Practical Ideas

Idea 1

Aim
To demonstrate the transformation of Japan's society from pre war to post war. 

Concept
A poster series of 5 with each having a letterform from "JAPAN" on each.
Each letter will be represented appropriately to its time period.
E.g a traditional serif J to a modern sans serif N

Idea 2

Aim
To illustrate the transformation of Japan society through geometric forms.

Rationale
Geometric forms like the circle, square and triangle are commonly used in Japanese design. They are simple yet are able to hold a multitude of meanings which aligns with the Japanese sensibility. They must not look like a reference to the Bauhaus however. 

Concept
To have a poster series of 3 that is representative of the 3 chapters in the dissertation. 
Pre war society - Square
War and Allied Occupation - Triangle
Post war - Circle

As an outline, the square form looks stable and closed off. This relates to the period of isolation Japan had during the pre war period. 

The triangle is angular and more aggressive in its form. This relates to the period of nationalism which saw a rise in military action. 

The circle is all encompassing and softer, a pacifist representation. It is the official symbol of Japan and can represent a culmination of her progress as a nation in the post war period.  

Idea 3

Aim
To represent the main theme of each chapter to demonstrate Japan's path to post war modernity.

Concept
Through a poster series of 3, "JAPAN" will be manipulated on the poster to represent the themes. 

Poster 1 - Pre War
Emptiness, Impermanence, Isolation, Early modernisation
Ample white space and increased leading to create an 'airy' feel. Vertical set type to evoke Japanese writing style. 

Poster 2 - War
Nationalism, Militaristic
Larger ‘A’ to represent an aggressive militaristic Japan.

Poster 3 - Occupation and Post war
New Japan, Modernity, Emergence of design as a profession
Modernity in full effect transforming Japan’s society to what it is today. Modernity represented by sans serif typeface. 

Idea 4

Aim
To represent pre war, war and post war society through increasing areas of a circle.

Concept

Using increasing sections of a circle to show Japan's progress as a society.

Rationale

The circle is very associated to Japan and is the national symbol. Having all of the posters seen with the circle creates a consistent theme that better demonstrates 'progression'.

Poster 1 - Reinterpreting nature through the circle segments. Nature is a very common theme in Japanese art and has been represented geometrically in post war design. 

Poster 2 - Two semi circles to represent the 'land of rising sun' which is a reference to Japan's flag prior to the war. Having two stacked together can be symbolic of the atomic bombing.

Poster 3 - Full circle to show Japan’s final identity.
Themes of Dissertation

Isolation and Impermanence

Forceful opening and Early modernisation

Ultranationalism and war (only briefly touched on)

Occupation and post war modernity

These are the main themes discussed in the dissertation however to communicate these across 4 posters would not be appropriate as the number 4 is considered unlucky in Japanese culture. It sounds similar to the word for death. This is the reason why the poster series are done in either 3 or 5.