Discover the evolution of pictograms and Japan’s role in visual communication today in this gallery tour led by Japan House London Director of Programming Simon Wright.

The tour explores the history of visual communication, from prehistoric cave paintings and Shang dynasty oracle bones to emoji and ubiquitous public signs. Japanese graphic designers have been central to the development of pictograms. The coordinated designs for the sports and facilities pictograms for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games paved the way for all subsequent major international sporting events. The tour also looks at the winning designs from the My London Pictogram competition, where representations of London drawn by young people aged seven to 16 were refined into pictograms by the Nippon Design Center.

Simon Wright explores how pictograms in Japan have developed as a form of universal language, and how artistic principles shape the design of the signs and symbols that guide us through public spaces without words. Questions are encouraged.

The tour lasts for about 45 minutes.

The exhibition Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs, in the Gallery at Japan House London, runs until 9 November 2025.  

Please note that filming and photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please contact us online or contact a member of the team on site.

Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs gallery tour