A Year 6 student at The Grange Institution (TGI), Yashiro Ren, received the Educational Special Encouragement Award from the Japan Calligraphy Association. The award recognises students who demonstrate excellence in Japanese calligraphy through strong brushwork, technical skill, and consistent progress in the association’s regional and national exhibitions.

Yashiro Ren with his Special Educational Encouragement Award
from the Japan Calligraphy Association.

Close up of the certificate awarded by the Japan Calligraphy Association.

Ren’s calligraphy piece featuring the Japanese characters “平和” (Peace) has also been selected for an exhibition in Japan.

Yashiro Ren’s “平和” piece (far right), displayed at an exhibition in Japan.

In addition to Ren’s achievement, students from TGI’s Japanese Language Programme also received recognition:

  • Gold Award: Ko Yashiro, Tsukino Ikura, Yuriko Kimura
  • Silver Award: Branko Tutavac, Issei Enda, Kaoru Beppu
  • Bronze Award: Ena Kaneko, Eito Suwa, Konosuke Ishizuka, Yota Kimura

Students with their Japanese calligraphy award certificates, pictured with Ms. Machiko Saito, Japanese Language Teacher (left, back row).

Nurturing Language and Cultural Learning

 The students’ achievements reflect their development in Japanese calligraphy (Shodo), where they build precision, discipline and attention to detail, while deepening their appreciation of Japanese language and culture.

A student from TGI practising traditional brush techniques and character-writing
during Japanese Language lessons.

Through its Japanese Language Programme, TGI supports Japanese international students in maintaining a strong connection to their language, cultural heritage and traditions while studying in Singapore.