Community members gathered to participate in a calligraphy workshop commemorating the Japanese New Year tradition of “kakizome,” or “first writing” at the North Carolina Japan Center Saturday afternoon.

Sadako Salcagno, an experienced calligrapher, led the workshop and reflected on how calligraphy was traditionally used to express one’s aspirations and hopes for the coming year.

“It is a neat experience to get to celebrate the New Year with different cultures,” said Cynthia Reed, a Raleigh native. “I am not artistically inclined, so I really enjoy the simplicity of this workshop. It’s been really relaxing, and a lot of fun.”

Participants brought their own writing brushes and used black ink to create various Japanese symbols expressing their wishes for 2015.  

Linda Watson, a Raleigh native, said it was her first visit to the Japan Center. 

“It was a great start to the new year,” Watson said. “I appreciate the expertise and feeling of community that this place brings about.”

The North Carolina Japan Center is located in NC State’s Spring Hill House.