From Pokémon to Hello Kitty, a remarkable quality and range of Japanese subcultures has been sweeping the world, most notably in manga, anime, and more recently computer games. Indeed, the Japanese have long lived with this culture, nurturing a passion for the variety of characters around them.

Prior to the opening of the Japan Foundation’s exhibition, JAPAN: Kingdom of Characters in February 2012, which will pay homage to the creation of many diverse figures since the 1950s, the Japan Foundation has invited Hiroyuki Aihara, President of the Character Research Institute and main curator of the exhibition, to explore in an illustrated talk the loving relationship between Japanese society and characters, mapping it in an historical context. The impact that such characters have had, both upon Japanese society and on global society, shall also be discussed.

This talk will provide an insight into the world of Japanese characters. Audience members are encouraged to wear or carry their favourite character as a tribute!

This talk event is organised in association with the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts.

The Japan Foundation exhibition JAPAN: Kingdom of Characters will open at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Norwich, on 4th February 2012.

This event is free to attend but booking is essential. To reserve a place, please email your name and the title of the event you would like to attend to event@jpf.org.uk

Image Credits:
1950’s-1960’s: Clockwise from top left: Astroboy, © Tezuka Productions/Mushi Production. Osomatsu-kun, © Fujio productions. Ultraman ©Tsuburaya Productions. Hattori-kun, © Fujiko Studio. Tetsujin28gou, © Hikari Pro.
1980’s: Clockwise from top left: Doraemon, © Fujiko-Pro, Shogakukan, TV-Asahi, Shin-ei and ADK. Nameneko, © Satoru Tsuda. Mobile Suit Gundam, © Sotsu-Sunrise. Urusei Yatsura, © Rumiko Takahashi/ Shogakukan – Weekly Shonen Sunday. Bikkuriman, © Lotte/ Bikkuriman Project.
2000’s: Clockwise from top left: Pokémon, © Nintendo, Creatures, Game Freak, TV Tokyo, ShoPrp, JR Kikaku. © Pokémon Sergeant Keroro, © Mine Yoshizaki/ Kadokawashoten, Sunrise, TV Tokyo, NAS, BV. Tamagotchi, © Bandai- WiZ/TV Tokyo - 2009 Team Tamagotchitv. Rilakkuma, © 2010 San-X Co., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Haruhi Suzumiya, © 2006 Nagaru Tanigawa. Noizi Ito/a member of SOS.