Tetsuya Ohta (太田徹也, born 1941 in Miyazaki Prefecture) is a Japanese graphic designer known for book design, editorial work, and corporate identity. He graduated from Kuwasawa Design School in 1963, worked at Ikko Tanaka Design Studio from 1963 to 1975, and then established his own Tetsuya Ohta Design Studio as a freelance designer.[1] He is a member of JAGDA, the Tokyo Type Directors Club, and the Japan Typography Association.[2]
Design and History
Ohta has worked extensively in corporate identity, handling CI marks and logos as an extension of his graphic design practice.[3] He is also the author and editor of CI: Mark, Logo no Hensen (Corporate Identity: Changes in Logos & Trademarks in Japan), published by Rikuyo-sha in 1989 and revised in 1997, a comprehensive study documenting the evolution of marks and logos for 688 Japanese corporations.[4][1] The book is regarded as a definitive history of Japanese CI design, analyzing changes in corporate marks and logos alongside chronological tables and formal analysis.[5]
For his own identity, Ohta designed a personal symbol mark featuring arrows. In a 2010 JAGDA project entry, he described the design: “I composed arrows, a charming shape, as symbol to create visual power.”[6] The mark reflects his approach to symbol design, which he also applied to client work in corporate identity throughout his career.
Meaning and Symbolism
Ohta’s personal arrow symbol was conceived to generate visual impact through a simple, charming form. His stated intention was to use the arrow shape to create “visual power,” emphasizing the graphic strength of the mark rather than a complex narrative.[6]
Beyond his personal mark, Ohta’s broader contribution to logo design lies in his documentation and analysis of Japanese corporate identity. His published research traces how marks and logos reflect the economic and social conditions of their eras, examining the role these symbols play as the “face” of companies.[7]
Logo Index is an independent educational archive covering logos, visual identities and graphic design history. All trademarks and brand assets remain the property of their respective owners.
