To what extent does Japanese modernist graphic design reflect the native particularities of Japanese Culture?
Japanese graphic design has always been fascinating, a design style that at face value seems to have almost developed in hibernation from the rest of the world, especially from the early-to-mid 20th century modernist movement in Europe. One of the first aspects of Japanese graphic design one notices is the colour, the spatial consideration and the experimental and playful layout fused with a unique sense of humour. Japan had an incredibly eventful 20th century with just as much landmark events signaling Japans progression and prosperity, notably the Tokyo Olympic Games of 1964; and just as many scenes of absolute terror, notably the atrocities of Hiroshima. Amidst all the war and natural disasters Japan, perhaps unfairly is known for to the rest of the world, Japan has never shied away from addressing these social and political issues, often in a tongue-in-cheek satirical manner.
This essay will further investigate the Japanese visual style, sense of humour, key designers throughout post-war Japan and Europe, the increased importance and social responsibility of the modern designer, modernist theory and the modernist movement of the 20th century, key historical events in society and in design which had a lasting impact and shaped Japanese design and also influenced European modernism, finally the lasting legacy and influence of Japanese design towards Europe and around the world will be analysed.
Modernism relates to modernity, the cultural and technological change and innovations that took place resulting in a far-reaching impact on industry and culture in Europe and with extension, the world. Modernism is a broad term
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