Blue skies and bright sunshine

Mitsuo Katsui's 1972 logo for Kawasaki Shinkin Bank.

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Kawasaki Shinkin Bank (KSB) has a long history. It was founded on the 18th July 1923 and continues to serve it’s Japanese customers today. In 1972, ahead of its 50th anniversary, the bank commissioned Mitsuo Katsui to develop a new corporate identity. The intention was to rejuvenate its image and reflect, in an approachable way, the modernisation of banking that was underway. This new image would also be symbolic of the continued growth of the bank and the wealth of its customers, and serve to motivate staff under a strong image.

Working with KSB, Katsui put forward the following requirements for the design of a new logo; that it be simple, strong and distinctive; it accurately represent the content and character of the bank; directly connect with customers, and be easy for them to get used to. And finally, it should be deployable and effective in all media types, from large format signage to smaller items such as forms and stationery.

Keep reading to see the versions of the Kawasaki Shinkin Bank logo and logotype, learn of the conceptual foundations of the logo’s form as well as the influence these had on the choice of colour and type.