Kodansha Sonic Brand
A Magical Yet Restrained Sound
Kodansha is a giant in the publishing world – #1 in Japan. They’ve published some of manga’s most iconic titles, such as Akira and Sailor Moon, as well as the acclaimed novels of Haruki Murakami. We teamed up with Gretel to develop a sonic that combines uniquely Japanese DNA with global appeal.
Kodansha inspires impossible stories, that are omoshirokute tameninaru, or Interesting AND useful. They value bold choices and creative risks while educating and enriching the lives of readers.
Our Process
After engaging in conversations about the brand, how to express its mission sonically, and even what a Japanese forest sounds like, we established a restrained, but distinctly magical mnemonic that reflects Kodansha’s emphasis on the art of storytelling and distinctly Japanese DNA.
A pitched-down Mokogyu, Falling Shakuhachi, and Hand-crafted Bamboo instruments give the impression of a gentle breeze blowing through the Japanese forest — while otherworldly creatures dance, play and invite us to imagine.
The final sonic is sophisticated, fun, surprising and above all, omoshirokute tameninaru.
