Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs at Japan House London

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 our featured video of Japan House at @nova.esea

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

https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/pictograms-iconic-japanese-designs/

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