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 Mutsumidai, Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, visitors are greeted by the monthly schedule and 'Word of the Month' written in brush calligraphy by members of the calligraphy club. As this gate signage suggests, the Matsudo Mutsumi High School Calligraphy Club is currently enjoying remarkable success. The club has become a notable presence, often referred to as the 'Matsudo Mutsumi of Calligraphy,' thanks to its consistent success in prestigious events such as the annual 'Koyasan Calligraphy Competition' (organized by Koyasan Kongobuji Temple) and the 'International High School Calligraphy Exhibition' (organized 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) received the award at the 59th competition this year, continuing the club's impressive momentum. ※The information in this document is current as of March 27, 2026. Mao Matsumoto

The 'Matsudo Mutsumi Style' Calligraphy Environment Regarding the reasons for this breakthrough, club advisor Rina Kamakura, who teaches calligraphy to the students daily, humbly remarked, 'I think it's because the students who love calligraphy are working hard...' before adding: '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 bustling train stations or entertainment districts nearby; the school is nestled in a peaceful residential area. Because of this, chatting with friends seems to be a major joy in their school life. In the club room, they often discuss their work with each other,' she noted, highlighting their motivation, autonomy, and the environment that allows for deep focus. While one might imagine calligraphy as a silent, solemn practice of facing paper, the students sometimes listen to music or even eat snacks while they work. '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 dominance in national competitions: Kamakura's dedication to 'running alongside' her students, sharing the time and joy of calligraphy to elevate their strengths. Advisor Rina Kamakura

'To enjoy calligraphy, achieving results in competitions is also necessary. 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...'