Graphic Design in Japan 2014 

The Graphic Design in Japan 2014 is an annual publication ran by the Japan Graphic Designers Association (JAGDA), which is one of the largest design organizations in Asia. It showcases graphic design in Japan created in the past year, covering a variety of different areas. JAGDA has been showing designs in their annual Graphic Design in Japan since 1981. The book cover design (designed by Atsuki Kikuchi) is minimalistic but also strike worthy; featuring a large, black, smooth oval shape pressed against a white background. This symbolizes simplicity and harmony which reflects the Japanese aestehetics. This book has over 1,000 designs made by world-class Japanese designers such as the artist Kaoru Kasai who is a member of JAGDA, Tokyo ADC, Tokyo TDC, and AGI. Mr. Kamekura asked Karou Kasai to design the 16th poster for the Hiroshima Appeals series (ongoing since 1983) that deditcates to promote peace and rememberance of the atomic bombing located in Hiroshima.  Kasai's design features a black brushstroke illustration of a man looking upward that symblolizes resilence and hope has he looks back on his tragic past. The quality of the lines displays traditional Japanese sumi-e ink-like painting and the typography of the hand-painted letters adds rawness and expression of the poster.