Nearly 3000 take part in New Year calligraphy challenge in Japan

Contestants show off banners illustrating their calligraphy skills during the 48th annual New Year calligraphy contest in Tokyo on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2012. Nearly 3,000 people participated in the calligraphy contest to celebrate the start of the New Year.

Contestents write calligraphy during the calligraphy contest on Wednesday.

Contestants show off banners illustrating their calligraphy skills.