®2025

®2025

Gion Festival

The 1150-year-old festival in Kyoto was rebranded through a new logo mark, poster, merchandising, and tickets. During July, various rituals and events are held to remove bad spirits that lead to epidemics and natural disasters. The objective of this brand identity was to pay respect to the rich history while exhibiting a modern take.

Client

Gion Festival

DELIVERABLES

Branding Research Pattern Design Typography

Year

2024

Role

Creative Direction

HISTORY

Held every July in Kyoto, Japan, the Gion Festival has its roots in Shinto religion. Residents participate by carrying the mikoshi shrine, making amulets, or playing traditional instruments to safeguard the area from natural disasters and epidemics.

LOGO

Inspired by traditional motifs from Shinto iconography, these swirls are called magatama. In spirituality, they represent high status and nature. The five swirls or magatamas spiral around the Japanese letter ぎ (gi), representing the Gion Festival's first letter.

TICKETS + POSTER

Both physical and digital tickets are available for visitors. An illustration of the traditional make-up and umbrella used on the festival days is depicted on the tickets to honor the culture.The poster depicts 神輿洗式 (Mikoshi Arai Shiki), a ceremony on July 10 and 28 to purify the Mikoshi, a portable shrine. A torch is carried to light the pathway for the Mikoshi.

MERCHANDISE

Uchiwa, a traditional fan, and a happi, a ceremonial robe, were designed to promote festival spirit.

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