Kairi Murakami: Redefining Brand Identity

A Symbolic Design for Iki Retreat

Murakami drew inspiration from the rich history and natural beauty of Iki Island. By immersing himself in the local culture and experiencing the island with all his senses, he was able to truly understand what makes Iki Retreat special. The stunning view of Yunomoto Bay, which welcomes guests upon arrival, became the focal point of his design, symbolizing the warm hospitality and sense of home that the hotel offers.

One of the standout features of Murakami's design is the use of the kanji character "Ichi," meaning "one" or "first." This character, represented by a horizontal line, represents the unchanging nature of Iki Island, once known as "Ikikoku." Murakami incorporated this kanji into the hotel's name, creating a powerful and memorable symbol that embodies the essence of Iki Retreat.

The logo itself is a composition of straight lines and circles, meticulously crafted to evoke the beauty of the island's landscape. The colors chosen for the design, with their subtle gradations reminiscent of a sunset, further enhance the sense of tranquility and elegance that Iki Retreat exudes.

But Murakami's design goes beyond just a logo. It has been seamlessly integrated into various elements of the hotel's branding, including hall signs, business cards, and letterheads. This cohesive approach ensures that the symbol becomes a recognizable and consistent representation of Iki Retreat's identity.

Throughout the design process, Murakami collaborated closely with Daisuke Kobayashi, the creative director and designer behind the project. Together, they overcame creative challenges and successfully translated the concept of Iki Retreat as a second home for guests into a visual representation.

The project, which began in July 2019 and concluded in March 2020, was carried out in Nagasaki, Japan. Murakami and Kobayashi conducted extensive research, including surveys with employees and collaborators, to understand the values and tastes that define Iki Retreat. This research formed the foundation for the brand story and guided the design process.

The exceptional work done by Murakami and Kobayashi did not go unnoticed. Their design for Iki Retreat's brand identity was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2021. This prestigious accolade recognizes designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

Kairi Murakami's design for Iki Retreat has truly redefined the hotel's brand identity. By capturing the essence of Iki Island and translating it into a powerful symbol, Murakami has created a design that resonates with guests and embodies the warm hospitality that awaits them at Iki Retreat.