MUFG, short for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, is a Japanese financial holding company formed in 2005 through the merger of Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group and UFJ Group [1]. Its global logo consists of two critical elements: the Symbol Mark and the MUFG global logotype [2].
Design and History
The MUFG Symbol Mark was created in 2005 by Kazumasa Nagai of Nippon Design Center for the newly merged group [3][4]. The mark uses overlapping circles to express the group’s goals of “a new kind of comprehensive financial service created through the Group’s collective strength” and “friendly service with understanding for customers” [2]. The central circle represents the “New Group,” while the outer intersecting circles represent MUFG’s expansion both domestically and internationally [2].
In April 2018, MUFG’s core commercial banking subsidiary changed its name from The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. to MUFG Bank, Ltd., aligning the bank’s name with the group’s master brand [5]. The New York Stock Exchange ticker symbol also changed from “MTU” to “MUFG” effective April 2, 2018 [6].
Meaning and Symbolism
The overlapping circles of the Symbol Mark are based on the image of a “circle” of people joining hands, expressing how customers and companies join hands to enrich and expand their lives [1]. The red center represents Japan’s presence in relation to the world and the company’s vital role in changing the definition of financial services [1].
MUFG Red and MUFG Gray are the group’s official corporate colors, used in the symbol mark. MUFG Red represents the group’s sense of vitality and responsibility in pursuing the highest level of service, as well as its passion for connecting with customers. MUFG Gray is used in the MUFG Global Logotype and represents the intelligence and trustworthiness of a reliable, comprehensive financial service group [2].
Typography and Design
The MUFG global logotype features a “graceful, dignified design” that represents the MUFG brand and its aim to be a robust presence that supports society throughout the ages. It symbolizes the group’s desire to grow and take on challenges, as well as its confidence in its initiatives, bolstering its identity as a financial institution founded on trust and reliability [2].
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