Matsudo Mutsumi High School Calligraphy Club Wins Top 'Kobo Daishi Award' at Koyasan Competition for 3 Consecutive Years! A 'Path of Calligraphy' Forged Together by Teacher and Students

At the main gate of Chiba Prefectural Matsudo Mutsumi High School, located in a quiet residential area of Rokkodai, Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, visitors are greeted by the monthly schedule and 'Words of the Month' written in brush calligraphy by members of the calligraphy club. As this gate calligraphy suggests, the Matsudo Mutsumi High School Calligraphy Club is making remarkable strides.

The club has become a notable presence, often referred to as the 'Matsudo Mutsumi of Calligraphy,' by consistently winning awards at prestigious events such as the 'Koyasan Calligraphy Competition' (hosted by Koyasan Kongobuji Temple) held annually in Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture, and the 'International High School Calligraphy Exhibition' (hosted by The Mainichi Newspapers and the Mainichi Shodo Association), known as the 'Koshien of Calligraphy.'

In particular, the club has secured the top 'Kobo Daishi Award' at the Koyasan Calligraphy Competition for three years in a row. Following Momoka Hoshi (then a 2nd-year student) at the 57th competition in 2023 and Sawa Abe (then a 3rd-year student) at the 58th in 2024, Mao Matsumoto (a 3rd-year student) has won the award at the 59th competition this year, continuing the club's momentum.

※Information in this document is current as of March 27, 2026.

The 'Matsudo Mutsumi Style' Calligraphy Environment

Regarding the reasons for this success, club advisor Rina Kamakura, who teaches calligraphy to the students daily, humbly prefaced by saying, 'I think it's because the students who love calligraphy are working hard,' before explaining further.

'When I arrived five years ago, the students were already skilled. I was impressed by their motivation and politeness. Perhaps the environment for engaging with calligraphy is also a factor. There are no busy train stations or entertainment spots nearby; the school is nestled in a peaceful residential area. Perhaps because of this, chatting with friends has become a major joy in their school life. In the club room, they often discuss their work together,' she said, citing motivation, autonomy, and an environment conducive to focus.

While one might imagine calligraphy as a silent atmosphere of facing paper in solitude, the students sometimes listen to music or even eat snacks while working. 'I just hope the calligraphy room can be a place where everyone feels at home,' says Kamakura with a smile.

There is another key to the Matsudo Mutsumi High School Calligraphy Club's success in sweeping competitions nationwide: Kamakura 'runs alongside' her students, sharing the time spent enjoying calligraphy and elevating it into a strength.

'To enjoy calligraphy, you also need achievements in competitions. I didn't win the Kobo Daishi Award when I was in my high school calligraphy club. So, of course, I am genuinely happy when my students win...'