The Shodo Performance Koshien Executive Committee (Location: Shikoku Chuo City, Ehime Prefecture; Chairman: Kenji Onishi), which hosts the Shodo Performance Koshien, announces the launch of a new event in the city known as the "holy land of shodo performance": the All-Japan University Shodo Performance Championship (Shodo Performance Inter-College).
The power of calligraphy connects young people, communities, and the future. This new challenge begins here. Culture and people, and the regional future, all connected through shodo performance. A new era of university shodo performance starts from Shikoku Chuo City. Be sure to witness it at the venue.
Overview of the Shodo Performance Inter-College
Tournament Name: 1st All-Japan University Shodo Performance Championship (Shodo Performance Inter-College)
Date and Time: March 8, 2026 (Sunday), from 10:00 AM to approximately 4:00 PM
Venue: Shikochuho Hall – Shikoku Chuo City Civic Cultural Hall – Main Hall
(1830-1 Tsumadoricho, Shikoku Chuo City, Ehime Prefecture)
Admission: Free
Host: Shodo Performance Koshien Executive Committee
Participating Universities: 13 universities
Emcee: Mayu Sato from TV-U Yamagata (competed in the 11th Shodo Performance Koshien)
Performance Rules: Writing paper 4m (vertical) × 6m (horizontal) / Maximum 15 performers / Performance time 6 minutes
Official Website: All-Japan University Shodo Performance Championship (Shodo Performance Inter-College)
Schedule and List of Participating Universities
| Time | Content |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM to 10:20 AM | Opening Ceremony (Athlete's Oath: Kokugakuin University) |
| 10:30 AM to 10:46 AM | Hiroshima University |
| 10:46 AM to 11:02 AM | Kyoto Koka Women's University |
| 11:02 AM to 11:18 AM | Okayama University |
| 11:18 AM to 11:34 AM | Osaka Shoin Women's University |
| 11:34 AM to 11:50 AM | Tsuru University |
| 11:50 AM to 12:06 PM | Kobe Shoin Women's University |
| 1:00 PM to 1:16 PM | Osaka Kyoiku University |
| 1:16 PM to 1:32 PM | Waseda University |
| 1:32 PM to 1:48 PM | Otani University |
| 1:48 PM to 2:04 PM | Kokugakuin University |
| 2:04 PM to 2:20 PM | Nakamura Gakuen University |
| 2:20 PM to 2:36 PM | Kwansei Gakuin University |
| 2:36 PM to 2:52 PM | Ehime University |
| 3:20 PM to 3:50 PM | Award Ceremony |
Purpose of the Event
Shikoku Chuo City in Ehime Prefecture is Japan's number one paper town. Local high school students started shodo performance with the desire to "energize the paper town through calligraphy." The city has embraced this as a core community development project and hosts the "Shodo Performance Koshien," which determines the best high school in Japan. To further spread the spirit of "energizing the paper town through calligraphy" nationwide, and to promote cultural exchange through shodo performance, the paper industry, and the city's attractions, the event aims to expand shodo performance among broader generations, including university students. The goal is to create a competition where the young generation, who will lead the future, can shine by providing a platform for their independent activities.
Highlights
The inaugural Inter-College competition received applications from 13 universities across the country, demonstrating the high interest in university-level shodo performance and the trust and appeal that the city has cultivated through this competition. University students from all over Japan delve deeply into their themes with their peers, refining performances that integrate music and movement, and conveying their thoughts on giant paper. Their work expresses not just technical skill, but the unique sensibility of university students, their awareness of social issues, and their hope for the future.
Teams vary widely in their approach, from those regularly performing at large-scale events to smaller teams taking on the challenge. Participants also have diverse backgrounds, including students aspiring to become calligraphy teachers and those with experience aiming for the Shodo Performance Koshien during their high school years. The fusion of their past experiences with new knowledge gained during university life, creating unique performances with university friends, is a must-see.
