CALENDAR DESIGN 2025 is a beautifully curated annual publication that celebrates the finest in Japanese calendar design and printing. Released once again following the acclaim of the previous edition, this book brings together the award-winning entries from the 76th National Calendar Exhibition—an esteemed event organized by the Japan Federation of Printing Industries and the Sankei Shimbun. For decades, the exhibition has recognized calendars not only as practical tools but as printed objects of cultural expression, merging functionality, design, and refined communication.
This edition features each selected calendar across full-color, double-page spreads, allowing readers to experience the full visual impact of the designs. From paper textures to printing techniques and layout choices, every detail has been carefully captured. What sets this volume apart is the inclusion of the "Award Keywords" section, where creators share insights into their design intentions, production challenges, and conceptual highlights. It also features the “DATE FILE,” an editorial segment analyzing broader trends in calendar design seen in this year’s exhibition, providing a valuable compass for professionals working in print, marketing, and product design.
In Japan, calendars play a unique cultural role. They are not only a tool for organizing time but also a form of ambient design—gracing homes, workplaces, and public spaces with seasonal beauty, inspirational imagery, and often the values of the companies or creators who produce them. The National Calendar Exhibition celebrates this dual nature by awarding works that demonstrate visual sophistication, conceptual clarity, and everyday usability.
CALENDAR DESIGN 2025 is a testament to the artistry and innovation in this unique genre of design. From minimalist formats and modern typographic approaches to hand-drawn illustrations and traditional motifs, the diversity of styles represented reflects the depth and versatility of contemporary Japanese visual culture. This is not simply a collection of printed calendars—it is a reference book and inspiration source for anyone interested in how graphic design can subtly enhance daily life.
For graphic designers, art directors, printing professionals, brand managers, and students in creative fields, this book offers both practical examples and creative stimulation. It is also a beautiful object in its own right—part showcase, part archive, and part inspiration board.
Through CALENDAR DESIGN 2025, readers are invited to rediscover the beauty in the everyday, and to see how thoughtful design can transform the passing of time into a rich visual experience.