A Japan House exhibition, Tokyo 1964: Designing Tomorrow explores the pioneering design strategy and lasting legacy of the historic Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games, the first to be held in Asia, which are often seen as a turning point for Japan.
This exhibition shows how a group of young Japanese designers and architects harnessed the opportunity presented by the 1964 Olympic Games to reframe the country’s profile and tell a fresh story to the world. Their ground-breaking designs are important as they have informed the design principles of all subsequent major international sporting events.
Mentsen designed the exhibition displays and communication materials working with curators David Phillips, Megumi Yamashita, and the Japan House exhibition team. Exhibition build by Sam Forster Associates, graphic production by Service Graphics.
Tokyo 1964: Designing Tomorrow
5 August – 7 November 2021
Japan House London
101-111 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA
Introduction and "Making the Games" section
Each 4 sections were colour coded and marked with a introduction with a large circle.
Uniforms were dressed in a mannequin that has a pictogram-like head
Display of bulletins, medals, Kimono and uniforms.
The circular cut-out on the wall allows a view into different sections of the exhibition.
"Designing the Games" section looking at graphic design of Tokyo 1964
Introduction and pictogram wall
Sporting pictogram was introduced for the first time at the Tokyo 1964 games.
Display cases housing the Design Guide Sheets.
Tokyo 1964 tickets.
Looking into "Architecture of the Games" from "Making the Games" section
Introduction of the "Architecture of the Games"
Scale model of Komazawa Tower produced for this exhibition by students from Camberwell College of Arts and Design
The side of panels were painted in the section colours throughout
Display case of the Yoyogi Gymnasiums model
Octagonal structure created to house "Tokyo in 1964" section
Introduction of "Tokyo in 1964".
Objects produced to welcome foreign visitors and development of rail and road infrastructures.
Bullet train opened just before the Olympic Games.
Display of time pieces of Seiko items.
Display of the fist Paralympic Games which were held in Tokyo 1964.