<p>Epitomising Japanese pre-modern tradition, while also being in the vanguard of contemporary global design, Japanese design is internationally recognised and has become an ambassador for the country abroad. This exhibit examines the packaging industry in Japan and its careful balance of tradition and modernism. Structured around three themes, “Artistic Japan” shows objects accumulated by 19-century collectors which provided an inspiration for the rise of the phenomenon of ‘Japonism’ - a fascination with all things Japanese. The introduction of foreign technologies and materials to Japan has resulted in a dazzlingly diverse array of designs, the best of which - from Japan’s prestigious Package Design Competition - are presented in the second part of the exhibit, “The Alchemy of the Everyday.” The third theme, “Embellished Intentions,” presents the elaborate gift-packaging practices of the Mitsukoshi Department Store, one of the most exclusive establishments in the country. Gift buying is a major form of consumption in Japan, and embellished gift-packaging plays an important role in bringing attention to the intentions of the gift-buyer. The exhibit also shows the advances in packaging technology over the last century that have resulted in Japanese packaging being truly ‘too pretty to throw away.’</p>