HOME/WORK VILLAGE
HOME/WORK VILLAGE
Art Direction / 2025
“HOME/WORK VILLAGE” is a multi-purpose complex in Tokyo that repurposes the former Ikejiri Junior High School, closed in 2004.Utilizing the school building, gymnasium, and schoolyard, it brings together functions such as commercial spaces, educational and cultural facilities, and offices—integrating working, playing, and learning into a single environment.
I was responsible for the art direction and design of the entire visual communication of the facility, from the logo and signage to the website and printed materials.The logo for “HOME/WORK VILLAGE” was designed based on the facility’s concept of rediscovering “living” and “working,” and connecting the diverse experiences and possibilities that exist between them.Its structure allows elements to be combined and rearranged like building blocks, encouraging visitors to engage with it creatively.While simple, its distinctive form functions as an intuitive system that anyone can interact with, symbolizing movement and expansion.The central slash (/) serves as a connecting element between HOME and WORK. It represents the flow of time and human interaction, while also acting like the axis of a clock, radiating outward from the center. It is positioned as a line that fluidly transcends the boundaries between living and working.
As the logo itself is visually expressive, the typeface was designed to maintain universality without appearing childish.An original font was created by combining the stability of Helvetica with the distinctiveness of Acid Grotesk.For “VILLAGE,” the “LL” was shortened to prevent excessive spacing and to visually unify the two letters.Additionally, a full alphabet set was developed in anticipation of signage applications, including custom ligatures (such as FF and EE) to introduce subtle moments of discovery.
The color palette is based on orange and blue, adjusted to softer tones that are easy on the eyes.This ensures harmony with the building’s exterior while naturally attracting attention.By incorporating black and beige, the overall composition is balanced with a sense of calmness and playfulness.This logo has no fixed final form; instead, its structure itself defines the system.Like magnets, its elements connect, move, and expand—generating new relationships and cultural interactions along the way.It embodies the very idea of the “third place” that the facility aspires to be.Designed to evolve alongside “HOME/WORK VILLAGE,” the logo embraces changes in lifestyle and work with a positive spirit.This intention is embedded not only in its system but also in the fine details of the typeface.
The signage system is developed based on the logic of the logo, transforming wayfinding into a playful extension of the identity itself.At the same time, to avoid visual excess, the application is carefully balanced—using only the custom typeface in certain areas to maintain clarity and simplicity.For the exterior signage, the site—originally a renovated school—covers a wide area.We carefully considered placement so that visitors would naturally encounter the signs while walking through the space.Together with PM Nakayasu and the design team at Blue Studio, we walked the site to identify key sightlines and positioned the signage accordingly.Inside the facility, which includes ground-floor retail, second-floor coworking and school spaces, third-floor offices, and a courtyard event area, the design responds to a wide range of users.The signage aims to balance clarity and ease of navigation with a sense of liveliness, while maintaining a mature, work-oriented atmosphere.
Two distinctive elements of the signage are the monument sign installed in the courtyard and the directional graphics applied to the ground.The monument functions as an interactive sign that children can climb and play on.The floor graphics extend the logic of the logo directly onto the surface, not only indicating direction but also adding a visual playfulness that invites people to photograph it.Both elements were designed with the intention that signage goes beyond mere information, becoming an experience that remains in visitors’ memories.

Operator: HOBO Co., Ltd.
Project Partners: Setagaya City Government / Sanposha Co., Ltd. / Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd. / Old-Fashioned Co., Ltd. / MIRAI INSTITUTE Co., Ltd. / Machi no Kenkyujo Co., Ltd. / freee K.K.
Design & Supervision: Blue Studio Co., Ltd.
Construction: Shinko Kensetsu Co., Ltd.
Landscape Design: FOLK Co., Ltd.
Logo & Signage Design: Mayuko Kanazawa (kokon inc.)
Photo : Naoto Date

N.E.W.S project

N.E.W.S project is a food project that transforms ingredients—each carrying the intentions of producers from across Japan—into processed products suited to each moment.Starting from the enjoyment and pleasure of food, the project explores what “food” can be in a contemporary context. By uncovering value in often overlooked ingredients and their backgrounds, it brings them into everyday life.Through food, it also aims to create a fair economic cycle and contribute to a diverse and inclusive society.
Forest BouillonDeveloped with inspiration from a traditional, land-rooted dashi culture.Extending beyond seafood, it reinterprets a quintessential Japanese food culture—one that draws broth from plants growing naturally in each region—in a contemporary way.Using plants native to the northern foothills of Mt. Fuji, the product offers flavors that shift with the seasons and from year to year.Rather than a simple seasoning, it is designed as an experience of “tasting the terroir.”From ingredient selection to package design, the entire process is carried out consistently within N.E.W.S project.
INSTAGRAM@n.e.w.s_project
WEBSITEnews-project.jp

P.O.S.T studio inc.

P.O.S.T studio inc. is a creative studio that works across food product development and design.Working closely with producers and processors, we develop products from the ground up—covering product planning, design, branding, and sales strategy.We also shape the broader experience surrounding food, including promotion, media and storytelling, retail development, and community initiatives.How a product reaches people, what kinds of relationships it creates, and how it contributes to producers, local communities, and the environment—P.O.S.T studio looks beyond the act of making itself to design sustainable cycles for the future.
INSTAGRAM@p.o.s.t_studio
WEBSITE(coming soon)

We look at both what is visible and what lies beneath. By doing so, we open up the possibilities of design. We explore ways that feel right, creating designs that are familiar and that endure.

We look at both what is visible and what lies beneath.By doing so, we open up the possibilities of design.We explore ways that feel right and grow more familiar over time—seeking a balanced and enduring approach.kokon inc. is a creative studio that works across multiple disciplines, centered on art direction for entire brands, including visual identity, packaging, typography, and web.From brand launches to rebranding, we take an integrated approach, engaging deeply with both challenges and context.

About

Company

Kokon inc.

Established

January 11, 2022

Services

Brand development and cultivation
CI/VI planning and production
Advertising and sales promotion planning and production
Web design development and production

Founder

Mayuko Kanazawa

Location

〒153-0042
3-3-11 Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

Clients

FOOD & COMPANY Co., Ltd. / THE NORTH FACE / Kodama Jozo Co., Ltd. / Nippon Kodo Co., Ltd. / NatureLab. Co., Ltd. / PARCO Co., Ltd. / Fang Fang Co., Ltd. / Warner Music Japan Inc. / Palace Hotel Co., Ltd. / Fujita Kanko Inc. / TRANSIT OPERATION SERVICE INC. / etc.

Member

金澤繭子

Art Director / Graphic Designer

1990Born in Hokkaido, raised in Chiba
2013Graduated from Tama Art University
2014Belonged to Neandertal inc.
2017Started freelance
2022Founded kokon inc.
2024Founded P.O.S.T studio inc.

中島ミンエン

Graphic Designer

2000Born in Taoyuan, Taiwan
2022Graduated from National Taiwan University of Arts, Joined paragram
2024Belonged to TSDO inc.
2025Joined kokon inc.

Award

Press

Office

Midori.so 1F, 3-3-11, Aobadai
Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0042

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