WHAT? Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs

WHERE? Japan House London, 101–111 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA

WHEN? Now until 9 November. Free to view.

WHY GO? To discover the original emoji! Communicating language through symbols is hardly new: prehistoric cave dwellers did it; the ancient Egyptians did it—but just as language has evolved, so have symbols. Think of the emoji: now a powerful digital tool rooted in global exchange.
This graphically exciting exhibition charts the progress of “pictograms” created by Japanese designers to connect people to places, amenities, and activities when cultural differences made communication challenging. The famous 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games marked the debut of the first coordinated system of sports pictograms. Through thoughtful design, the Nippon Design Centre created a code of sports graphics providing instantly identifiable references. These mini graphic figures could, in a blink, decode the difficulty of deciphering Japanese script for Western visitors.
Reviving memorable imagery from Tokyo 1964: Designing Tomorrow, this visual display at Japan House conveys how the concept has progressed—and even offers would-be graphic artists an opportunity to design their own symbol.

IN THE KNOW Want some visual stimulation while at your screen? Watch the mesmerising Tokyo 2020 Kinetic Sportsvideo online—it showcases every sport imaginable, from swimming and show-jumping to surfing and archery. Who knew there’s even a sport called sitting volleyball? Pictograms reveal all!