Born in 1977, Issai Tanaka graduated from Daito Bunka University with a degree in Chinese Literature. A highly skilled calligrapher, he has received numerous awards at the prestigious Yomiuri Shoho Exhibition, one of Japan’s leading calligraphy competitions. Tanaka demonstrates a masterful command of classical styles, ranging from large, dynamic compositions to works defined by soft, delicate lines. Combining exceptional design sensibility with expressive creativity, his work is distinguished by vibrant brushstrokes and an elegant balance of negative space. The artist has also expanded his portfolio to include abstract artworks, which can be seen in venues such as a Toyota Crown showroom and the Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu in Japan. This fusion of tradition and innovation has made his calligraphy a sought-after art form among businesses and collectors 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
