Additive-Free Calligraphy

All About Yugen

Biography

ENDO YUGEN discovered calligraphy at the age of three under the influence of his grandfather, who pursued calligraphy, oil painting, and seal carving as hobbies. He trained at the Wadō Calligraphy School in his hometown until he was 18, then resolved to pursue calligraphy professionally. He graduated from the Japan Calligraphy Specialist School in Meguro, Tokyo. After graduation, Yugen embarked on a solo motorcycle journey across Japan, during which he connected with artisans specializing in crafting calligraphy tools and left his artistic mark across the country.

In 2009, he founded the Yugen Calligraphy School, eventually expanding to five locations with over 100 students. However, during this time, he faced profound personal changes, including his mother's battle with cancer and passing, which deeply influenced his artistic exploration of themes such as life and death.

Today, Yugen is based on Awaji Island and lives a multi-base lifestyle, traveling across Japan to share his art and philosophy. He coined the term “Additive-Free Calligraphy” to reflect his commitment to pure and unadulterated self-expression, free from external influences like titles, awards, or affiliations.

Artistic Philosophy

For ENDO YUGEN, calligraphy is a means of self-expression, rooted in the simple yet powerful love for the art itself. He believes that the essence of calligraphy lies beyond external accolades, which he views as "additives," and instead focuses on creating in its purest form. He also engages in “Jigen Sessions,” exploring the origins of names and characters, helping individuals rediscover their essence and inner potential through the power of words and writing.

Notable Achievements and Activities

Founder: Yugen Calligraphy School

Author: Because You Were Here, I Could Achieve This (Autobiography and Art Collection)

Film Title Work: MIKOSHI GUY: The Man of the Festival (2019)

Guest Lecturer: Musashino Art University (2014–2019)

TV Appearance: Calligraphy Instructor on Fuji TV's ONE hour Sense (2015)

Exhibitions

2011: Alone, I Can Achieve Nothing

2016: Because You Were Here, I Could Achieve This

2019: To Live and Be (Tokyo, Ōtsuka)

2020: The Power to Live (Ginza)

2020: Returning to the Source (Sapporo)

2021: Prayers of the New and Full Moon (Sapporo)

Philosophy in Practice

Through his concepts of “Additive-Free Calligraphy” and “Jigen Sessions,” Yugen seeks to delve into the essence of calligraphy and personal identity. He emphasizes gratitude for the tools and artisans that support his work, drawing inspiration from nature by using local water to grind ink and weaving prayers into his creative process. Yugen’s work embodies a journey to uncover the fundamental truths of life, continually evolving as he pursues the purest form of artistic expression.