The “Time Tunnel” series of exhibitions spotlights the early years of designers who currently rank among the renowned leaders of their craft. For this 27th exhibition in the series, we requested the participation of Shigeo Fukuda, one of Japan’s leading graphic designers whose artistic activities today are of global reach.

Shigeo Fukuda’s work scope goes well beyond the bounds of “ordinary” designers, encompassing highly humorous posters as well as public art, environmental design, toys and picture books. “Everybody thinks up 10 ideas. But it’s the 11th idea that’s always best,” he quips.

From the time he was a child, Mr. Fukuda always wanted to be a manga artist. Then when he was in college he saw the “Graphic ’55” exhibition, after which he became enamored of the realm of graphic design. Later, after discovering the works of Bruno Munari, he came under the influence of the Italian designer’s “philosophy of play,” ushering in Mr. Fukuda’s unique creations making use of visual tricks.

From early in his career, Mr. Fukuda captured many prizes in international competitions, perhaps most famously for his “VICTORY” poster of 1975. He went on to establish a solid reputation as a poster artist of global importance.

“Pass under the Hurdle” will introduce Shigeo Fukuda’s works, from his creative debut up to the present, at Recruit’s two venues. Creation Gallery G8 will focus on his three-dimensional works from the 1960s and ’70s: toys, trophies, small sculptures and such. Also on display here will be works that served as motifs for his posters. Guardian Garden will spotlight 50 of Mr. Fukuda’s “best posters,” selected by the designer himself, from among the roughly 3,000 he has created to date. His idea sketches will also be on display.

We believe that this chance to view Shigeo Fukuda’s rarely seen three-dimensional works, idea sketches and the like will serve as a precious opportunity to look back over the long creative career of this prolific graphic artist.