"Why the Sanada Yukimura graphic?"
I'm often asked this by people who show an interest in the brand.
Sanada Yukimura is the first motif in "Yoshikuni"'s "Samurai Typography" series.
I want to explain why we chose him, celebrated as "Sanada, the finest warrior in Japan," as the pioneer for our brand development.
Firstly, it was because designer Inoue wanted to convey the burning passion and beauty he felt from Sanada Yukimura's armor. Among many samurai, his armor boasts impressive sculptural beauty. He wanted to stylishly present this form even to those unfamiliar with Sanada Yukimura.
Furthermore, he thought that if he could uplift the spirits of wearers, especially in these uncertain times, it would be wonderful.
How could this be expressed in bright, pop graphic art? Through trial and error, the result was colorful art that typographically rendered his life, set against blue and rainbow backgrounds.
Secondly, he was a samurai connected to the fabric production area.
These T-shirts and sweatshirts use high-quality fabric from a knit manufacturing factory in Wakayama. We wanted the first products of the brand to be worn for a long time, and the fabric from Wakayama was the answer.
And Sanada Yukimura, whom Inoue wanted to make his first motif, spent his middle age in Kudoyama, Wakayama.
Coincidence connected threads, resulting in a garment that combined comfortable fabric with powerful graphics.
Thirdly, the T-shirt printing company was in Osaka.
Samurai typography creates a three-dimensional effect through precise character placement and color gradients. With ordinary inkjet printing, small characters would be crushed, and printing on white fabric would result in shallow colors and low color reproducibility.
While searching for a company with excellent printing technology, we came across a printing company in Osaka. This company printed complex graphics for top domestic and international brands and specialized in special printing—a so-called artisan-minded company.
Ironically, Osaka was where Sanada Yukimura played an active role in the Siege of Osaka.
All the companies we encountered this time are located in places deeply connected to Sanada Yukimura, whom Inoue deeply admires. This serendipitous connection led Inoue to decide to make Sanada Yukimura his first motif.