The Power of Calligraphy, Brought to Modern Spaces: Art Brand "Hakurei" by Calligrapher and Space Designer Officially Launches

Rootfor Inc. has officially launched its art brand "Hakurei" (白暉-Hakurei), created by calligrapher Hakurei Sonobe and space designer Shuntaro Takano.

Since the project's inception in June 2026, they have been producing contemporary art pieces centered on traditional Japanese calligraphy.

As of July 2026, the official website showcases over 20 works. In addition to sales and purchase consultations for existing pieces, they are accepting inquiries for custom-made works tailored to specific spaces and sentiments, including hotels, ryokans, vacation rentals, offices, retail stores, and residences.

▼ Hakurei-Hakurei Official Website https://hakurei-art.com/

Moving the heart before reading the words. Art centered on calligraphy.

The moment ink touches paper.

Calligraphy is not just characters; it reflects the flow of time and emotions.

The density of the ink, the bleeding, the fading, the brushstrokes. And the unpainted white space.

Within a single stroke lies the calligrapher's breath, emotions, and the unique moment that existed only then.

Hakurei-Hakurei aims not merely to adapt Japanese calligraphy to modern styles, but to re-examine the inherent spirituality and physicality of calligraphy and release it into spaces as art.

To quietly touch the viewer's emotions and memories before they understand the meaning of the words and characters depicted in the work.

This is what Hakurei-Hakurei considers "contemporary art centered on calligraphy."

Conception

Wingbeats at Dawn

Expression Born from Two Different Perspectives: A Calligrapher and a Space Designer

Hakurei-Hakurei's works are born from the collaboration between calligrapher Hakurei Sonobe and space designer Shuntaro Takano.

Hakurei Sonobe began studying calligraphy in childhood and has dedicated over 35 years to honing her skills.

The delicacy and strength residing within each stroke, the brush pressure, speed, and breath. Her technique, cultivated through years of experience, and her unparalleled sensibility form the core of her work.

Shuntaro Takano, through his work in space design and branding for stores, offices, and accommodations, views calligraphy not as mere decoration, but as an expression that conveys the philosophy and narrative of a space.

An expression that cannot be born from calligraphy technique alone, nor from a design perspective alone.

While respecting tradition, he explores works that resonate with contemporary life, architecture, materials, and light.

Cycle of Return

Exploring Materials and Light

Hakurei-Hakurei's expression is not confined to paper.

The soft translucency of Japanese paper, the warmth of wood, the coolness and weight of metal, the quiet presence of stone,

The shadows created by light.

Even with the same brushstroke, the expression of the work changes significantly depending on the material, processing method, and installation environment.

Its appearance differs between natural morning light and nighttime illumination, and new expressions emerge depending on the viewer's position and the passage of time.

They aim for art that deepens over time, interacting not only with the beauty of the individual piece but also with architecture, materials, lighting, seasons, and the memories of those who visit.

Mountain and Stream

Custom Art for Hotels, Ryokans, Offices, Stores, and Residences

In addition to selling existing works, Hakurei-Hakurei also creates custom-made pieces tailored to the installation space and the client's vision.

The philosophy cherished by a company or the founder's aspirations. The memories of the land inherited by an accommodation facility. The resolve embedded in a store's name or business. Emotions to be preserved at life's milestones.

They distill the essence of even unarticulated sentiments through dialogue and sublimate them into artwork.

They comprehensively consider the size, color, materials, framing, and installation location of the work, proposing pieces and display methods from a space design perspective.

Main Proposal Targets

- Accommodation facilities such as hotels, ryokans, and vacation rentals - Offices, corporate entrances, executive rooms - Commercial spaces such as restaurants, retail stores, and showrooms - Residential spaces such as homes and villas - Commemorative works expressing corporate philosophy - Gifts and art pieces for domestic and international clients

Beyond flat works, they also consider material processing such as Japanese paper, wood, metal, and stone, as well as three-dimensional expressions and combinations with lighting, depending on the space and purpose.

Breath of Life

Fulfillment | Green patina panel / Etching / 350 x 350mm

Process for Creating Custom-Made Works

1. Consultation

We will inquire about the purpose of installing the work, the space, size, budget, and the sentiments or words you cherish.

2. Conceptual Dialogue

Based on the hearing, we will organize the meaning and emotional direction to be imbued in the work. If necessary, we will also propose selections of words or characters and the composition of the work.

3. Production

The calligrapher creates each piece by hand, stroke by stroke. Unique expressions are born, including elements of chance such as brush flow, bleeding, fading, and ink density.

4. Finishing and Framing

Considering the relationship between the work and the space, we select the most suitable materials and finishes, such as Japanese paper, frames, acrylic panels, wood, or metal.

5. Delivery

Completed works will be delivered domestically and internationally, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

We will also propose display methods depending on the installation location and conditions.

Artist Profiles

Hakurei Sonobe

Began studying calligraphy in childhood, exploring diverse styles and techniques across multiple schools.

Studied under Daizo Kaneko from 2009, engaging in intensive training.

With over 35 years of calligraphy experience, she has been active in various commercial fields, including store signs, websites, confectionery packaging, sake labels, and calligraphy for vehicle bodies. She was responsible for the zodiac calligraphy on the New Year's grand signboard at Mt. Takao, a three-Michelin-star restaurant, for 12 consecutive years.

Master of Horino Calligraphy School, Master of Sogen Calligraphy Association. First-class in brush writing and first-class in hard-stroke writing in the Shosha Kentei, supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Multiple awards.

Shuntaro Takano

Became independent after working at an atelier-based design firm, an advertising production company, and a major interior design company.

Established Rootfor Inc. in 2019.

Focusing on stores, offices, and accommodations, he handles branding, space design, graphics, and web design consistently.

At Hakurei-Hakurei, he is responsible for concept design, art direction, selection of materials, framing, and display methods, as well as coordination with spaces. He explores expressions that connect calligraphy with contemporary design, bringing works to life within spaces and brands.

Brand Philosophy

The name "Hakurei-Hakurei" embodies the desire to be a presence that quietly shines through time, while carrying on tradition.

The black of the ink and the white of the empty space. Stillness and movement. Tradition and modernity. Light and shadow.

The indescribable sensation born at the moment opposing elements intersect.

Hakurei-Hakurei delivers the time and beauty inherent in calligraphy to contemporary spaces, spreading it from Japan to the world.

Hakurei-Hakurei Overview

Name: Hakurei-Hakurei Operating Company: Rootfor Inc. Representative: Shuntaro Takano Artists: Hakurei Sonobe, Shuntaro Takano Business Activities: Planning, production, and sales of art works, production of custom-made works, space branding, art direction, gallery exhibitions Official Website: https://hakurei-art.com/ Inquiries: [email protected]

Contact for Inquiries Regarding This Matter

Hakurei-Hakurei Operating Company: Rootfor Inc. Contact Person: Shuntaro Takano Email: [email protected] Official Website: https://hakurei-art.com/