Japan House London, the cultural hub on Kensington High Street, welcomed a distinguished visitor on Monday, June 24, 2024: His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. This visit marked a significant event ahead of the Emperor’s upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom.
In celebration of Japan House London’s sixth anniversary, Director General & CEO Sam Thorne personally guided the Emperor through a private tour of the venue’s current exhibition, ‘Design Discoveries: Towards a DESIGN MUSEUM JAPAN’. The tour began with a captivating display of woodcraft items meticulously crafted by skilled artisans from Akita Prefecture, utilizing cedar and beech wood. His Majesty also had the opportunity to examine products sourced from the earthquake-affected prefecture of Ishikawa, showcased in the Shop.
Descending the iconic steel spiral staircase, handcrafted in Japan, the Emperor was led to the gallery to immerse himself in the captivating world of ‘Design Discoveries: Towards a DESIGN MUSEUM JAPAN’. This exhibition spotlights the brilliance of Japanese design through the perspectives of the nation’s leading creators, encompassing filmmakers, architects, and fashion designers. Each prominent figure has meticulously selected their own ‘design treasure,’ showcasing the diverse facets of Japanese design.
Director General & CEO Sam Thorne expressed his profound gratitude for the Emperor’s visit, stating: ‘We are deeply honored to have hosted His Majesty on the occasion of his state visit to the UK. His visit underscores the importance of Japan House London as the cultural home of Japan in the UK. It is a privilege to be able to celebrate and explore the rich cultural heritage and contemporary dynamism of Japan.’
