In collaboration with a selection of Japan’s top creative talent – including Hara Kenya of Nippon Design Centre, Katayama Masamichi of Wonderwall and an Influential Independent Advisory Council – Japan House London’s secretariat has created an exciting programme that offers guests an authentic and inspiring encounter with Japan.
Creative Advisor
The global creative direction for the Japan House project is defined by eminent designer Hara Kenya. Notably, he is President of Nippon Design Center, Professor at Tokyo's Musashino Art University and Art Director of MUJI. In the UK, Hara’s work has been exhibited in London at the Design Museum, the Science Museum and The Wellcome Collection. He has also authored books including 'Designing Design' and 'White'.
Photo © Sekiguchi Takashi
Interior Designer
Katayama Masamichi, one of Japan’s leading interior designers, is responsible for the design of Japan House London. He is Professor at Tokyo’s Musashino Art University and founder of interior design firm Wonderwall. The studio is based in Tokyo, but the work that his team have completed spans Europe, the U.S.A., Australia, the Middle East, and the rest of Asia, including the design of UNIQLO’s global flagship store in London.
Photo © Kurigami Kazumi
Director General & CEO
Sam Thorne is a curator and writer committed to education, experimentation and exchange. As a museum director, Sam was most recently director of Nottingham Contemporary, where he oversaw more than 30 exhibitions; prior to that he was artistic director of Tate St Ives. Previously, he was associate editor of frieze magazine, was a co-founder of Open School East, a free-to-attend independent studies programme, and is the author of the book School (2017). Sam has taught and lectured widely at universities and art schools, and written numerous catalogue essays and articles. He grew up visiting Japan regularly with his Japanese-speaking mother.
Executive Director
Carolyn Burnett spent her early career with IBM in their consultancy business leading a number of client projects, before going on to establish Manchester Art Show, the largest contemporary art fair in the north of England. Most recently, she headed up live content for global events company UBM, leading on an annual series of international events and managing partnerships with key industry associations across the globe. Fascinated by both Japan’s deep history and culture, and the immense creativity of the Japanese people, Carolyn is looking to drive a legacy of engagement between the UK and Japan through Japan House London.
Director - Programming
Simon Wright has over 30 years’ experience of work with, or in, Japan - notably his work with the Embassy of Japan in London curating exhibitions and programming events with an emphasis on innovation and emerging Japanese talent. He has worked on events such as Premiere Japan (2005-2011), Giant Japanese Jamboree (2008), Akari Lantern Project (2011), Festival of Love Tanabata (2014), Satsuma 150 (2015), and Japan Matsuri (2009-present). For Simon, Japan House London is a place to discover and explore how Japanese tradition informs the present and the future.
Associate Director - Operations & Services
Shane Delaney started his professional career working for ATG Venues managing a number of West End and regional theatres throughout the UK before taking up a leading role at the Board Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin, Ireland. During this time, he drove the commercial and operational performance of these venues based on their specific focus, organisation and structure incorporating the development of key stake-holder relationships across the industry to maximise the overall customer experience. With his background in theatre, Shane is especially interested in the tradition of Japanese Theatre and performance and looks forward to welcoming new audiences to experience this at Japan House London.
Director - Marketing & Communications
Heidi began her professional career spending 3 years as a Coordinator for International Relations in Nagasaki, before returning to the UK and sharing UK pop culture with Japanese audiences through her work with Fuji Television. As Head of Business Development for Toppan Printing in the UK, she developed markets for Japanese products in Europe before pursuing roles in destination marketing with Winchester City Council and most recently Southampton Business Improvement District. Heidi is excited to be combining her passion for Japan with her expertise in destination marketing to drive footfall to, and engagement with Japan House London.
Finance Director
Rosina Singleton qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG, moving to Steetly plc then to TSB bank through its merger with Lloyds. She joined a group of Trade Associations based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter in a varied and expanding role, ultimately as acting CEO. She developed close links with the Department for International Trade to maximise members grant funding, working at overseas trade shows to increase members export sales. She has also held volunteer four NED roles.
Rosina is excited to be working with the dedicated and passionate team at Japan House London to showcase Japanese cultures and traditions, whilst learning about Japan herself.