FLY THE PACIFIC

This poster was designed by Iku Nagai, a Japanese graphic designer and painter who has won many awards for his creations in Japan and is most commonly known for his creation of the JAL/Japan Airlines' original logo of the Tsuru/Japanese crane. Nagai worked with JAL to create many posters and helped JAL as Japan's leading airline that offered international flights to overcome the stigmas that came with the end of WW2, such as people associating JAL's aircraft with fighter jets from the war. 

The title “Fly The Pacific” in yellow lettering stands out in the simple purple backdrop. The one big crane in the middle is followed by 6 other cranes. The Crane holds the meaning of Japanese culture and their delicacy in detail, perseverance, and providing of trust. 

Nagai was not initially supposed to be a candidate for designing JAL's posters for advertising abroad, but because his boss liked his work, one day this poster was slipped into a package of different posters, being shipped to the United States. Surprisingly, his design was most liked, and from there Nagai would become the core identity of JAL's logos graphic design.