.png)
Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs at Japan House London
Updated: Aug 13
If you geek out over clean, clever design, this one's for you. Japan House London's new show, Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs, traces how simple symbols evolved into a shared visual language — from early sign systems to the game-changing sets created for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and right through to today's signage and emojis. It's a crisp, hands-on look at clarity, consistency, and why Japan leads the way in pictogram design.
What you'll see inside
The exhibition steps through the long history of visual communication (think Lascaux cave murals and Egyptian hieroglyphs), then spotlights Japan's role — including the first full set of Olympic sporting pictograms in 1964 and the recent Experience Japan Pictograms project. There are two interactive zones where you can design your own symbol or even become part of one with playful 3D models, plus a showcase of winning entries from local schoolchildren for the “My London pictogram" competition. It's hands-on, informative, and surprisingly fun
Our favourite bit? The final “My London Pictogram” section, especially the Fish & Chips icon is so cute and surprisingly smart. Don't miss it, and bring a friend who loves type, logos or emojis.
🎥 Check the featured video below
Event Info
📍 Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High St, London W8 5SA
🗓️ Open now through 9 November 2025, catch it while it's on! Mon - Sat 10:00 - 20:00 Sun 12:00 - 18:00
Enjoyed this? Check out this month's events →
You Might Also Like
Japanese Markets in London: 2026 Dates & What’s On — Every Japanese market in London with 2026 dates, plus where to shop year-round.
Hyper Japan 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the UK's Biggest Japanese Culture Festival — Line-up, food, workshops and tickets for the UK's biggest Japanese culture festival.
Muri: The Filipino Violinist-Singer Who Found Her Solo Sound Between Manila, Paris and London — The Filipino violinist-singer who found her solo sound between Manila, Paris and London.
SHOKUDŌ: “But He’s Happy, Right?” From a Banking Job to Japanese Comfort Food in London — From a banking job to Japanese comfort food in London.
Wine The Noodles: Red Wine, Beef Noodles, and the Side of Taiwanese Food London Hasn't Seen — Red wine, beef noodles and a side of Taiwanese food London hasn't seen.
Comments