Calligraphy class
Calligraphy contest
Every January, Kodomo School’s calligraphy classes hold a calligraphy contest for elementary school classes. It’s a great chance for children to show everyone what their everyday practice has achieved.
Held every January — calling all elementary school students!
Calligraphy contest Every January
- Period
- Throughout January every year (next: January 2027, the 13th contest)
- Venue
- At each classroom
- Entry rules
- Monthly assignment for each grade
- Awards
- Prizes in every grade
The assignments and deadline for January 2027 (13th contest) will be announced in class once they are decided.
Purpose
Set a goal and
take on a challenge
Having a goal, trying something new and building up small successes: we believe these are all very important for children.
Through calligraphy, we hope to help children stay true to the basics, and on top of that, express themselves freely and in their own way.
The calligraphy contest is a wonderful chance for everyone to see the results of children’s everyday practice. We look forward to many works full of personality and effort.
Write in your own style,
nice and freely!
Assignments
Assignments for each grade(from the last contest, January 2026)
The assignments change every year. You can see how to write each model in our “writing tips” videos on YouTube.
- Grade 1正“correct” · Watch video (1:23)
- Grade 2正月“New Year” · Watch video (1:23)
- Grade 3世界“world” · Watch video (1:42)
- Grade 4初春“early spring” · Watch video (1:42)
- Grade 5理想“ideal” · Watch video (3:22)
- Grade 6謹賀新年“Happy New Year” · Watch video (3:19)
About entries
Entry rules
- Write a clean final copy of your grade’s assignment.
- As the rules require, write the assignment on hanshi (standard calligraphy paper).
- Write your grade and name in one line on the left side of the paper. ※ Younger grades may write their grade and name in hiragana.
- Only work written during class at the classroom is accepted.
- Entries will not be returned.
Please note: entries that do not meet the conditions above will not be judged.
- Entry period
- Please follow your teacher’s instructions.
Entries usually need to reach the Kodomo School head office by the end of January (last time: January 30, 2026). - Venue
- Held at each classroom
- Results
- Announced on our website (usually in early March)
※ Winning works may be used in our materials and similar. Thank you for your understanding.
Awards
Awards and ceremony
- Grand Prize1 student (from all grades)
An award ceremony is held - Excellence Award1 per grade, 6 in total
- Merit Award1 per grade, 6 in total
★ There are special awards, too! (a few in each grade)
Full of Energy AwardCareful Writing AwardGreat Effort AwardFree & Lively Award
Awards: Grand Prize, Excellence Award, Merit Award, Special Awards. ※ An award ceremony is held for the Grand Prize.
Start with a free trial lesson
Soroban and calligraphy trial lessons are free (about 20 minutes; just bring something to write with). The art trial lesson is 40 minutes and costs ¥1,000 (nothing to bring). Come with your child and see the feel of the classroom and how well the teacher suits your child.