8 brands from the birthplace of Japanese porcelain

Arita Made

Client SAGA PREFECTURAL GOVERNMENT, MADE IN JAPAN PROJECT

Studio Kudos Design Collaboratory
CD John Kudos
Design Ashley Wu
Web Sumit PauL

Copy DAVID IMBER & MIKA YOSHIDA, MANIFORM

#ARITAMADE

Arita Made is an initiative supported by the Saga Prefectural Government, in collaboration with the Made in Japan Project, which aims to introduce innovative porcelain creators from Arita, Japan to the American market through NY NOW. KUDOS developed a comprehensive brand strategy, naming, exhibition design, art direction, website, and product consultation.

Research & Consultation
Over nine months, KUDOS visited Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain, to work closely with participating kilns and distributors. KUDOS provided insights on product design, brand positioning, and marketing strategies tailored for the US market.

Branding
KUDOS created a visual identity featuring an infinity symbol combined with the town’s name and the tagline “Eternally Modern.” This design reflects Arita’s continuous evolution of four centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation into modern, everyday products.

Website
The bilingual website caters to both Western and Japanese audiences with tailored messaging. KUDOS art-directed all visual content—highlights include slow-motion product shots, 360° rotations, documentary-style photos of the town, and a video showcasing the porcelain creation process.

Exhibition Booth
In February 2018, KUDOS designed a corner booth with a diagonal archway reminiscent of traditional porcelain kilns for NY NOW. Each creator was given a museum-like stage with hidden storage space beneath.

Photography by Sam Morgan Photography.