PAN TO KOME
Branding

PAN TO KOME is an online media platform featuring Japanese craft products, run by photographer/publisher duo based in Cologn, Germany.  Its main objective is to promote craft makers from Japan to people of Europe.  It features a wide range of crafts from traditional pieces to innovative designs, as well as everyday products.

Regarding the brand identity:

I incorporated the brand concept “to connect” using the symbol “+” in a graphical way, binding “PAN (Europe)” and “KOME (Japan)”.

Regarding the logo mark:

This logo expresses the initials “P” and “K” as a motif as the target (Europeans) most likely will not be able to read the brand name correctly, since the “TO” is a Japanese word that means “connect”, not an English word. In addition, the outside frame portrays a dish, which also expresses the concept; a platform that connects crafts, craftsmen’s stories, and different cultures. 

Regarding the logotype:

The logotype is composed of elements from Japanese charaters.  I incorporated the “tome” and “harai” to where serif can be applied.  

This also illustrates the link between Japan and Europe.

I chose the primary colours “Water Blue” and “Earth Brown”, with respect to Japanese craftsman’s philosophy that fine crafts require fine water and soil.  

This is a gift from nature, which is unique to Japanese climate.