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He won the Grand Prix for the first time at the painting contest of Challenge Coffee Barista 2026, now in its sixth year. His work has been selected every year since the very first contest, but this was his first time receiving the Grand Prix. They made pin badges of his painting and handed them out at the venue, and we heard all 500 were gone. The piece is titled "Coffee Time (after Matti Pikkujämsä)." It was inspired by the work of one of Finland's leading illustrators, and as luck would have it, he happened to be visiting Japan at the time, so on another day we were able to meet him and say hello at a department store in Shinjuku.

    

During the Obon holiday in August, the Tokyo Metropolitan Comprehensive Art Exhibition for People with Disabilities was held, followed by Paraart Tokyo 2026 from September 30 to October 4 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre in Ikebukuro. His calligraphy was selected for both. He entered "Arashi" (Storm) in the first exhibition and a passage from the Analects of Confucius, "Xue Er, Book One," in Paraart Tokyo.

"Arashi" was 60 cm square, and we'd thought of it as a large piece, but once I saw it in the exhibition hall, it didn't look that big after all. Next year he would like to write something around 100 cm, right at the size limit. For the Analects, he wrote on a fan-shaped sheet of paper called senmen, so getting the balance right was difficult.

Another year's Taisho Exhibition has come to a close. Since Shunsuke has been writing clerical script (reisho) all along, his teacher told him, "If you're going to do clerical script, you have to copy the Cao Quan Stele at least once." So He made a copy of a passage from the Cao Quan Stele.

Our group exhibition at Shinjuku Sports Center has come to an end.

Happy New Year! I look forward to your continued support in the coming year. While my creative activities haven’t been particularly vigorous lately, I am planning to participate in our annual group exhibition at the Shinjuku Sports Center this March.

On January 8th, Shunsuke and his mother participated in a talk event hosted by Tokyo Art Support Center Rights. We were joined by two individuals with mental health conditions. It was truly inspiring to hear how art serves as a vital emotional support for them.

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My 10-day solo exhibition has come to an end. This year was extra special because I played a piano in a concert with my friends from the Special Olympics. I am so grateful to everyone who stopped by, and it was wonderful to meet so many new people. Thank you all so much!

My solo exhibition and concert were featured on a local TV program called "Jimo Topics" on JCOM.

Exhibition concert

Shunsuke will be holding a small solo exhibition again this year at Swan Bakery in Ochiai, Shinjuku. He'll also be performing a mini piano concert with three of my friends from Special Olympics.

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Shunsuke's mother appeared as a guest on J-WAVE's news program, "Jam The Planet," for its "Today's Special" segment on July 14th. She was with her calligraphy teacher, Ms. Yasuko Kanazawa.
The theme was a challenging one: "finding and nurturing the talents of people with disabilities." But the host, Mayu Yoshida, guided her so skillfully that she was able to get through the show. It was a very valuable experience for her.

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Shunsuke’s artwork has been selected for the cover of the Philanthropy Association’s official magazine.
This piece, created with ink and paint on traditional Japanese washi paper, is a signature work of his style. Inspired by Matisse’s paintings, he originally set out with that influence, but the final result turned out completely different. The artwork has a warm, humorous feel, and his characteristic confident, unhesitant lines make it unique. The Philanthropy Association has been active since 1960, back when the concept of volunteering was still not widely recognized in Japan. Since 1990, the organization has focused on social participation and contribution, with support from many companies and groups. As part of its initiatives, the association also produces business cards featuring artwork created by individuals with disabilities, and Shunshi’s work has been selected for this as well.

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His first art book is finally complete!
At his solo exhibition in January, many people encouraged him to publish an art book, and now it has finally come to life. This collection features artworks from the past 15 years, from ages 10 to 25.

In addition to his artwork, the book also shares stories about his disability and upbringing. Furthermore, three of his mentors, including Master Yasuko Kanazawa, have contributed congratulatory messages, making this a truly special collection.

You can purchase it from the "Shop" section on this website, or at amazon.co.jp.

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Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best for this year as well.
In March, he will be participating in the annual four-person exhibition at the Shinjuku Sports Center. In September, he is planning a solo exhibition with a mini concert alongside his Special Olympics friends.
He has also started practicing the piano again after a long time!