Kanaisasaki Redesigns Kokuyo Identity and Creates Graphics for Aji Stone Project

After 17 years with Kokuyo, the Japanese manufacturer of stationery and office furniture, Aki Kanai and Taku Sasaki, who collaborate as Kanaisasaki, unveiled a comprehensive redesign of the company’s corporate identity at the end of last year. The new identity showcases a striking black wordmark set against diagonal blue stripes, with variations in black-on-blue and mint green. This design is applied to various elements, including building signage, shopping bags, envelopes, business cards, and caps. Both Tokyo natives, Kanai studied graphic design at Tokyo University of the Arts, while Sasaki pursued product design at Tama Art University. They began their journey at Kokuyo simultaneously, discussing design during their shifts, and eventually became a duo of art directors. Following their win of the JAGDA New Designer Award, they garnered multiple commissions, now balancing their time between Kokuyo and other clients. For the Ready Made+ project, they created graphics for Aki Project, a brand utilizing Aji stone, producing posters for shows scheduled in November 2025. Their goal is to create designs that seamlessly integrate into everyday life and resonate emotionally, whether on luxury items, public signage, or grocery bags.