"An artist has to have an accurate understanding of the development of the times, society and calligraphy art to determine his art direction," Zhang said.

"An artist must base his art on the needs of his times and the art standards, and develop his own style before he can evolve into a real master."

Zhang said he hoped the 2014 exhibition would give audiences a different experience.

He said he believed that the development of the calligraphy art form offered great opportunities for every artist, and everyone could gain something from it as they don't give up.

Zhang said he hoped that more exceptional artists would emerge in the calligraphy world.

He has held scores of calligraphy exhibitions in Japan since 1986 and has been invited to give lectures abroad.

His works have also been displayed in South Korea, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Canada.