Why We Started Treasure Japan

From June 2 to June 4, 2013, Shishido and I tried a small experiment.
We simply wanted to know—
if we held a calligraphy workshop in Asakusa without any notice,
how many foreign visitors would join?

The result was far beyond what we expected.

It was not only about the number of people.
What touched us most was the light in their faces.
Especially those who held the big brushes.

They changed clothes, took off their socks, bowed deeply,
and with careful, nervous hands, faced their very first challenge.
And when they finished—
they smiled.

That smile was unforgettable.
So beautiful. That was it.
A quiet moment of Zen.

On the way home that last day, we made a promise in our hearts:
We want to keep living in a way that lets us create such moments.

Since then, we have met wonderful friends
who also feel the beauty of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Now, we hold the light oars in our hands.
We can only move forward—
sincerely, slowly, and with a smile at each pause.
Just like those challengers once held large brushes.