Reviving History Through Art: The Japanese Kumano Kodo Calendar

Kiyoka Yamazuki's Award-Winning Design Illustrates Japan's Ancient Highways

Yamazuki's inspiration for this project stemmed from the rich history and cultural significance of the Kumano Kodo, an old Japanese highway. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the Kumano Kodo is located in the heart of Japan and has been a place of nature worship since the Heian period, around 908. Yamazuki's design encapsulates the essence of the Kumano Kodo, featuring motifs from the Nachi Fire Festival and Nachi Falls, festivals of the Kumano Shrine.

What sets this design apart from others is its unique representation of an old Japanese highway. Yamazuki's calendar is not just a tool for keeping track of dates, but a colorful depiction of Japan's cultural heritage. The Kumano Kodo, along with other old roads like the Oshu Highway, Tokaido, Sanyo Highway, Nagasaki Highway, and Minoji, are celebrated in this corporate calendar for Nippon Paint.

The calendar was hand-drawn on an illustration board using acrylic paint, showcasing Yamazuki's artistic prowess. The finished product consists of six sheets, each measuring 420 mm x 595 mm. The illustrations were used in Nippon Paint's 2003 corporate calendar, aptly titled "Kaido Roman".

Yamazuki's design is a testament to the enduring allure of Japan's old highways. The Kumano Kodo, in particular, continues to be used by people today, centuries after it was first established. This design serves as a vibrant reminder of the road's historical significance and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The intellectual property rights for this design belong to Kiyoka Yamazuki. The illustrations used in the calendar were all created by Yamazuki, further emphasizing her artistic versatility. This design's recognition with a Silver A' Design Award underscores Yamazuki's creative excellence and innovation in the field of graphic design and visual communication.