Celebrating 40 Years of Transformation in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai 21 District

The Minato Mirai 21 district in Yokohama, Japan, represents a transformative urban development journey that began in 1983. Built on what was once a shipyard, the district aimed to rejuvenate the waterfront into a hub of innovation, blending cultural, commercial, and office spaces to bring a new identity to the area. As part of its 40th anniversary, a new visual identity and catchphrase were developed to reframe Minato Mirai 21’s role in the city, connecting past achievements with future aspirations.

Reflecting Hope for the Future
The new catchphrase, “Weave the Minato, Picture the Future,” captures the district’s spirit of hope and forward-thinking vision. This slogan embodies 40 years of progress in industry, culture, and art, elements that anchor Minato Mirai 21 as a symbol of Yokohama’s ongoing evolution. With this phrase, the district invites visitors and residents alike to imagine the future of Yokohama, each in their unique way, as they engage with the area’s rich heritage and vibrant future.

Key Visual Concept: Merging Past, Present, and Future
A key visual was designed to convey the dual nature of Minato Mirai 21’s identity as a space that honors its past while embracing future possibilities. Through a series of simple, minimal shapes, the visual embodies the district’s structured, grid-like layout, while abstract forms suggest the creative evolution of the city. The toned-down hues symbolize the warmth of the district’s history, while vivid colors hint at a bright, dynamic future.

The colors within the visual reflect the changing scenes of the district, adapting to the different atmospheres experienced by day and night. This visual transition aims to evoke a sense of continuity and nostalgia, bridging the district’s past with the promise of new experiences to come.

Visual Applications Throughout the District
The design was not confined to traditional promotional materials. It was thoughtfully extended across various physical elements within Minato Mirai 21, integrating with the city’s landscape to leave an enduring impression. The visuals appeared on posters, flags, handrails, and even on the Ferris wheel lights, creating a cohesive and immersive experience. Branded coasters at local cafes and restaurants brought the anniversary closer to the people, while each detail added to the celebratory atmosphere, highlighting the district’s identity as a place of constant growth.

Through its striking yet subtle visuals, Minato Mirai 21’s 40th-anniversary design communicates the power of thoughtful, minimalist design in celebrating an urban space’s legacy. With the newly crafted visual language and catchphrase, the district continues to captivate and connect people, leaving a lasting impression and inspiring both new and longtime visitors to picture the future of Yokohama together.