No.023 9: KYU (Kawahigashi Youths Union) - 亀岡市 (Kameoka City)
9 (KYU): Kawahigashi Youths Union by local craftsmen, including farmers and artists. Kawahigashi is a local area comprising five small towns in Kameoka, Kyoto, known for its vast nature, rich history, and creative atmosphere. Despite having many compelling features to captivate people, the local craftsmen in Asahi (旭町), one of the five towns, formed the Kawahigashi Youths Union to revitalise the area.
The town name Asahi (旭町), the home ground of 9 (KYU), means ‘sunrise.’ The Kanji can be decomposed into 九 (nine) and 日 (sun). KYU is derived from the initials of the name and signifies ‘9’ in Japanese. This logo implies ‘sunrising’ in Kawahigashi and also resembles ‘sprouting’ in the farm. Through 9 (KYU), we plan to organise events such as markets and workshops by craftsmen in Kawahigashi. We’ve named it ‘mar9uet’ (Kawahigashi Market/カワヒガシマーケット).’
The town name Asahi (旭町), the home ground of 9 (KYU), means ‘sunrise.’ The Kanji can be decomposed into 九 (nine) and 日 (sun). KYU is derived from the initials of the name and signifies ‘9’ in Japanese. This logo implies ‘sunrising’ in Kawahigashi and also resembles ‘sprouting’ in the farm. Through 9 (KYU), we plan to organise events such as markets and workshops by craftsmen in Kawahigashi. We’ve named it ‘mar9uet’ (Kawahigashi Market/カワヒガシマーケット).’
Scenes at Kawahigashi mar9uet (shot by Ryota Mizusako)
When creating the logo for KYU, careful consideration was given to how this visual identity would function within Asahi Town. Asahi Town is characterised by expansive rice fields and peaceful landscapes, distinctly set apart from modern urban areas and bustling downtowns. Recognising that a contemporary and edgy design would not harmonise with this scenery, the logotype aimed for a friendly and approachable feel, resembling a sign written with a bold marker pen.
Regarding colours, I chose orange as the main color to enhance visibility during events in the rural scenery, also evoking the imagery of the rising sun (Asahi). For the Japanese logotype, inspiration was drawn from ‘東亜新字 (Toa Shinji),’ a simplified form of kanji devised by Mokuhou Maeda during the Meiji era.
No.023 9: KYU (Kawahigashi Youths Union)
Client: Kameoka City
Branding
2021