6th November 2006

Japan is a source of inspiration for designers all over the world. For many Western creatives, Japanese culture has nurtured an enduring fascination with the country’s visual output. Manga in particular has a massive influence on visual style in the West. Cute, cuddly characters and typographic or icon-centric design are closely associated with Japanese visual style too - Digit talked to >large about the projects they have worked on with Japanese influence.

UK creative house Large Design has just launched the Oasis Stores site, using floral patterns adapted from Japanese screen prints. “Kimonos were a main inspiration,” says MD Jim Boulton.

“Oasis didn’t specifically require a Japanese feel but when we held the creative workshop to determine design direction, Japanese watercolours, kimonos, and wall hangings featuring sprays of flowers and tree branches were universally liked.
“Illustration has always been a key part of the Oasis brand identity, and the Japanese floral patterns were felt to represent the feminine, design-led, slightly quirky, stylish look we were trying to achieve.

“It wasn’t difficult to stay authentic because it was the illustration that was key to the designs, not the fact that it was Japanese,” continues Boulton. “Subtlety is key.”

A more obvious Japanese feel was required by another of Large’s projects – creative work for YO! Sushi. “Of course, the iconography we created for YO! Sushi, which is a mainstay of the brand, was inspired by the strong lines, bold colours and sheer simplicity of manga drawings,” says Boulton.