Bon Vivant: Connecting Communities Through Artful Information

Hand-drawn magazine covers inspire nostalgia and regional pride in Japan.

Bon Vivant, an information magazine designed by Kiyoka Yamazuki, stands as a unique communication tool distributed at Shinkin bank branches nationwide. Conceived to energize both people and cities, the magazine’s concept, “shinkumi,” reflects a commitment to fostering community connections. Each issue features themes rooted in regional culture, such as the Hiroshima Summer and the Itsukushima Shrine Orchestra Festival, inviting readers to rediscover the vibrancy of their surroundings.

What sets Bon Vivant apart is its approachable design. The magazine is available for free at credit unions, encouraging spontaneous interaction. Yamazuki’s warm, hand-drawn illustrations, rendered in acrylics and enhanced digitally, create an inviting visual language that resonates with a diverse audience. The use of eye-catching colors and nostalgic imagery makes the publication not just informative, but also collectible and memorable.

Technically, the magazine’s cover illustrations are crafted using traditional tools—brushes, illustration boards, compasses, and ruling pens—before being refined in Photoshop. This blend of analog and digital techniques results in a tactile, authentic aesthetic. The magazine itself is compact (B5 size, 21cm x 15cm, 1mm thick), with each bimonthly issue focusing on “World Heritage Sites and Festivals,” ensuring content remains fresh and relevant.

Bon Vivant’s impact extends beyond its pages. By highlighting local people, industries, and tourist spots, the magazine encourages readers to engage with their communities, often prompting visits to featured areas or purchases of local products. Feedback from readers, such as expressions of nostalgia and reminders of home, underscores the emotional connection fostered by Yamazuki’s illustrations. This approach has helped strengthen the bond between Shinkin banks, their customers, and the broader community.

The project, overseen by the National Federation of Shinkin Banks and produced in collaboration with BOON Corporation and Shinkumi Sogo Service Corporation, spanned five years and resulted in thirty issues. Bon Vivant’s excellence was recognized with a Silver A' Design Award in 2025, celebrating its remarkable artistic skill and innovative approach to visual communication. The magazine continues to serve as a model for how thoughtful design can enrich everyday experiences and promote regional pride.

Bon Vivant demonstrates the power of artful communication in everyday settings, inviting individuals to connect with their heritage and community through the simple act of picking up a magazine. The project’s success highlights the enduring value of hand-crafted design in a digital age, offering inspiration for future initiatives that seek to unite people and places.