Urban
Signatures


A city's sense of place, a typography narrative.



Yokocho / Japan

During my previous research in Vietnam
(2017-2020 RMIT Library, Archive, title -“ Typography in Vietnam”
I discovered a similar alley to Harmonica Yokocho Alley in Kichijoji, which is one of  Tokyo's most popular and culturally diverse neighbourhoods.

As you stroll through  the streets and shopping districts, the city's multicultural character is evident. Kichijoji's convenient access to Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Shimokitazawa makes it a popular destination for foreigners. These small spaces are distinguished by multilingual facades and worn-out signage that contribute to the charm of Yokocho, making it an inviting place to explore.

#Colour  #Space #Typography



Bedroom towns

Initial case sowns like Obukuro /Ichinowari /Takesto/ Kasukabe ( located on a

popular Tokyo line,) English signs seem to have been acquired on the shop front facades that occupy the

opposing streets around local train stations. Whilst there are many Japanese signage there, the random

English signage stands out, and it is much as contrast of the lack of English in the surrounding area. Many

questions come to mind as a graphic designer about English font selections, hierarchy colour selections





Lorem Ipsum...

Bedroom towns

Initial case studies are small urban towns like Obukuro /Ichinowari /Takesto/ Kasukabe ( located on a

popular Tokyo line,) English signs seem to have been acquired on the shop front facades that occupy the

opposing streets around local train stations. Whilst there are many Japanese signage there, the random

English signage stands out, and it is much as contrast of the lack of English in the surrounding area. Many

questions come to mind as a graphic designer about English font selections, hierarchy colour selections

and the sizing of the actual signage on the facade of the businesses. Why that font? #typography





Bedroom towns

Initial case studies are small urban towns like Obukuro /Ichinowari /Takesto/ Kasukabe ( located on a

popular Tokyo line,) English signs seem to have been acquired on the shop front facades that occupy the

opposing streets around local train stations. Whilst there are many Japanese signage there, the random

English signage stands out, and it is much as contrast of the lack of English in the surrounding area. Many

questions come to mind as a graphic designer about English font selections, hierarchy colour selections

and the sizing of the actual signage on the facade of the businesses. Why that font? #typography





Melbourne(Aus)


Bedroom towns

Initial case studies are small urban towns like Obukuro /Ichinowari /Takesto/ Kasukabe ( located on a

popular Tokyo line,) English signs seem to have been acquired on the shop front facades that occupy the

opposing streets around local train stations. Whilst there are many Japanese signage there, the random

English signage stands out, and it is much as contrast of the lack of English in the surrounding area. Many

questions come to mind as a graphic designer about English font selections, hierarchy colour selections

and the sizing of the actual signage on the facade of the businesses. Why that font? #typography
Bedroom towns

Initial case studies are small urban towns like Obukuro /Ichinowari /Takesto/ Kasukabe ( located on a

popular Tokyo line,) English signs seem to have been acquired on the shop front facades that occupy the

opposing streets around local train stations. Whilst there are many Japanese signage there, the random

English signage stands out, and it is much as contrast of the lack of English in the surrounding area. Many

questions come to mind as a graphic designer about English font selections, hierarchy colour selections

and the sizing of the actual signage on the facade of the businesses. Why that font? #typography
Bedroom towns

Initial case studies are small urban towns like Obukuro /Ichinowari /Takesto/ Kasukabe ( located on a

popular Tokyo line,) English signs seem to have been acquired on the shop front facades that occupy the

opposing streets around local train stations. Whilst there are many Japanese signage there, the random

English signage stands out, and it is much as contrast of the lack of English in the surrounding area. Many

questions come to mind as a graphic designer about English font selections, hierarchy colour selections

and the sizing of the actual signage on the facade of the businesses. Why that font? #typography
Bedroom towns

Initial case studies are small urban towns like Obukuro /Ichinowari /Takesto/ Kasukabe ( located on a

popular Tokyo line,) English signs seem to have been acquired on the shop front facades that occupy the

opposing streets around local train stations. Whilst there are many Japanese signage there, the random

English signage stands out, and it is much as contrast of the lack of English in the surrounding area. Many

questions come to mind as a graphic designer about English font selections, hierarchy colour selections

and the sizing of the actual signage on the facade of the businesses. Why that font? #typography
Bedroom towns

Initial case studies are small urban towns like Obukuro /Ichinowari /Takesto/ Kasukabe ( located on a

popular Tokyo line,) English signs seem to have been acquired on the shop front facades that occupy the

opposing streets around local train stations. Whilst there are many Japanese signage there, the random

English signage stands out, and it is much as contrast of the lack of English in the surrounding area. Many

questions come to mind as a graphic designer about English font selections, hierarchy colour selections

and the sizing of the actual signage on the facade of the businesses. Why that font? #typography



Melbourne  
#space #laneway  #typography

Bedroom towns

Initial case studies are small urban towns like Obukuro /Ichinowari /Takesto/ Kasukabe ( located on a

popular Tokyo line,) English signs seem to have been acquired on the shop front facades that occupy the

opposing streets around local train stations. Whilst there are many Japanese signage there, the random

English signage stands out, and it is much as contrast of the lack of English in the surrounding area. Many

questions come to mind as a graphic designer about English font selections, hierarchy colour selections

and the sizing of the actual signage on the facade of the businesses. Why that font? #typography





Bedroom towns

Initial case studies are small urban towns like Obukuro /Ichinowari /Takesto/ Kasukabe ( located on a

popular Tokyo line,) English signs seem to have been acquired on the shop front facades that occupy the

opposing streets around local train stations. Whilst there are many Japanese signage there, the random

English signage stands out, and it is much as contrast of the lack of English in the surrounding area. Many

questions come to mind as a graphic designer about English font selections, hierarchy colour selections

and the sizing of the actual signage on the facade of the businesses. Why that font? #typography
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Bedroom towns

Initial case studies are small urban towns like Obukuro /Ichinowari /Takesto/ Kasukabe ( located on a

popular Tokyo line,) English signs seem to have been acquired on the shop front facades that occupy the

opposing streets around local train stations. Whilst there are many Japanese signage there, the random

English signage stands out, and it is much as contrast of the lack of English in the surrounding area. Many

questions come to mind as a graphic designer about English font selections, hierarchy colour selections

and the sizing of the actual signage on the facade of the businesses. Why that font? #typography