A calligraphy performance to write the new era name Reiwa with the arm of a heavy machine was demonstrated Friday at Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) in the Odaiba area of Koto Ward, Tokyo. A calligraphy brush was attached to the tip of a three-ton hydraulic excavator's arm, and the operator carefully manipulated two levers to write the kanji characters reiwa on a sheet of paper.
The operator, Rie Naka, an employee of Tokyo-based Caterpillar Japan LLC, had practiced for the performance many times after the new era name was announced on Monday. According to Naka, it was difficult to move the arm especially for the upward brushstroke and sweeping lines of the rei kanji character. When the calligraphy was successfully completed, the roughly 300 spectators erupted in applause.
The calligraphy event was held at an exhibition at Miraikan featuring heavy machinery used at construction sites, titled "Kojichu! Tachiiri Kinshi!? Juki no Genba" (The "Under Construction" Is It Safe to Enter!? Heavy Machinery in Use!). The exhibition runs through May 19.
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