The 1964 Summer Olympics will forever be remembered as one of the most important events in Japan's postwar history. To Japan, hosting the Olympics was the nation's opportunity to prove to the world that it had strength and power to recover and progress from its crushing defeat in World War II two decades earlier.
The government called on a number of talented artists from across the nation to ensure the success of the event. The team, led by art critic Masaru Katsumi, included prominent graphic designers — such as Yusaku Kamekura, Hiromu Hara, and Takashi Kono — whose innovative and sophisticated works remain an inspiration to designers today; till May 26.
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; (03) 5777-8600; 3-1 Kitanomaru-koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Takebashi Station, Tozai Line. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Fri. till 8 p.m.) ¥420. Closed Mon. (except March 25, April 1, 8, 29, May 6), May 7. www.momat.go.jp.
