Be enlightened this New Year by the spiritual world of Zenga, an amazing style of art inspired by Zen Buddhist philosophy that harmonises traditional brush ink drawing and calligraphy.

While Zen – a school of Buddhism which emphasises the attainment of wisdom through practice and experience, particularly as realised through meditation – arrived in Japan from the end of the fourteenth century, Zenga was established some 200 years later, at the beginning of the Edo period in 1600. Frequently associated with Tea ceremony and martial arts, zenga is noted for its use of simple brush strokes to create pieces that are characteristically bold and abstract. The subject is frequently expressed simultaneously as both an image and as calligraphy. Traditionally, the calligraphy used denotes a poem or saying that teaches an element of Zen philosophy and the true path to enlightenment.

Australian translator and academic Dr Royall Tyler has been named as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Japan Foundation Award. The award, which recognises people who have made outstanding contributions and lasting achievements in the promotion of international cultural understanding, has been presented annually since 1973.

Reaching the legal age of adulthood is an important milestone in most cultures, and in Japan it is celebrated on Seijin no Hi, Coming-of-Age Day. The legal age in Japan is defined as twenty years from one’s date of birth, and upon reaching age 20 one becomes a shin-seijin, or ‘new adult’, and is legally entitled to vote, drink and manage one’s own affairs.

The next print issue of Omusubi (Autumn 2008) will be published in early April.