This is the highest-level university stage featuring technical skill, expressive power, and compositional ability. Please pay attention to this new form of shodo performance.
For information about the Inter-College, follow the official Instagram account.
About the Emcee
The emcee will be Mayu Sato, who competed in the 11th Shodo Performance Koshien as captain of the Hiroshima Prefectural Kannabe Asahi High School Calligraphy Club and is now active as an announcer for TV-U Yamagata.
She will energize this new shodo performance initiative based on her experience competing in the Shodo Performance Koshien and her current career.
About Judging
Judges are high school instructors who have also been active in the Shodo Performance Koshien. The judging criteria are as follows:
| Judging Category | Judging Content |
|---|---|
| Theme Setting | Evaluation of performance theme and selected words |
| Calligraphy Technical Skill | Ingenuity in writing style and script Accurate brush strokes Stability |
| Paper Surface Composition Appeal | Composition and balance Impact of the paper surface Completeness |
| Performance Elements | Teamwork Excellence in movements Composition and direction |
| Overall | The fusion of calligraphy and performance that moves the hearts of viewers |
About Simultaneous Events
The following simultaneous events will be held, offering a wide range of visitors a great opportunity to experience paper culture and the attractions of Shikoku Chuo City.
(1) Kaminomachi Bunguza 2026 (Paper Town Stationery and Goods Festival)
Date and Time: March 8, 2026 (Sunday), from 9:30 AM to approximately 4:00 PM
Location: Shikochuho Hall Foyer
Content: An exhibition and immediate sale of stationery and goods that pioneer the stationery culture unique to the paper town. "Such things" and "these things" made of paper that you won't find anywhere else, and paper stationery and goods that you can only get here are available.
Exhibitors: Aritaka Senzan-do Co., Ltd., Ikazaki Shachu Co., Ltd., Ishimura Hakuoshi-ten, Iyo Mizuhiki Kinfo Cooperative, Kakukei Co., Ltd., Kamiiso Sangyo Co., Ltd., KINAWA, Kubota-go Co., Ltd., SAAYA'S SHOP, Sakura Shinokou Co., Ltd., Sanwa Shiko Co., Ltd., Tarafukurai Washi, Hatena Kikaku, Hikari Shiko Co., Ltd., Fuji Printing Co., Ltd., Marumatsu Shigyo Co., Ltd., Yamato Printing Co., Ltd., Yamanaka Shoji Co., Ltd. (*In Japanese alphabetical order, subject to change)
https://www.city.shikokuchuo.ehime.jp/site/bunguza/
(2) Tea & Sho (Calligraphy) Collaboration Marché
Date and Time: March 8, 2026 (Sunday), from 9:30 AM to approximately 4:00 PM
Location: Shikochuho Hall Outdoor Parking Lot
Content: An exchange event featuring "food" from approximately 20 stores, centered on the cross-prefectural Shikoku heartland area "Naka-Shikoku." After stimulating your senses with shodo performance and shopping at "Kaminomachi Bunguza," enjoy tea and chocolate outdoors for a relaxing time. A special day to feel the charm and warmth of "Naka-Shikoku."
Exhibitors: Naka-Shikoku Exchange Council, Kiri no Mori Confectionery Studio, GBC Co., Ltd., Onishi Tea Garden, Shibata Monaka Honpo, Waki Tea Factory Co., Ltd., SUNNYSIDE FIELDS, clover sand, culcul (Kurukuru), Saka Dining Maru, Ginza ni Shikawa Kagawa Marugame Store, Van Vliet Corporation & Kusosaku-sho Ku Shokudo, Imo-ten LaLa, Credolape, Spoon cafe FOODTRUCK, Takohan Shi, Daioiken, Agendo, Bitter SweetZ, 2TONE BURGER, Hagama Seikatsu, Shuya Kogyo Co., Ltd. (*In no particular order, subject to change)
