Kodansha International Rebrand

Kodansha is Japan’s largest publisher, responsible for bringing some of the most incredible stories to the world — from Akira and Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon to non-fiction and children’s books, as well as the discovery of globally renowned author Haruki Murakami. Since its founding in 1909, Kodansha’s work has grown to the point of ubiquity in Japan. Their brand presence, however, was rarely felt and garnered little affinity compared to the success of their titles and cultural contribution.

Facing their 112th anniversary, and with its core business evolving across platforms and markets, Kodansha decided to embark on their first holistic rebrand. They felt a revitalized brand both at home and abroad could reset the foundation for a bright, new chapter in Kodansha’s own story.

Agency: Gretel
Client: Kodansha
Role: Design
Execute Creative Director: Ryan Moore
Creative Director: Sue Murphy
Design Director: Dylan Mulvaney
Motion Director: Andrew Stubbs Johnston
Strategy Director: Daniel Edmundson
Design: Lea Loo, Fumi Omori, Ayako Ito, Priscilla Chung
Motion: Cyrus Cumming
Strategy: Carter Bird
Production: Haley Klatzkin, Kerry Griner, Emilie Shane, Sam Chung