For a year starting in June 2018, Ishikawa contributed a series titled “Kawa­higashi Hekigotō: A Continuing Revolution in Expression” to the literary magazine Bungaku­kai, later publishing it as a book under the same title. This work serves as a literary critique of Hekigotō, while his subsequent 2022 publication, Works of Ishikawa Kyuyoh: Haiku Criticality—109 Haiku by Kawahigashi Hekigotō, represents a direct artistic engagement with Hekigotō. Ishikawa recognized Hekigotō as a modern haiku innovator and an independent calligrapher, selecting 109 of Hekigotō’s haiku to transform into calligraphic works, resulting in the series Haiku by Kawahigashi Hekigotō.

The four pieces introduced here include the following haiku: Sumō noseshi…(p. 98), with its remarkable lines reminiscent of kabuki makeup; and Shio no yoi…(p. 99), featuring a ship and seagulls placed above an arched horizon. Tsuki no ame…(p. 100), with its striking pictorial representation of the character for “雨” (rain); Ichinichi hyakusenku…(p. 101), where the horizontal strokes of the kanji characters dominate the composition; Transforming the unique essence of each of the 109 haiku he selected into distinct visual interpretations truly demonstrates Ishikawa’s impressive skillfulness.

Ishikawa Kyuyoh (calligrapher; b. 1945)

Born in Fukui Prefecture, Japan in 1945. Graduated from the Faculty of Law at Kyoto University. After serving as a professor at Kyoto Seika University and the director of the Institute for Writing and Civilizations, he is now an emeritus professor at the same university. Ishikawa has elucidated the concept that "calligraphy is the art of brush touch (using the term 'taction')," and interprets the structure and history of calligraphy. As a critic, he is also active in discussions on the Japanese language and culture, which have had a significant impact across various fields. In both his artistic creations and written works, Ishikawa continues to produce cutting-edge expressions and insights. His body of work includes over 2,000 calligraphic pieces and more than 100 published books.