At SANTEN Design, our work combines traditional brush calligraphy with modern digital design.
Here we introduce logo design concepts, case studies, and ideas behind Japanese-style branding.
Whether you are opening a restaurant or launching a new brand, these articles offer useful insights into creating a distinctive logo.
Japanese Kaiseki Restaurant “HOTARU” Logo Design Case Study | Minimal & Modern Calligraphy Logo Inspired by Gentle Light
In Japanese kaiseki dining, the experience extends beyond the food itself. The atmosphere, silence, and subtle details all play an essential role. This logo for the kaiseki restaurant “HOTARU” was designed with that idea in mind— a quiet presence that reflects a calm and refined space. Inspired by the [...]
Japanese Calligraphy Logo Design for Guest House & Hotel “Sakae”
In this case study, we introduce a custom Japanese calligraphy logo created for a guest house and hotel named “Sakae(栄).” The goal of this project was to develop a minimal and refined logo that communicates a sense of calm, comfort, and quiet elegance—qualities essential for hospitality spaces that welcome [...]
Sushi Restaurant Eden Logo Design
“Sushi”, one of Japan’s representative foods, has been loved by people all around the world. In recent years, sushi became available in many countries and a lot of original sushi have been created that are unique to local area. Here, we would like to introduce the example of calligraphic [...]
Okonomiyaki Restaurant Logo Design “JIN”|Japanese Calligraphy Logo with Friendly & Pop Style
In restaurant branding, a logo is more than just a visual element—it represents the concept, atmosphere, and experience of the place. In this case study, we introduce the logo design for the okonomiyaki restaurant “JIN”. The concept behind this design is simple yet powerful: people gathering together and enjoying [...]
Soba Restaurant Logo Design | Japanese Calligraphy Logo Case Study Soba Watanabe
In the world of Japanese cuisine, soba restaurants hold a unique position where atmosphere matters just as much as the food itself. Rather than being flashy, they are often defined by a sense of calm, care, and quiet confidence. In this case study, we present the logo design created [...]
What is Kanji
Introduction-What is Kanji Kanji, an essential component of the Japanese writing system, has a long and fascinating history. Originally adopted from Chinese characters, kanji have evolved over time and now hold a unique place in the Japanese language. In this article, we'll explore the history and basic structure of [...]

