Daizo and devoted herself to full-scale training.

With a calligraphy career spanning more than 35 years, the works born of her rich experience and unwavering passion have consistently earned high acclaim.
The technique and spirit of calligraphy dwelling in each stroke live on in her work, from commercial commissions to fine art.

Her commissions cover a wide range of fields: shop signboards, brush-lettering for websites, confectionery packaging, sake labels, and vehicle lettering, among others.
Commanding a wide variety of calligraphic styles, she has brought artistic value and new life to commercial work.

Of particular note, for twelve years she was entrusted with the zodiac calligraphy for the great New Year's signboard at Mt. Takao (a three-star Michelin Guide site).
Combining overwhelming scale with intensity of spirit, these works have moved the hearts of countless visitors.

Her creative practice continues to evolve, taking on new challenges with undiminished passion.
Her expressive power and the trust she has earned enjoy strong support from clients and the public alike, and even greater achievements are expected in the years ahead.

[Qualifications]
- Master (Shihan), Horino Calligraphy School
- Master (Shihan), Sogen Calligraphy Association
- Grade 1 (highest rank), Brush Calligraphy Certification sponsored by MEXT
- Grade 1 (highest rank), Pen Calligraphy Certification sponsored by MEXT

[Awards]
2006 Horino Calligraphy Exhibition — Osen Memorial Award
2007 Horino Calligraphy Exhibition — Jury Chairman's Award
2009 Sogen Exhibition — Semi-Nika Award
2009 Mt. Koya Calligraphy Competition — Association Award
2010 Sogen Exhibition — Nika Award
2010 Mt. Koya Calligraphy Competition — All Japan Calligraphy Federation Award
2011 Sogen Exhibition — Ikka Excellence Award
2013 Sogen National Calligraphy Competition — Mainichi Newspapers Award
2013 Mt. Koya Calligraphy Competition — Nanzan Award
2014 Mt. Koya Calligraphy Competition — Jury Chairman's Award
2015 Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition — Honorable Mention
2015 Mt. Koya Calligraphy Competition — Koyasan Superintendent's Award
2016 Mt. Koya Calligraphy Competition — Nanzan Award
2016 Sogen National Calligraphy Competition — Mainichi Newspapers Award
2017 Mt. Koya Calligraphy Competition — Chief Abbot's Award
2018 Mt. Koya Calligraphy Competition — Kongobuji Temple Award
2020 Mt. Koya Calligraphy Competition — Koyasan Association Award
2021 Mt. Koya Calligraphy Competition — Koyasan Association Award
2023 Mt. Koya Calligraphy Competition — Special Selection
2024 Mt. Koya Calligraphy Competition — Recommendation
2025 Mt. Koya Calligraphy Competition — Special Selection

Takano Shuntaro

After working at an atelier-style design studio, an advertising production company, and a major design firm, Takano became independent.
Throughout his career he has devoted himself to commercial design and branding, working with small and medium-sized businesses, shops, and inns across Japan on a wide variety of spaces and ventures.

That journey led him to a new challenge: interpreting calligraphy as art, and letting it live within spaces and brands.
Bridging tradition and contemporary design, he creates works that resonate with the character of each material — from flat surfaces to three-dimensional forms, from paper to wood, metal, and stone.

Going beyond the boundaries of design, by fusing culture and sensibility, his mission is not simply to decorate spaces, but to shape memorable experiences and the future of brands.

overview

Name: Hakurei
Operating Company: Rootfor Inc.
Representative: Takano Shuntaro
Business: Planning, production, and sale of calligraphy art works

Spatial branding and art direction

Gallery exhibitions
mail: info@hakurei-art.com
web: https://hakurei-art.com/