At ART NOMURA, we frequently receive requests from international customers to create custom calligraphy scrolls (kakejiku).

 

The Israeli Aikido Dojo Request

This time, we received a request from a customer in Israel to create a kakejiku featuring the calligraphy “受用如意” (Juyō Nyoi) for an Aikido dojo.

We were surprised and delighted to learn that the customer had a deep interest in Japanese culture through calligraphy and Aikido. While we have made many custom calligraphy scrolls for international customers, this was our first order from Israel.

The phrase “受用如意” can be translated as “To be able to use things freely, as one wishes.” It is a Zen term that conveys the idea of attaining a state of freedom through the realization of truth. Dōgen Zenji also favored this phrase, writing in his Fukan Zazengi:

“The treasure house opens by itself, and one is free to receive and use as needed (受用如意).”

This teaching suggests that through deep understanding, one can attain an unbound and liberated state of being—an ideal concept to be displayed in an Aikido dojo.

 

The Production Process

To ensure we captured the customer’s vision accurately, we engaged in detailed discussions. Rather than a formal, rigid calligraphy style, they requested a more fluid style resembling gyōsho or sōsho script.

We first created a sample image to serve as a reference, which the customer reviewed. Once he approved a concept, we commissioned a professional calligrapher to bring the vision to life.

 

Upon seeing the completed calligraphy, the customer responded enthusiastically:

“Yes, great!”

With the calligraphy finalized, we proceeded to mount it into a traditional hanging scroll.

 

Completion & Customer Feedback

Here is the finished kakejiku:

 

After receiving the scroll, the customer shared the following message:

Thank you very much! Your calligraphy is very beautiful and with a lot of energy inside.

 

It was incredibly rewarding to receive such heartfelt appreciation.

We were also deeply moved to learn that Aikido, a traditional Japanese martial art, has been embraced across the world, including in Israel. If this kakejiku can serve as a bridge between Japanese and international cultures, we could not be more pleased.

We sincerely hope that this kakejiku will inspire and support the students training in the dojo and that it will continue to enrich their daily practice.