Profile

A calligrapher, Shinsui Goto (real name: Manatsu Goto) was born in Takahara-cho, Myokokogen (present Myoko-city) in 1922.
At the age of 40, she started her career as a professional calligrapher signing up to the North Japan Calligraphic Society, and opening a private school in her home. It is not usual and it is rather late, for a professional calligrapher.
The reason was that she often moved towns in the prefecture due to her husband’s job transfer, and was busy raising their child. Finally, they built their own house in Nagaoka-city, reached a stage where childcare was not necessary, and then she could move on to her desired path of being a professional calligrapher.
Afterwards, she was appointed one of instructors of the Society, and one for the Kana Group of Hakuyo-kai Calligraphy.
Her calligraphies here are mainly from the “Wakas” famous in “Kokin Waka-shu”, “Shin Kokin Waka-shu”, “Manyo-shu” and “Hyakunin Isshu.” She chose comparatively many Wakas from “Hyakunin Isshu” for her works.
She prefered Bokusui Wakayama, Akiko Yosano, and Isamu Yoshino among the modern poets.
She was concerned not only with her calligraphy, but also papers and outfits. Her favorite colors were lovely and flowery such as gold, red, and pink.
She passed away at the age of 95. They say she was working energetically until the last moment.