Kaji Aso Studio - Institute for the Arts

Results of the 2026 International Haiku Contest in the Fenway News and at www.kajiasostudio.com

Kaji A*o Studio was happy to participate in the 2nd annual JOYWALK- A Fenway Cultural District Art Crawl on May 7th. We flew the fish kites again and a steady stream of visitors came to see the Japanese calligraphy and sumi painting exhibit featuring works by founder Kaji A*o, faculty Michiko Imai, long-time members and students.

Very pleased to attend the reception for The Massachusetts House of Representatives designation of May 7th as "Japan Day" to commemorate John Manjiro's landing in New Bedford in 1843. This date honors the historic ties between Japan and the Commonwealth.

Thank you Consul General Takahashi!

Today is Kodomo no Hi! This is Koinobori🎏, or colorful carp-shaped flags, at Kaji A*o Studio. Koinobori symbolizes children overcoming obstacles and growing, as carp are known to swim upstream as they mature.
(Photo: Consul General Takahashi and Ms. Kate Finnegan, Executive Director of Kaji A*o Studio)

Thursday May 7th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm is JOYWALK in the Fenway Cultural District and also "Japan Day" in Massachusetts! Please come by Kaji A*o Studio gallery to see the Japanese calligraphy and sumi painting exhibit by founder Kaji A*o, faculty Michiko Imai, long time members and students . Register by RSVP to [email protected]

We had a wonderful calligraphy and haiku event on Sunday, May 3rd. After Mchiko Imai demonstrated the beautiful art of calligraphy, everyone enjoyed the announcement and reading of Kaji A*o Studio's 2026 International Haiku Contest. Special thanks to the Consulate General of Japan in Boston for their support.

We will be selling Year of the Horse T-Shirts!

Japan Festival Boston 2026 Poster Reveal

We’re excited to share the official poster for Japan Festival Boston 2026! Join us on April 25–26 at Boston Common for a weekend celebrating both traditional and modern Japanese culture. Festival-goers can enjoy incredible Japanese food, live music, cultural workshops, unique vendors, cosplay contests, and so much more.

Our festival also continues its strong commitment to sustainability, with initiatives designed to reduce waste and promote responsible community events.

In addition to the main festival, don’t miss the Sake Rock Festival on Saturday, April 25 at Downtown Crossing, featuring an exciting lineup of performances, and of course, sake! We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone again in 2026!

We had a wonderful evening with The Art of Wagashi (Japanese sweet) chef Mr. Miura. Beautiful pastries and delicious!

Artist and teacher Kaji A*o completed 39 consecutive Boston Marathons. He believed artists should exercise and eat well. He formed the Red Snake running team with artists from Kaji A*o Studo. Many of the artists have run in marathons and also greeted runners at the finish line with artful certificates congratulating them on their successful runs “to share in the spirit of the Marathon and develop friendship among runners”. We carried on that tradition this year!