SHIBUYA FONT
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CategoryIntegration Design
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SubCategorySocial design
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Applicant CompanySHIBUYA FONT / Japan
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Manufacturer / Business OwnerUNIQLO, ADASTRIA, BEAMS, Google Fonts, Jun Co.,Ltd, Shibuya City, Takeoki Kuchi, Tokyu Group, etc. / Japan
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Design CompanySHIBUYA FONT / Japan
SHIBUYA FONT began in 2017 with Shibuya City. We harness the collective strengths of designers, social welfare organizations (SWO) and businesses seeking new ways to express their brand. We aim to economically and creatively empower people with disabilities (PwD) residing / working in SWOs by the sale of open-source digital design data, co-created with Kuwasawa Design School students and SWOs. In 2022, our creative practice was integrated into Kuwasawa’s curriculum, to train future inclusive designers. The template is rolled out to communities nationwide via the Gotochi (local) Font project - a virtuous circle and collaborative process whereby all benefit creatively, economically, socially and educationally. Visually striking graphic patterns and fonts are created from the PwD’s original drawings or lettering - transformed into commercially-viable designs.With the data’s size and color edited to meet the client’s requirements, the work of people with varying artistic abilities can be used, since a finalized artwork is not required. Sold via a license or subscription fee, the data has been used widely - commercial products and goods, clothing, signage, interiors etc., collaborating with global brands like UNIQLO, Google Fonts and BEAMS. Profits are shared with the SWOs, who also apply the design data to their in-house goods, creating a stable income for low income PwD. So far we have contributed 2,750,000ND$ to 11 participating SWOs with profits increasing yearly. Last year profits were 9,988,000ND$, our highest yet! Local SWO networks have been formed to share support methods for PwD and develop out-reach programs to engage with local communities through creative activities - a powerful means of reducing the isolation experienced by many PwD and SWOs.