April 5-June 19
Posters are designed to attract attention — the really good ones also tempt their viewers to buy or do something. Graphic designer Ikko Tanaka (1930-2002) was arguably one of the best graphic designers in Japan, creating unique posters with bold geometric designs that continue to influence Japanese design today. He contributed to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, creating the games' logotype, medal motif and facility pictograms, and was one of the creative minds behind the no-label Muji brand aesthetic.
This the first time such a large-scale exhibition of Tanaka's posters have been shown in Osaka, with around 50 works showcasing a fusion of Japanese culture, traditional arts and modern Western design.
The National Museum of Art, Osaka; 4-2-55 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka. Watanabebashi Stn. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Fri. till 7 p.m.). ¥430. Closed Mon. 06-6447-4680; www.nmao.go.jp
