Symbols convey meaning, but not all symbols are equal. In this lecture, I consider a hierarchy of symbols within what I term ‘Visual Packaging Culture’, focusing on pictograms, emoji, and kamon as representatives of each group, to question whether symbols truly carry the meanings ascribed to them.

Christopher Hood is Honorary Professor of modern Japanese history at Cardiff University. His books include Japan: The Basics (2024),  Dealing with Disaster in Japan (2011), and Shinkansen: From Bullet Train to Symbol of Modern Japan (2006). In 2025/6, he was a Japan Foundation Fellow at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, researching symbolism in Japan.

This hybrid lecture will be held on site (registration required in advance from here) and via Zoom.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82070889460

Meeting ID: 820 7088 9460