Animated Pictograms

Fun and easy-to-understand presentation of historical culture and traditional customs that are uniquely Japanese.

  • VISIT TO TEMPLE / SHIRINE
  • BOWING
  • POUNDING RICE CAKE
  • HAILING A CAB / TAXI
  • TAKING A BATH
  • WATER ABLUTION
  • TEA CEREMONY
  • RHYTHMIC CLAPPING AT CELEBRATIONS
  • RIDING THE TRAIN
  • WINNING MOVES IN SUMŌ
  • AWA DANCE FESTIVAL
  • Coming Soon

About The Project

EXPERIENCE JAPAN PICTOGRAMS were developed to provide visual support for tourists in Japan.
For more information about the objectives and design concept of the project, please click here.

Request

If you would like us to create new PICTOGRAMS for you or have other requests, please contact us here.

GREAT BUDDHA OF TODAIJI TEMPLE

東大寺大仏[TŌDAIJI-DAIBUTSU]

A Great Buddha housed in Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the old capital of Nara. The statue, measuring 15 meters in height and 5 meters in face width, was constructed in 752 CE in prayer for the hunger-stricken people. It took more than 10 years and millions of devoted workers to complete the statue and the hall, which have since been partially destroyed by natural disasters and fires during conflicts and then repaired repeatedly. Did you know that the hand gestures of the Buddha have certain meanings? The right palm held in front of its chest means “fear not” and the left hand placed on the right thigh means “your wish shall be granted.” If you care to notice, the Great Buddha talks to you calmly and gently in eloquent silence.