Kadokawa Corporation is a Japanese comprehensive entertainment company active in publishing, animation, film, gaming, web services, and education. Its current visual identity dates to October 2013, when the company was reborn through the merger of nine consolidated subsidiaries and adopted a new corporate logo and the catchphrase “新しい物語をつくろう” (“Let’s create new stories”).[1][2]
Design and History
On October 1, 2013, Kadokawa Group Holdings absorbed nine of its subsidiaries, including Kadokawa Shoten, ASCII Media Works, Enterbrain, Media Factory, and Fujimi Shobo, and changed its corporate name to “KADOKAWA.”[3] The new corporate logo was established alongside this reorganization.[1]
According to a shareholder report describing the new logo, the design is based on a universal typeface, chosen for its usability across combinations and high visibility. As a memorable hook, the two “K” letters, representing “KADO” (corner) and “KAWA” (river), were given distinctive features: gaps were created in the K letters, with protruding corners meant to express innovation.[4]
In October 2015, the holding company KADOKAWA・DWANGO changed its name to “Kadokawa Corporation” (カドカワ株式会社) and established a new corporate logo. The new name combined sounds from both companies: “KA” from KADOKAWA, “DO” from Dwango, “KA” from KADOKAWA, and “WA” from Dwango.[5][6] The new logo used the traditional logo colors of both companies to emphasize the combined name.[5] In 2019, the company reverted to the name KADOKAWA Corporation.
Meaning and Symbolism
The 2013 logo’s main color was described as a vivid, reddish navy blue, which the company named “KADOKAWA Blue.” The color was chosen to convey the trustworthiness and intellectual image associated with navy blue, while also expressing a playful spirit appropriate to KADOKAWA.[4]
The two distinctive “K” letters in the wordmark reference the Japanese pronunciation of the company name, with “KADO” meaning corner and “KAWA” meaning river. The gaps and protruding corners in the K letters were designed to express innovation.[4]
Typography and Design
The 2013 logo uses a universal typeface as its base, selected for its compatibility with other elements and high legibility. The design was intended to be simple yet trustworthy and versatile, serving as a receptacle for the company’s wide range of businesses and diverse content.[4]
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