Kodansha

Kodansha, Japan’s largest publisher, has shaped global culture since 1909 — from Akira and Sailor Moon to launching the career of Haruki Murakami. Despite this reach, the Kodansha brand has often taken a backseat to its titles.

With 43+ subsidiaries and imprints, the challenge was to build clearer recognition — in Japan and abroad — while future-proofing for growth.

In partnership with Kodansha’s Corporate Branding Team, a streamlined brand architecture was developed to clarify how each entity connects to the core brand. The three-tier system (Parent, Endorsed, Independent) guides visual and verbal treatment across the portfolio.

The result: stronger alignment, a simplified system for future acquisitions, and renewed energy around the brand’s rollout

Role
Brand Architecture
Employer Branding
 
Team
Kasia Barrett / Strategy 
Ryan Moore / Design 
Eoin Catwell / Design
Nicole Wang / Design
Lilian Wouters / Production

Studio
Gretel