Hello From Japan

Hello From Japan transports families to two distinct areas of Tokyo that exist side by side: one serene and exquisite, the other, too cute for words. Kawaii Central is a street scape inspired by Tokyo’s bustling Harajuku district, bursting with color. Kids smile for the photo booth camera, serve up a seasonal Japanese meal, and design adorable mascots for their families. The beautiful, natural Shinto shrine park invites children to crawl through a forest, encounter kami spirits, and make a wish at a wishing tree.The exhibit was designed to travel with a custom light weight aluminum framework. Rigid graphic panels fit into the frame to add support. Because the exhibit configuration varied with each venue, the graphics were also designed to be adaptable. The design of each panel evoked the environment as a backdrop and was layered with the interpretive messages and interactive story telling. All the text was translated into three languages facilitated with a consistent type hierarchy and color scheme throughout. Many of the kid-handled manipulates were custom graphics with unique fabrication methods for durable, light weight and easy for little hands to manipulate.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan Project Team
Project Director Tom Quaranta
Content Development Ellen Bari, Cat Emil, Lizzy Martin 
Exhibit Design Tim Cramer
Art Direction Kristin Lilley
Graphic Design Kristin Lilley, Kei Megaro, Alex Tirer 
Illustration Kei Megaro