Graphic Design in Japan

Sources :

http://www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design-tips/typography-tutorials-1232719

https://designschool.canva.com/blog/japanese-design/

http://en.rocketnews24.com/2016/02/09/ten-common-characteristics-of-japanese-graphic-design/

Bright Colours

In Japanese graphic design is common, this is something I noticed myself while in Tokyo especially looking at Shibuya and Akihabara. The designers pay attention to bold or/and contrasting colours.

Mix Language

Personally looking at a Japanese poster or Japanese writing I'm very curious what being written, with English it solves 90% of that being difference in translation. The two languages mixed creates a engaging design thats eye catching.

When mixing language if not bilingual you have to check and check and check again that the characters used makes sense and say what you want it to, this is a common mistake especially in tattoos.

Custom Typography.

Because the complexity of the Japanese characters having custom typeface is different to western culture as there less basic stock typefaces to start from. for a couple of words its better off to to draw the characters up yourself. This adds uniqueness to the design.

Circles

Circles is a big part of Japanese design I never noticed before that just blow my mind.

Notice the mon circular family crests (below) this is prime example as well as the Japanese flag.

I noticed the floor in Tokyo had decretive circles on the floor, which turned out to be manholes.

Cute/Kawaii

One of the most common associations to Japan is its use of cuteness, it confuses some people but appeal to many more, “Japanese tend to enjoy funny topics for daily conversation… This is an attempt to disarm the listener and to develop more intimate relationships. Similarly, funny mascots tell you that the owner is friendly and unpretentious.” - Natalie Avella 'graphic japan'

  

Collages

Collaging imagery and text together is a common theme in design as giving much detail is welcomed, when you have all these visual elements overlapping contrasting it creates a dynamic eye catching imagery.