Looking Forward to Hands-On Experiences Like Measuring Objects Yourself

Units—such as those for air, water, objects, and light—provide a fixed standard for things that are otherwise difficult to grasp, enabling comparisons between multiple items and shared understanding among people. Today, various units like the meter for length, the gram for weight, and the second for time are indispensable in our daily lives.

This exhibition offers an opportunity to explore the processes behind object creation, design philosophies, and even the cultural and social contexts that gave rise to these units, simply by learning about the diverse units that exist worldwide. The exhibition team includes graphic designer NAKAMURA Yoshio, SUZUNO Koichi of Torafu Architects, and TERAYAMA Norihiko of studio note, among others.



The exhibition showcases a wide range of displays, from various measuring instruments that visualize the concept of time, such as a bubble clock that measures time with bubbles, to traditional Japanese units like the shaku-kan system. It also features many interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience units of width, weight, and ideal height, making it a fun way to learn about measurement.

Additionally, the exhibition includes a project where the ten core members of the exhibition team challenge themselves to various “things that 10 people can do,” such as measuring the length of a crosswalk using their own strides. This process will be documented and shared on 21_21 DOCUMENTS.



Throughout the exhibition period, numerous programs including an opening event, workshops, and talks will be held. A concept shop, “Measuring shop,” where visitors can experience units by measuring various items, will also be available on the first floor.

21_21 DESIGN SIGHT Special Exhibition “Unit: This Much, That Much, How Much?”
Dates: February 20 (Fri) – May 31 (Sun)
Closed: Tuesdays (Open on May 5)
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 20:00 (Last admission 19:30)
On April 25 (Sat), in conjunction with Roppongi Art Night, the museum will be open until 24:00 (Last admission 23:30)
Admission: General ¥1000, University Students ¥800, Junior High/High School Students ¥500, Elementary School Students and younger free
Venue: 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT (within Tokyo Midtown Garden)
9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3475-2121
http://www.2121designsight.jp/

Participating Artists: Harumaki Yu, Ohnishi Maki + Hyakuda Yuki / o+h, Ohno Yusuke, Okazaki Tomohiro + Think the Earth, Okada Kenichi, Okuda Touya, Kaseki, Kiriyama Seisakusho, Kumano Wataru, Sano Fumihiko + MUJI, Brian Nash Gill, Helmut Smits, Zohon Mihoncho (Ota Yasutomo + Kato Ryosuke), Dai Nippon Typo Union, Tano Asao, Tomii Hirotaka, Nishimoto Ryota, Perfectron, Fukatsu Takayuki, Yoshitake Shinsuke, Yoshiyuki Ryohei to Shigoto