#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Culture #Nihonbashi Takashimaya #Kanji of the Year

30th Anniversary Special Exhibition: Celebrating the Kanji of the Year

The iconic Nihonbashi Takashimaya is set to host a special exhibition from November 5 to November 11, 2025, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Kanji of the Year. This exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, will take visitors on a journey through three decades of kanji that encapsulate the essence of various years from the Heisei to the Reiwa era.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Visitors can explore the evolution of kanji that reflected the cultural, social, and political changes in Japan over the past 30 years. Each year's kanji represents collective sentiments and monumental events, offering insights into the zeitgeist of the times. The exhibition will prominently feature the kanji chosen as the symbol of the year, which is determined based on public votes held nationwide. The reveal of the top kanji occurs annually at Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, adding to the spectacle of this enduring tradition.

At the first-floor main hall of the Nihonbashi Takashimaya SC, attendees will find noteworthy highlights:

• - The kanji "Ai" (Love), selected as the Kanji of the Year in 2005, will be on display alongside "Kizuna" (Bonds) from 2011. These characters represent the human connections that underpin our society.
• - An authentic brush, used by Monk Seihan Mori during the kanji's calligraphy at Kiyomizu-dera, will also be showcased, emphasizing the cultural significance of these chosen characters.

Moreover, throughout the exhibition, visitors are encouraged to participate in selecting the Kanji of the Year for 2025. They can submit their entries along with reasoning through special boxes located at the exhibition venue. This engaging activity allows individuals to reflect on their thoughts about what kanji should represent the coming year based on societal reflections.

Learn and Experience with Kanji

The exhibition does more than just display kanji; it educates about their historical background and importance in Japanese culture. To further immerse visitors in this experience, a collaborative project between Nihonbashi Takashimaya and the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation has resulted in the creation of the 'Important Cultural Property Kanji Test.' This unique interactive component will blend historical exploration of the Takashimaya building with kanji knowledge, making it an enjoyable and insightful activity for all ages.

The iconic Takashimaya building is a significant landmark, designated as an Important Cultural Property in 2009 due to its rich architectural history. Constructed in 1933 and expanded upon over the years, this venue heightens the exhibition's allure, offering contemplative reflections as it embodies Japanese heritage.

A Celebration of Japanese Language and Culture

The Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation has emphasized the importance of kanji in daily life. By promoting a deeper understanding of the nuances and meanings behind these characters, the foundation aims to foster appreciation for the linguistic beauty of kanji. As part of this initiative, December 12 has been designated as Kanji Day, advocating the importance of learning at least one kanji each year, symbolizing the growth of cultural literacy among the Japanese populace.

Conclusion

Join Nihonbashi Takashimaya in celebrating three decades of meaning captured through kanji and partake in a rich cultural dialogue that reflects Japan's journey over the years. The exhibition promises to be a significant event, linking the past with the future through the lens of language and collective memory.

For more details on the exhibition and related events, please visit the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation's special page or contact Nihonbashi Takashimaya directly at 03-3211-4111.