The Nitten (Japanese Art Exhibitions) was founded in 1907 (Meiji 40) as the first Bunten (Ministry of Education Art Exhibitions), and changed its name to its current name in 46 (Showa 21) after the war. In 48 (Showa 23), the fifth subject, "Calligraphy," was added at the fourth Nitten, and it has continued to this day as one of Japan's largest comprehensive art exhibitions.

Kamijo Shinzan was 42 when he entered the Nitten Exhibition for the first time, the year after the calligraphy section was established, and won the first prize. He won the special prize at the ages of 44 and 46, and became a judge for the first time at the age of 51, and has served as a judge nine times since then. Since his first time as a judge, he has presented works with large characters, aiming for calligraphy that combines a modern sensibility and visual effects more clearly. Many of his representative works have been created, including "Valley God Immortality" (62, age 55), which incorporates the profound calligraphy of Yan Zhenqing, "Firm Strength" (69, age 62), which won the Prime Minister's Award, "Kumiko" (77, age 70), which won the Japan Art Academy Award, "Souban" (79, age 72), which shows a bold spatial expression that is convinced of the international nature of calligraphy, and "Soshin" (87, age 80), which shows his strong will to commit himself to "calligraphy" all his life.

The numerous works, which the museum has positioned as "the most important exhibitions that demonstrate the contemporary standard and direction of Japanese calligraphy" (from its journal, Shozo, December 91 issue), continue to leave vivid impressions and emotions to this day.