Project Background
To commemorate the 120th anniversary of Japan-Norway relations, the Japanese Embassy of Norway commissioned a special logo to be used throughout 2025 at relevant cross-cultural events in Japan, Norway, and other Scandinavian countries as well.
The ages of 60 and 120 are significant in Japanese culture, using the term kanreki (還暦) to mark turning 60. To mark 120 years, daikanreki (大還暦) is used.
Concept
While a whole continent and a half apart, Norway and Japan share many values. We share an appreciation for nature and natural elements in handicraft and architecture, like wood and woven natural fibre textiles. Both host mountainous landscapes and are seafaring nations, and these realms are common motifs in artwork and pieces of fiction. I wanted to add imagery to represent both countries, since this logo would be used by the two countries’ respective embassies, as well as events not just in Norway.
These two countries also share red and white as national colors, with Norway also using blue.
The logo depicts a rich red sky with Mt. Fuji in view, and the blue water and viking ship silhouette represent Norway.
On Mt. Fuji, in the style of classical Japanese artists’ inkan (印鑑), their name stamp, is daikanreki (大還暦) in a similar style, a small detail for those who speak Japanese or have familiarity with its kanji (Chinese characters) and cultural use.
The white cutouts are also reminiscent of Japanese brushwork and of their world-famous ukiyo-e woodblock prints which brought about interest for Japanese art in the West. Mt. Fuji’s serene yet powerful presence was frequently depicted, such as in master Katsushika Hokusai’s reknowned “One Hundred Views of Mt. Fuji” series.
The font choices are very simple, since the logo needed to be applied on various materials and surfaces at different scales, from pins to roll-ups, and easily legible considering a wide range of ages would also be viewing it. Matching fonts available in Japanese and English was also a priority, and both Norway and Japan highly value simplicity in design.
The final outcome was heavily influenced by the existing logo for the Japan-Norway Society, a cultural organization promoting cross-cultural connection. On this special occasion, the logo is serving at a wider, more international scale, I elected to include Mt. Fuji to represent Japan.
Ambassador Sugiyama mentioned recent development of bilateral relations between Japan and Norway based on the Strategic Partnership and expressed his hope that celebration of the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries this year and Norwegian participation in the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai would further enhance the friendly relations.
He also called for ideas for exchange events to celebrate the 120th anniversary, showing the logo of the anniversary that can be used for the endorsed events.