Once in a Lifetime
Japanese Kanji Symbols Wall Scroll

Once in a Lifetime

This Japanese title can be translated as "for this time only", "chance meeting", "one meeting, one opportunity", "never again", or "one chance in a lifetime". There is a suggestion that because it's a fleeting chance, one should cherish it as such.

The characters literally mean "one time one meeting" - of course, the Kanji characters have meaning far beyond a direct translation like this.

Some might use this proverb to talk of an opportunity that presents itself just once in your life. It could also be the single chance-meeting with your true soul mate. Basically an expression for any event that might happen once in a lifetime.

This is primarily a Japanese title, however, there is also a Traditional Chinese (and old Korean) version of this proverb. Just the last character is different.

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Authentic Japanese Calligraphy by Japanese Master Calligrapher Bishou Imai

Bishou was born and raised in Nara, Japan. She began her studies of Calligraphy at the age of four at Baikou Calligraphy School. When Bishou was 25 years old, she received a membership to the Tenshin Kai (calligraphy society) and her life as a calligrapher began. Bishou progressed to the next level, becoming a member of the Cho-ko Guild which is the most prestigious calligraphy society in Japan. During her apprenticeship, she taught calligraphy and studied the art of Japanese silk scroll making (hyougu) at Mizuno Hyougu-ten.

In 1998, Master Calligrapher Bishou Imai was awarded the highest rank in Japanese Calligraphy of Shihan. She currently holds a guild license for teaching both calligraphy and instructing teachers to teach calligraphy.

Bishou Imai is among the few to have won multiple best of category awards in national competitions (Japan). Her work has been displayed at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Osaka Municipal Museum Of Art, Nara City Museum Of Art and Kyoto Municipal Museum Of Art.

In Addition to being a calligrapher, she is also an "artisan artist" (Hyougushi).

is how Bishou is written. This name means "Beautiful Cliff/Mountain". You will see these characters signed just before the red signature stamp on her calligraphy pieces.