Founded in 1924, Yasui Architects and Engineers is one of the most highly respected architecture firms in Japan and in the world. The firm has designed some of the most iconic structures in Japan, including Tokyo’s Suntory Hall, the Osaka Gas Building, the Kyoto Racecourse and the bullet train hub in Nagasaki.

For over 15 years, Eat has been one of Yasui’s key agency partners to build the prominence and visibility of the business at home, and increasingly abroad. Every workstream has been guided by the Yasui philosophy of “Inspiring People, Vitalizing Cities” – that architecture should draw on the essence of communities to enrich them and inspire the individuals in them.  

Our core remit has been to develop the touchpoints and assets that Yasui leadership can take to market – to new project developers and top global talent who will be critical to the long-term success of the firm. Most recently we conducted a full redesign of the Yasui website in Japanese, English and Chinese - drawing on our team of transcreators to ensure relevance of tone and interpretation. The site places the Yasui portfolio of work front and center whilst delivering an intuitive user experience that brings visitors deeper into the site and gets them wanting to learn more about the firm. With a more global mindset for the design, Yasui can now better tell its story as it looks to expand its reach.  

We also packaged up the Yasui story, identity and proposition in a sharp and insightful corporate video. This champions the principles that guide the Yasui approach to all its architecture briefs and challenges - Growth, Integration and Creation. 

To champion the industry-leading work Yasui has developed in recent years, we developed a range of project-specific booklets that would be used by their teams to reach new potential prospects and partners.

Each booklet required extensive research prior to design. We conducted interviews with project architects and team members and visited each site to fully understand the challenges faced, the solutions found and the impact the projects have had on the area and local communities. For the design, we combined traditional Japanese elements with a more contemporary interpretation – vertical Japanese typesetting on uncoated stock and photography used in unconventional ways.

We have also supported the Yasui teams across a wide range of other workstreams - from defining their CSR policy, to developing their internal communications, to developing the tools and templates needed to bring consistency and distinction to the brand.

With Yasui celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, we continue to support the brand and leadership, providing them with the tools and clarity to realise their bold in the next 100 years.