The Peninsula Tokyo welcomes Japanese Calligrapher Maaya Wakasugi for the "Art in Resonance" program

Starting on February 23, The Peninsula Tokyo will be featuring a Japanese Calligrapher and Artist, Maaya Wakasugi, as part of its signature 'The Peninsula Tokyo Art in Resonance' program. The program is designed to collaborate with ground-breaking artists in delivering a unique and artistic experience to the guests. Maaya, who is a Japanese calligrapher and artist based in Bordeaux, France, will be staying at The Peninsula Tokyo for two weeks and will be offering a variety of specially curated interactive programs.

During this period, hotel guests are welcome to visit the artist's studio and witness him paint live in the hotel lobby. Maaya, will be creating original paintings in his characteristic style with a theme of Sakura (cherry blossoms) and Spring as part of his residency. These paintings will be on display from mid-March until the end of April, providing a unique and immersive artistic experience for our guests.

The ‘Art in Resonance’ program, which facilitates partnerships between the hotel and ground-breaking contemporary artists, offers inspiring experiences for hotel guests, and a spotlight for creative excellence. This installation is the latest iteration of ‘Art in Resonance’ – The Peninsula Hotels’ global contemporary art program dedicated to being an originator of culture through its engagement with artists who push the boundaries of their mediums, in works that engage the senses. The program launched in The Peninsula Hong Kong in 2019 while serving as the Official Hotel Partner of Art Basel Hong Kong, and will be back in March 2024.

Live Painting in The Lobby
Maaya will do live painting in the hotel lobby drawing Spring-themed paintings.

Date: February 23 – 29
Time: 11:00 am to 1 pm
Venue: Hotel lobby

Art Studio Access
One of the guestrooms will be transformed into Maaya’s temporary atelier which guests may explore and chat with the artist.

Date: February 23 – 29
Time: 3:00 pm to 5 pm
Venue: Guestroom #807

Japanese Calligraphy Workshop
Maaya will be teaching the art of calligraphy, guiding guests through the flicks and twists of calligraphy.

For Adult:
Date: March 1
Time: 11:30 am to 2 pm (1 hour workshop followed by an Afternoon Tea experience with Maaya)
Venue: Banquet Room
Price: JPY 10,000 (maximum eight persons)

For Children:
Date: March 2
Time: 11:00 am to 12:15 pm (1 hour workshop)
Venue: Banquet Room
Price: Complimentary (maximum eight persons / 6 years old or above)

For inquiries about this program, please call +81(3)-6270-2888 or email ptk@peninsula.com.
*Booking is first come first served basis.

Maaya Wakasugi Exhibition
A selection of specially commissioned paintings will be exhibited at two locations in the hotel.

Date: March 14 to April 30
Venue: The Lobby and Peter (24/F) *Subject to change.

About Maaya Wakasugi (www.maayamaaya.com)
Calligraphy artist Maaya Wakasugi was born in 1977 in Okayama, Japan. He began studying calligraphy at the age of 6 and apprenticed under Gyogetsu Akatsuka during his high school years. He held his first solo exhibition at the age of 17. Subsequently, he progressed to the Chinese Literature Department at Daito Bunka University, studying under Setsuzan Tanaka. He established a unique style that blends ancient characters with innovative calligraphy, which is highly regarded worldwide for its artistic expression. He relocated to Bordeaux, France, and has been actively involved in a wide range of activities globally. In Bordeaux, he conducts calligraphy workshops in local elementary and middle schools, including at PHILOMATHIQUE and the Don Bosco Institute in Gradignan, and is deeply committed to art education. Additionally, since the previous autumn, he has been studying painting at the École des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux (National School of Fine Arts) and engaging in diverse creative activities.

Biography
2014: Performed at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
2017: Created the title calligraphy for NHK's historical drama "Onna Joushu Naotora."
2017: Performed in a promotional video for France's national railway company, SNCF.
2018: Performed calligraphy at the World Economic Forum (commonly known as the Davos Meeting) for Japan Night.
2019: To commemorate new imperial era, his “Reiwa” calligraphy was selected on Yahoo! Japan, the largest news site in Japan and gained widespread recognition.
2022: Held a solo exhibition "Des fleurs qui dansent" at Galerie Mikiko Fabiani in Paris.
2022: Launched a collaboration T-shirt at the Uniqlo store in Le Marais, Paris, and presented collaboration tote bags across all Uniqlo stores in Europe.
2022: Held a solo exhibition "Fleurir ensemble" at Gallery Wada in Tokyo.
2023: Responsible for the main visual of "Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2023."
2023: Held a solo exhibition "Fleurir ensemble" at the Daimaru Sapporo Store Art Gallery.