Japan House opens in London's Kensington

Japan House is officially open, confirming London remains a top choice for cultural and creativity exchange between different nations. 

Japan House London, which opened on June 22, is set in an Art Deco building on Kensington High Street, London, as part of a global initiative led by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  This unique set-up aims to bring focus to the beautiful ancient country of Japan, the next destination for the Rugby World Cup 2019 and the Summer Olympics 2020.

"We shall be asking visitors to discover and reflect on what they might not yet know about Japan."

The new Japan House London is Europe’s destination for appreciating and understanding Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation and technology under one roof.  Accordingly, the two other Japan Houses in the world are located in Los Angeles and São Paulo.

It provides authentic and surprising encounters with the very best in art, design, gastronomy, innovation and technology, allowing visitors a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture, according to HARA Kenya, Chief Creative Director of the global Japan House project.

He said:  “It is not easy to introduce Japan simply. In Japan House, we shall not be showing stereotypes, but importantly we shall be asking visitors to discover and reflect on what they might not yet know about Japan.  For people who have not thought about Japan, for those who think they do, and for Japanese people themselves, I hope that at each encounter with Japan House there will be fresh discovery.”

Through a wide-ranging programme, Japan House London shines a spotlight on the artisans, craftsmen, designers, performers, musicians and other creatives who are making waves in Japan and around the world – from internationally renowned individuals to emerging artists who are excelling in their field.

Some of the best creative minds in Japan are working on the project and almost every aspect of Japan House London is derived “from source” in Japan; from its interior design features, to the exhibitions and events, and authentic retail products sourced from across Japan.

KATAYAMA Masamichi, Principal of Wonderwall and prominent Japanese interior designer said: "This project gave me great pleasure and an opportunity to relearn, revisit and revaluate Japan's aesthetics and the mindset of our people. I wanted to create a purposeful and meaningful space which can be a stage and provide a spotlight to the very broad and creative programme on offer at Japan House London."

Michael HOULIHAN, Director General of Japan House London, added: “London has long been a crossroads for our world’s cultures, ideas, and trade. From tomorrow (June 22), Japan will have a special place where its voice can be heard and its stories can enrich this exceptional fabric of openness and understanding.”

Cllr Gerard Hargreaves, Kensington and Chelsea Council’s Lead Member for Communities and Culture, said:  “Our borough is an international borough home to many nationalities and world famous for its cultural and retail attractions. I’m delighted that it is now home to Japan House. Our connections with Japan are evident already, we have the beautiful Kyoto Gardens nearby in Holland Park, we are looking forward to the opportunities this creates to further develop close business, cultural and educational links.”