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.
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 [...]
What is Shodo – Japanese Calligraphy
About shodo Shodo is a vibrant form of artistic expression, where emotions and thoughts are conveyed through characters written with a brush, or "fude", and ink, or "sumi". More than simply writing characters, Shodo serves as a medium for self-expression, an intersection of art, culture, and personal sentiment. In [...]
The meaning of Kamon – Japanese Family Crest
What is Kamon (Japanese Family Crest) Kamon, written in Kanji as "家紋", consists of two parts: "家" (ka) and "紋" (mon). "Ka" represents one's lineage, encompassing the broader context of the family tree, while "mon" stands for a crest or a symbol. For centuries, Kamon has served as a [...]
What is Hanko and Inkan – Japanese Stamp
The Hanko(Inkan) Culture in Japan In Japan, instead of handwriting their signatures, people use name-engraved hanko (also known as inkan) to authenticate documents. Generally, individuals own more than one hanko, each designed for a distinct occasion. For instance, there are private seal hanko for receiving parcels, bank-registered hanko for [...]
