LOS ANAGELS — JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles presents Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs, an exhibition exploring how Japan has shaped pictograms into a universal visual language that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries. On view from February 12 through May 3, 2026, the exhibition examines the beauty, precision, and enduring influence of Japanese design through one of the most familiar yet powerful forms of visual communication.
Used daily in transportation systems, technology, and public spaces around the world, pictograms communicate ideas quickly and clearly through imagery rather than words. While pictograms are globally recognized, Japan has played a singular role in refining and elevating them, integrating functionality with a design philosophy rooted in clarity, balance, and meticulous attention to detail.
Designers from Japan’s Nippon Design Center (NDC) played a groundbreaking role in creating the first set of pictograms for the facilities and each sport in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The exhibition draws inspiration from the Experience Japan Pictograms project, a free‑to‑use pictogram set launched in 2019 by NDC. Created to enrich the experiences of international travelers, these playful and contemporary symbols capture a wide range of Japanese customs, environments, and everyday moments, serving as a visual guide to modern Japan.
Curated and designed by NDC under the artistic direction of Daikoku Daigo, Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs unfolds across five thematic zones that guide visitors through the meaning, history, and creative potential of pictograms. The exhibition begins by addressing the fundamental question, “What are pictograms?”, then traces their historical development and deep connections to Japan. Visitors are introduced to the design methods and tools used by NDC designers to achieve clarity and communicative effectiveness, before encountering immersive installations that expand pictograms beyond flat graphics into three‑dimensional and interactive forms.
A highlight of the exhibition is the participatory “My LA Pictogram” project, featuring selected student submissions from Los Angeles and beyond that reimagine the city through original pictogram designs. Visitors are also invited to create their own pictograms in the exhibition’s pictogram studio, applying principles of Japanese design to represent personal experiences or favorite aspects of Los Angeles.
Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs is on view at JAPAN HOUSE Gallery, Level 2. Admission is free. Gallery hours are Monday–Friday, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM, and Saturday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM. The gallery will be closed on Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15, 2026, due to Academy Awards–related closures.
About JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles
JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles offers immersive experiences that introduce audiences to Japanese culture through art, design, gastronomy, and innovation, fostering cross‑cultural understanding and creative exchange.
