Kanji

Creative Direction · Brand Strategy · Brand Identity · Art Direction · Naming2020

Kanji (漢字) are logographic characters used in Japanese writing — each symbol conveying an entire concept or word. Inspired by this idea of symbolic synthesis, Kanji’s identity was built around three core spaces: Restaurant, Garden and Bar — each represented by a unique graphic element merging tradition and contemporary design.

The restaurant’s symbol evokes a minimalist window, referencing Japanese interiors and their sense of calm and exclusivity, enhanced by a golden tone linked to refinement. The garden’s form is organic and rough, inspired by Zen sand patterns and the wabi-sabi aesthetic of natural imperfection, expressed in soft green. The bar’s logo is a bold red circle — a symbol of unity, energy and gathering — drawing from Asian symbology and the neon vibrancy of cosmopolitan nightlife.

These three marks merge into a unified “kanji” — a custom logotype that encapsulates the brand’s layered identity. It allows modular use across materials, from discreet stamps to primary branding.

I developed the full concept and visual identity system — from naming and narrative to logo, symbols, menus, business cards, signage and visual materials — along with social media assets and communication guidelines to position Kanji consistently across digital and physical touchpoints.

Client: Kanji
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