Pictograms exhibition at Japan House London - Photo by Jérémie Souteyrat, courtesy of Japan House London.

Pictograms exhibition at Japan House London – All photos are by Jérémie Souteyrat, courtesy of Japan House London.

Design. From ancient cave walls to modern emojis, people have always used images to communicate. Now, Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs at Japan House London traces the fascinating journey of these visual symbols and highlights Japan’s major role in shaping how we share information without words.

Pictograms exhibition at Japan House London - Photo by Jérémie Souteyrat, courtesy of Japan House London.

The exhibition opens in striking fashion: a clean white space where black-and-white lightboxes make a simple but powerful point—pictograms, like the ones in airports, can say in seconds what would otherwise take paragraphs to explain.

Pictograms exhibition at Japan House London - Photo by Jérémie Souteyrat, courtesy of Japan House London.

This visual storytelling goes way back. The show includes early examples such as the Lascaux cave murals and Egyptian tomb carvings, proving that icons have always helped us understand each other, regardless of language.

Pictograms exhibition at Japan House London - Photo by Jérémie Souteyrat, courtesy of Japan House London.

Pictograms exhibition at Japan House London - Photo by Jérémie Souteyrat, courtesy of Japan House London.

But it’s Japan that gave pictograms a sleek, modern edge. In 1964, designers from Nippon Design Center created the first full set of Olympic sporting pictograms for the Tokyo Games—setting a global standard still used today. And when it comes to the emoji (yes, e means picture and moji means character), it’s no surprise that Japan led the way there too.

Pictograms exhibition at Japan House London - Photo by Jérémie Souteyrat, courtesy of Japan House London.

Fast-forward to 2019, and the Nippon Design Center launched the Experience Japan Pictograms project: over 600 pictograms tailored to guide visitors across the country, all crafted with that unmistakable Japanese attention to detail. It’s a perfect example of how design can quietly—but profoundly—enhance how we navigate the world.

Pictograms exhibition at Japan House London - Photo by Jérémie Souteyrat, courtesy of Japan House London.

The exhibition isn’t just for looking. A hands-on section lets you explore 3D pictograms and even step into one yourself. Visitors can also get creative, assembling their own icon using modular pictogram parts laid out on a lightbox.

Pictograms exhibition at Japan House London - Photo by Jérémie Souteyrat, courtesy of Japan House London.

To top it off, a special collaboration with The Japan Society invited schoolchildren across London to design their own pictogram, inspired by the city they live in. The winning entries are proudly displayed, reminding us that this universal language still has plenty of room for personal expression.

Pictograms exhibition at Japan House London - Photo by Jérémie Souteyrat, courtesy of Japan House London.

Visit the exhibition until November 9 – entry is is free and booking is encouraged, but drop-ins are also welcome. Presenting the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation and technology, Japan House London provides an authentic encounter with Japan [101-111 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA, Map].

Pictograms exhibition at Japan House London - Photo by Jérémie Souteyrat, courtesy of Japan House London.

Whether you’re a design lover, emoji enthusiast, or just curious about the symbols that guide your day, this exhibition offers a fresh and fascinating look at a language we all speak—no words needed.

Pictograms exhibition at Japan House London - Photo by Jérémie Souteyrat, courtesy of Japan House London.

Photography by Jérémie Souteyrat, courtesy of Japan House London.

Pictograms exhibition at Japan House London - Photo by Jérémie Souteyrat, courtesy of Japan House London.

Pictograms exhibition at Japan House London - Photo by Jérémie Souteyrat, courtesy of Japan House London.