Hekiun Oda

About

Japanese Calligraphy Artist

Born in Kobe, Japan | Based in New York City, New York

Born and raised in Kobe, Japan, Hekiun Oda (小田碧雲) began practicing calligraphy at age five under master

Goun Katsura. Kobe is known for its deep lineage of calligraphy masters, and Oda’s early training rooted him in

traditional shodo while inspiring a lifelong pursuit of artistic and spiritual expression. He moved to Chicago in

1990, and moved to New York in 2026, continuing his studies and sharing Japanese calligraphy through exhibitions, performances, and

workshops.

In 2009, Oda founded the Oda Calligraphy Association to teach students and promote calligraphy as both art

and meditation. He has exhibited and performed at venues including the Japanese Culture Center of Chicago,

McHenry County College, and the Heritage Museum of Asian Art, and has collaborated with Yoshinojyo

Fujima, master of Fujima Ryu Japanese Classical Dance.

Exhibition and performance with Brooklyn/Japanese Calligraphy Association in New York City.

“Calligraphy is an art that cannot be written twice. Each stroke captures the meeting of life and nature —

delicate or powerful, fleeting or eternal. My work preserves the classical essence of ink on paper while

embracing innovation. True calligraphy unites image, heart, and spirit — an art of peace and

mindfulness.”