Born in 1977, Issai Tanaka studied Chinese Literature at Daito Bunka University. Widely recognized for his excellence in calligraphy, he has received numerous awards at the prestigious Yomiuri Shoho Exhibition, one of Japan’s leading calligraphy competitions. His work demonstrates a consummate mastery of classical forms, encompassing both powerful large-scale pieces and compositions of quiet elegance and subtle grace. Characterized by vibrant brushstrokes, refined design sensibility, and a poetic balance of empty space, his art resonates with both strength and sophistication. In recent years, Tanaka has also expanded his artistic practice into abstraction, with works featured in the Toyota Crown showroom and the Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu in Japan. Bridging tradition and contemporary expression, his work continues to captivate collectors and corporate clients worldwide.
【 EXHIBITIONS 】
2024
• Hitto-be!! Art Calligraphy Exhibition (Kagoshima)
• Ginza Sunmotoyama Window Display Kind of Blue
2023
• Issai Tanaka Exhibition water – Dialogue with the Brush at O Art Museum, Tokyo
2022
• Issai Tanaka Exhibition water – Dialogue with the Brush at O Art Museum, Tokyo
• Savoring Fragrance and Calligraphy (Tokyo)
2021
• Issai Tanaka Exhibition water – Dialogue with the Brush at O Art Museum, Tokyo
2020
• Narita International Airport, NAA Gallery The Future of Calligraphy – “SHO” evolution
• Issai Tanaka Exhibition water – Dialogue with the Brush at O Art Museum, Tokyo
• Boundary between Calligraphy and Non-Calligraphy at JARFO Kyoto Bunpaku (Annex of the Museum of Kyoto)
• Performance with pianist at Hotel InterContinental Tokyo Bay
2019
• water “composition” Calligraphy × Music at CLASKA The 8th Gallery
• Taiwan–Japan Calligraphy Exchange Exhibition Lin Tzu-Chi × Issai Tanaka (Taiwan)
【 SELECTED COLLECTIONS 】
• Delta Airlines Sky Club – Departure
• Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu Lobby
• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan – Title Calligraphy for GOCHISO Project
• NHK Autumn Special Program – Calligraphy for Last Ninja
• Japan Post – Artwork provided for postnenga.jp
• SANKYO – Title Calligraphy for TV Commercial
