Japan House London is thrilled to unveil its 2024 exhibition and events program, which promises to offer fresh perspectives on Japan’s rich and diverse cultures. Following the successful celebration of its fifth anniversary, Japan House London will feature three major exhibitions that explore the indigenous Ainu people, showcase Japanese design highlights, and delve into the art of food samples that Japan is renowned for. This year’s program builds on past successes and aims to introduce new facets of Japanese culture to UK audiences.
Spring Exhibition: Japanese Design Exhibition
May – September 2024
Kicking off in spring, Japan House London will host the Japanese Design Exhibition, featuring a curated selection of treasures from across Japan’s storied design history. After successful showings in Los Angeles and São Paulo, the exhibition will highlight the works of seven prominent Japanese designers:
- Kunihiko Morinaga of the brand ANREALAGE will present ‘havuragin,’ a ceremonial patchwork garment from Kagoshima believed to offer protection.
- Koichiro Tsujikawa, filmmaker and designer, will showcase the intricate beauty of wooden spinning tops, emphasizing toys as the first encounter with design.
- Tetsuya Mizuguchi, architect and former Sega designer, will introduce the ‘transacoustic piano,’ an innovative instrument that uses embedded speakers to create an immersive sound experience.
- Tsuyoshi Tane, architect, will feature Jōmon Period earthenware, offering a glimpse into daily life in Japan over 10,000 years ago.
Autumn Exhibition: Food Samples
October 2024 – February 2025
In autumn, Japan House London will present an exhibition on food samples—the lifelike replicas displayed outside Japanese restaurants. This century-old craft, which demands meticulous attention to detail, will be showcased through 47 new replicas representing dishes from each of Japan’s prefectures. The exhibition will explore the history, significance, and future of this unique art form.
2024 Exhibition Events
Complementing the exhibitions, Japan House London will host a series of events and workshops. The current exhibition, “Ainu Stories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River,” running until April 21, 2024, will feature Ainu language workshops, dance performances, and food-related events. Special guests from Biraotri in Hokkaido will lead discussions on the revitalization of Ainu culture and craft.
2024 Film Screenings
The film program will include regular screenings of Ainu-themed films and the Mizoguchi Kenji season, curated by Alex Jacoby. This six-month series will showcase five films by the renowned director, including “Sansho Dayu” and “The Life of Oharu.” All screenings are free but require booking.
The Shop at Japan House London
Throughout 2024, The Shop will continue to offer a wide range of products that reflect Japan’s artistry and craftsmanship. Visitors can explore exclusive collections in-store and online, celebrating Japan’s artistic traditions and seasonal changes.
Ikebana and Library Displays
Japan House London’s ikebana displays will continue until July, featuring Japanese flower arrangements inspired by the old Japanese lunar calendar. Starting January, the Library will present a new collection of Japanese music books, covering genres from rock to contemporary classical, alongside the Ainu string instrument tonkori.
Artist Residencies
The Japan House London Trust will collaborate with UK arts organizations for artist residencies. Delfina Foundation’s Takuya Watanabe will research Japanese knotweed; Van Gogh House will host Takehito Koganezawa and Yoichi Kamimura; and Studio Voltaire will support emerging practitioners.
Sam Thorne (DG / CEO ) Japan Houses
Japan House London is committed to showcasing the diverse facets of Japanese culture. Our 2024 program will provide unique opportunities to explore Japan’s rich heritage through exhibitions, artist residencies, and cultural events. We look forward to continuing our mission of cultural exchange and discovery.
