A Year of Japanese Culture and Craftsmanship
Japan House London has unveiled an exciting and diverse line-up for 2025, showcasing the best of Japan’s cultural heritage and innovation. The programme will feature a series of captivating exhibitions, events, and workshops that offer fresh perspectives on Japan’s celebrated traditions, craftsmanship, and modern design. Among the highlights are three exhibitions that delve into Japan’s woodworking culture, award-winning graphic design for tourists, and the remarkable artistry behind everyday ceramics.
Spring Exhibition: The Craft of Carpentry – Drawing Life from Japan’s Forests
March – July 2025
Japan’s renowned carpentry tradition, deeply rooted in the country’s natural landscape, is the focus of the first exhibition at Japan House London in 2025. With over two-thirds of the Japanese archipelago covered in forests, the craft of carpentry draws inspiration from the natural world, utilising techniques that have been honed for over a millennium. “The Craft of Carpentry” will explore three main aspects: Dōmiya daiku (temple carpenters), sukiya daiku (teahouse carpenters), and kigumi (wood joinery). Visitors will have the opportunity to experience a full-scale teahouse, learn about ancient wood joinery techniques, and immerse themselves in the rich scent of native Japanese trees.
Summer Exhibition: Pictograms (title TBC)
July – October 2025
Building on Japan’s legacy from the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, which introduced the first set of internationally recognised pictograms, Japan House will showcase a new set created by the Nippon Design Center. The “Experience Japan Pictograms” series won the prestigious Good Design Award in 2021 and represents a visual language that bridges cultural gaps for tourists. This exhibition will be a masterclass in information design, highlighting the importance of clear communication through symbols.
Winter Exhibition: Muji 100 Designs (title TBC)
December 2025 – April 2026
The winter exhibition will feature a collaboration with Atelier MUJI in Tokyo, bringing together over 100 new designs by artist-makers across Japan. The collection will include a wide variety of everyday items, from ceramics to woodwork, glass, lacquerware, and textiles. This exhibition will showcase the simplicity and elegance of Muji’s design philosophy, celebrating functional beauty and craftsmanship.
Events Programme: Engaging with Japanese Culture
The events programme at Japan House London will also offer a variety of immersive experiences throughout the year. In addition to exhibitions, visitors can enjoy family workshops and festive activities, as well as a selection of live events:
- Grand Sumo Highlights: Watch the top rikishi (wrestlers) compete for the prized Emperor’s Cup, with screenings of the sumo tournaments held across Japan.
- Chadō (‘The Way of Tea’) Demonstrations: Explore Japan’s ancient tea ceremony with workshops starting in March.
- Film Screenings: Starting in February, Japan House will feature a series of films by acclaimed Japanese director Shinkai Makoto, including Your Name and Weathering With You. Other screenings will include food-related films like Tampopo and Tokyo Ga, along with Japanese classic cinema.
All films at Japan House London are free to attend, though booking is essential.
Shop at Japan House London: A Seasonal Celebration of Craft
Visitors to the Shop at Japan House London will also find new, curated collections that celebrate the artists, craftspeople, and regions of Japan. The shop rotates its products regularly, with many items available exclusively in the UK at Japan House. The 2025 collection will reflect the changing seasons, offering a unique glimpse into Japan’s vibrant craft culture.
Artist Residencies and Library Displays
Japan House London continues its support of Japanese artists and designers through residency programmes and book displays. In 2025, the Library will feature “Japan in Motion,” a collection of hard-to-find books on Japan’s transportation history, and the Expo 2025 in Osaka will be celebrated through a specially curated selection of books.
Sam Thorne, Director General and CEO of Japan House London, said: “With Expo 2025 in Osaka, all eyes will be on Japan to act as a global hub for speculating about the future. Japan House London will play a pivotal role in this global dialogue, offering a dynamic series of exhibitions, projects, and events both within and beyond our building.