The Life and Legacy of Japanese Calligraphy Artist Saren Nagata
Few of us know what we want to be when we are little. I dreamed about becoming a deep sea diver or astronaut – until I realised how utterly terrifying both these occupations would be. A cosy office job would do just fine. But for Japanese calligraphy artist Saren Nagata, her destiny was written in the stars. Born in Chiba (near Tokyo) in 1981, Saren was introduced to the art of Japanese calligraphy when she was just three years old. Her passion for the art form continued to grow, and she left school aged 15 to pursue her dreams. She qualified as a professional calligrapher in 2002 and obtained her license to practice a year later. 
In 2005 she wrote Here I Am, a book of poems and scriptures about love, happiness, beauty, dreams, passion and her Grandma, who had a powerful influence on her life. It is decorated with beautiful illustrations of flowers and kanji (traditional Japanese calligraphy art). The highly acclaimed Japanese calligraphy artist now exhibits and sells her work across Japan, attracting a steady torrent of media praise. She has also branched out internationally, supplying The Japanese Shop with a selection of her finest works. In addition, she is in constant demand as a teacher and lecturer, and regularly shares the secrets behind her art in workshops – both in Japan and the UK.
Saren’s style is highly distinctive. Skilfully combining kanji with vibrant colours inspired the beauty of flowers, she cleverly fuses classic and contemporary influences for a result that is truly stunning. The skilled Japanese calligraphy artist shuns modern, simplified methods and materials in favour of the traditional ink stick and animal-hair brushes, giving added depth and a highly authentic finish. She primarily sells her work as framed prints on canvas, but has also designed logos and branding for a number of businesses (including The Japanese Shop!) Her prints have been transposed onto greetings cards, stationery, hanging scrolls and much more besides.
If you can read Japanese and would like further information on Saren Nagata and her art, visit her website. This can also be viewed through Google Translate, although the translation is just as chaotic as you might expect! Alternatively, if you would like to see more of her Japanese art prints, you can browse and buy from her range here.
*** SPECIAL OFFER: We currently have a half price sale on Saren Nagata’s limited edition Tour de France prints, which are completely exclusive to The Japanese Shop! These are the perfect memento of the Grand Depart in Yorkshire and make great gifts for cycling fans. Click here for more information and to order yours online for delivery. ***