This is what tanka really look like

This is what Akiko’s tanka poems look like! Akiko wrote in a cursive “women’s hand” script that is extremely difficult to master and echoes its Heian Era, Tale of Genji roots. My calligraphy (Shodō) classmates chose tanka poems from Girl in a Box to make these amazing works, which will be on display on May 17 at 3 pm at the Books Inc. in Campbell (Pruneyard Shopping Center). Our sensei Goyō Morimoto will do a live calligraphy demonstration, accompanied by traditional shamisen music and naga-uta singing (by Kineya Sahōsho and Saeko Araki). Then I’ll talk about Girl in a Box and sign books. You do NOT want to miss this! And be sure to RSVP because space is limited. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jean-gordon-kocienda-girl-in-a-box-at-books-inc-tickets-1984076132121

It means so much to me that these talented Japanese women, truly masters of their arts, are supporting my book project. I feel like I could fly.