My LA Pictogram

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Category: Events Calendar

Date and Time for this Past Event

• Wednesday, Oct 8, 2025  

Location

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Details

Online; Free.
Dates: October 8, 2025 to November 30, 2025
Eligible Participants: Students in grades 1–12 across the United States
Presented by JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles
Supported by Nippon Design Center

JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles invites students in grades 1–12, both across Los Angeles County and nationwide, to take part in My LA Pictogram, a unique design initiative inspired by Japan’s rich tradition of pictogram design projects, from the iconic symbols of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics to the emojis used every day. Students are encouraged to capture what makes Los Angeles special, whether through their own experiences or memories from a visit, by creating a simple, powerful symbol that tells a story at a glance. Selected designs will be refined by top graphic designers at the Nippon Design Center in Japan and showcased in a special exhibition at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, opening in February 2026.

Pictograms are part of everyday life: the universal signs found on street corners, in airports and train stations, and on digital screens. Because they don’t rely on words, pictograms allow people to communicate quickly and clearly across languages and cultures. With My LA Pictogram, students will explore this powerful design tradition and contribute their own voice to a growing visual language. The word “pictogram” comes from the Latin picto, meaning “picture” or “drawing,” and the Greek gramma, meaning “letter” or “written thing.”

In 2019, the Nippon Design Center launched a new project, Experience Japan Pictograms, designed to enhance the experience of international visitors to Japan through a more comprehensive visual communication system. The project is a prime example of the creativity and precision inherent in Japanese design, offering visitors an unparalleled perspective on Japan’s inimitable character and visual legacy.

By participating in My LA Pictogram, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the power of design in communication but also have the thrilling opportunity to see their ideas come to life on a professional stage. Families, schools, and communities are invited to join in celebrating the creativity, imagination, and diversity of Los Angeles through this inspiring and exciting program.