Welcome to KIZUNA, the official magazine of the Government of Japan.
This bold work of calligraphy is 絆 ( kizuna ) written in Japanese. Kizuna means the enduring bonds between people—close relationships forged through mutual trust and support.
Originally describing the rope used to tether domestic animals such as horses and dogs, the meaning of kizuna has evolved over the years. A passage in The Tale of the Heike, compiled in the 13th century, uses the term to refer to the bonds of love between a father and his children. More recently, kizuna has gone beyond bonds tying together family and close acquaintances; it is now used in a broader sense of human ties and connections. Of particular note is the kizuna born among people during natural calamities, which fosters feelings of solidarity and serves as the underlying strength to overcome hardships.
Similarly, the kizuna cultivated among the countries of the world has the power to deepen cooperation for a better future. By reporting on a wide variety of topics concerning Japan, we hope that this magazine will provide opportunities for Japan and the rest of the world to connect and build strong kizuna.
KANAZAWA SHOKO
Calligraphy Artist
Born in Tokyo in 1985, she started learning calligraphy from her mother when she was five years old. One of the notable young calligraphers of today, her solo exhibitions have been held throughout the world, in cities such as New York, Singapore, and Prague. She has been selected as one of the Tokyo 2020 official poster artists.
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