A Global Message from Hiroshima: The Completion of 'Hiroshima Appeals 2025'

A Global Message from Hiroshima: 'Hiroshima Appeals 2025'

As the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of World War II, Hiroshima serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of peace. The latest addition to the campaign 'Hiroshima Appeals,' led by the Japan Graphic Designers Association (JAGDA), emphasizes this message with a specially designed poster by renowned designer Issei Kitagawa. Released on July 9, 2024, the poster showcases a profound message encapsulated in the word 'PEACE', written in an artistic, monochrome style against a white canvas.

The Journey of 'Hiroshima Appeals'

Founded in 1983, 'Hiroshima Appeals' aims to communicate the essence of Hiroshima's spirit—its desire for peace—through artistic representations. The association collaborates annually with the Hiroshima International Cultural Foundation and the Hiroshima Peace Creation Fund to draft posters that transcend language, making peace advocacy accessible to a global audience. The project draws attention to the devastation of war and the enduring wish for harmony among nations.

Issei Kitagawa's contribution marks a significant milestone in this ongoing campaign. His design features the word 'PEACE' prominently, composed in an evocative style that speaks to the themes of emptiness and space, resonating deeply in the context of Hiroshima's history. On the unveiling day, Kitagawa presented the poster to Hiroshima's mayor, Kazumi Matsui, at City Hall, initiating both the sale and exhibition of this powerful work.

Availability and Exhibitions

The 'Hiroshima Appeals 2025' poster is available for purchase at a price of 1,100 JPY (tax included), from various locations including:

- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
- Hiroshima City Peace Memorial Park Rest House
- Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art
- JAGDA headquarters in Tokyo Midtown Design Hub
- JAGDA online shop at JAGDA Online

In addition to the sales, the poster will be featured in multiple exhibitions:

- July 9 - August 7: 'Graphic Design in Japan 2025' at Tokyo Midtown Design Hub, showcasing the new poster alongside past works.
- July 14 - 25: A dedicated exhibition of 'Hiroshima Appeals' at the China Newspaper Company's headquarters, displaying 28 previous posters.
- July 18 - 24: 'Hiroshima Peace Poster Exhibition 2025' at the former Hiroshima branch of the Bank of Japan, showing artwork from various contributors.
- July 28 - August 10: Design displayed at 26 bus stops across Hiroshima in cooperation with MC Douco.

Internationally, the posters will also be present in two exhibitions abroad, hosted from April to December 2024 in Toronto and from August to October 2024 in Genoa, Italy.

Kitagawa's Reflection

In his own words, Kitagawa reflected on the significance of his work, stating, "With this being the 80th anniversary post-war, I wanted to convey a sense of peace. The five characters for 'PEACE' are depicted in a simple and powerful format, allowing viewers to connect with their essence of openness and emptiness."

About Issei Kitagawa

Issei Kitagawa, an acclaimed art director and representative of GRAPH, graduated from the University of Tsukuba in 1987. His work has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Kamekura Yusaku Award in 2024. Kitagawa has also had his creations preserved at the French National Library, showcasing the finest in contemporary printing and design. His influence extends internationally, being exhibited in major art festivals and recognized by various design awards.

A Collection of Messages

In addition to the new poster, JAGDA is selling a postcard set featuring all 29 previous 'Hiroshima Appeals' posters, priced at 2,500 JPY, allowing for wider dissemination of these important messages. The campaign continues to inspire both national and global dialogues about peace and the implications of war.

For more details on 'Hiroshima Appeals', visit JAGDA's official site or the Hiroshima regional site. Let's carry the message of peace beyond words and into action, as Hiroshima teaches us all.

Explore more in English: JAGDA News