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What is NAGOMI ?
 NAGOMI „Wa“– experiencing Japanese harmony

What is NAGOMI ?

 NAGOMI „Wa“– experiencing Japanese harmony

Why NAGOMI means “Wa”: The word “NAGOMI” is written in Japanese with the character 和. This character has several readings — one of them is “wa.” At the same time, “wa” represents a central cultural concept of Japan: harmony, balance, and peaceful coexistence. So when we speak of “NAGOMI,” the meaning of “Wa” is always present as well: the Japanese harmony that connects people, nature, and inner balance.



● NAGOMI “Wa”: harmony, calm, and respectful coexistence

NAGOMI (pronounced “Nagomi” / written as 和, also read as “Wa”) is a fundamental Japanese cultural concept. It represents harmony, peace, inner balance, and a life free from conflict.

● Respect

Respect means recognizing the dignity of the other person. Regardless of age or status, people meet one another with gratitude and appreciation. In Zen it is said: “Those who respect others refine their own hearts.”

● Humility – quiet strength 

In Japan, humility does not mean making oneself small. It is a calm, steady strength that arises from the desire to understand the world more deeply. Confucius taught: “To know what you know, and to know what you do not know — that is true wisdom.”

● Compassion and Omotenashi 

Compassion arises in the heart before any words are spoken. The Japanese concept of “Omotenashi” creates a quiet warmth between people. The saying goes: “Kindness is never wasted.” 

● Order and purity 

Tidying and cleaning a space is a moment of inner purification. Zen teaches: “If the heart is not present, one sees without truly seeing.”.

● Subtle beauty – Wabi-Sabi 

Japanese aesthetics are quiet, reserved, and yet profound. As the Zen expression “Look at the half-opened flower” suggests, beauty lies in the incomplete and in the empty — a principle known as Wabi-Sabi.

● Gratitude 

In the word “Arigatō” — thank you — the small miracles of everyday life shimmer. Laozi said: “Those who know contentment are truly rich.” Gratitude quietly connects us with the world.

● Kotodama – the soul of words

In Japan, every word carries a soul. Gentle words heal, harsh words hurt. In calligraphy, the essence of words becomes visible through the brush: “Beautiful words create a beautiful world.”

● Wa transcends borders

 Today, the spirit of Wa resonates around the world. Zen-inspired creativity, quiet dialogue with nature, and the teachings of mindfulness all reflect Japanese harmony. Wa lives in every person — as a silent, timeless beauty.

About me

Background 

I began practicing calligraphy at the age of four and later earned my teaching certificate as a university student. As a child, I was often praised for my beautiful handwriting on cards and letters. Those warm words — “Your writing is so beautiful” — touched me deeply back then and helped my self-confidence grow.

Relationship to Calligraphy 

I tried many different hobbies, but only with calligraphy could I work for hours in my own rhythm without paying attention to time. Continuing to write until I was truly satisfied—these quiet, focused moments were an important place for me, where my heart could find peace.

Experiences and insights abroad 

During my studies abroad, I joined a group of friends who loved Japan and had the opportunity to share calligraphy with them. When I gifted them my handwritten works, they were genuinely delighted. In that moment, I realized that calligraphy can transcend borders and languages and still touch a person’s heart directly. ​

Bringing calm to the heart through writing​

Shodo is more than the art of creating beautiful characters. By writing the words that arise from within using the brush, the heart can come to rest, and tension or fatigue can gently fade. This focused moment becomes a precious time to meet yourself and bring clarity and harmony to your own heart.

Current Activities 

Today, I combine music and calligraphy in performance appearances, offer workshops, and create individual commissioned works. I put care and sincere intention into each piece so that it can bring calm, strength, or warmth to the recipient.

Wish

I hope that my calligraphy gently touches people’s hearts — this wish accompanies every stroke I make.

Shoko Graf


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