How to Explain Japan's SDGs approach with Just Two Lines
Behind the Award-winning Posters

Koyanagi:

Japan’s initiatives for accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals are based on the main theme, Public Private Action for Partnership. So we tried to depict the cooperation between public and private sectors by interweaving horizontal and vertical lines.

Kinoshita:

First we brainstormed, to decide on a motif to illustrate the public–private partnership. We collected some 100 photos of things such as stones and whirlpools, and shared opinions as we looked at them together.

Koyanagi:

That’s right. We needed a motif that could express Japan’s approach to the Sustainable Development Goals. With photos in hand, we held a brainstorming session and came up with the idea of the lines and the texture of material. We thought those elements appropriate because they are easily recognized as features of traditional Japanese design.

Koyanagi:

Yes, and we had to particularly in this case. Since the posters are not advertisements we had no starting point for the motif. We found it by looking at photos of things and shapes.

Kinoshita:

It felt as though we were collecting images. As the copywriter for the project, I brought a lot of ideas for copy to the brainstorming session. It was through that combined process that we decided to use lines and to give the posters the combined title, One plus One.

Koyanagi:

The design is very simple, and we did our best to eliminate any flashy or decorative elements. We wanted the message embedded in the posters to be completely clear.
We paid close attention to detail. That resulted in the idea of making lines overlap. We used a UV inkjet printer and, since the ink hardened practically on the spot, we were able to apply a thick coat of it. That is what gives the design its depth.
Further, the posters are made of traditional Japanese washi paper, because we wanted to use Japanese materials where possible, given that the posters were for a United Nations event hosted by Japan.

Koyanagi:

Before considering the designs, we studied weaving and knitting patterns. Then we created various designs using genuine weaving patterns to convey different messages.

Kinoshita:

If I remember correctly, when Koyanagi sketched a rough design, he included the basic concept in words: one layer plus another layer. The design using intersecting red and blue lines followed on from there.

Koyanagi:

Funnily enough, I can barely remember that part, but it is a technique we often use. I will write down words that express the meaning of my designs and give them to the copywriters. I’m told that gives them ideas.
Here, however, the posters feature a design and a written message that, ideally, should combine to make something greater than the sum of their parts.
If the copy conveys the same concept as the design, all it is doing is adding a description; but it should have a multiplying effect. To make that possible, I believe it is a good idea while creating something to constantly share ideas with the copywriter.

Kinoshita:

Yes. I tried to write copy that would motivate those who see the posters to take action themselves, and encourage everyone to work to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals.
The concept of beginnings—suggested by a member—is something I expressed in the copy as “Beginnings don’t happen. We create them.” Innovation—also a suggestion—was another concept, and I conveyed it through the words, “What’s rejected today, might be praised tomorrow.”
Then, rather than express the concepts separately, I used them together. I wanted people to imagine the next step, because I wanted to inspire those around the world who see the posters. They reflect the joining of hands not only by public and private sectors, but also by Japan and other countries.

Koyanagi:

One reason is that we wanted to embed the words in the texture to indicate that they embody the spirit of the posters. A second reason is that people would look at the posters more closely were the copy not easy to read. Another is that we thought people would be drawn to posters that have been carefully crafted.

Koyanagi:

I believe it is important to meet and talk with people in person. So, when making decisions, I avoid using email, insisting instead on face-to-face discussion. So as a consequence we used brainstorming to decide on the motif.
Further, if I want to show people some materials, I make sure I do so in person.

Koyanagi:

I believe that people who meet and talk with others produce better creations. If I show someone some paper, for example, as we touch it and talk things over, different ideas will occur to us. And, in the interest of efficiency, one should make decisions during a meeting, not when on one’s own.

Kinoshita:

I invariably like to think about end users. Even now that I belong to a team that considers creative work from the standpoint of public relations, I still keep end users in mind.
When creating copy for the posters, I thought about how the people looking at them would react. Since they would be seen by government and business leaders with broad perspectives and from a number of countries, I tried to imagine myself in their shoes.
Moreover, since the Sustainable Development Goals are designed in the interests of the planet, I also considered the Earth to be an end user. While I know we cannot change things with posters, I did hope that they might—in some small way—help convey people’s hopes for our planet.

Koyanagi:

I want to do something really challenging. I worked hard to be a member of such a good company, so I want to contribute to advancing creative work in Japan. It may sound silly, but I truly believe a challenge like that suits me best.

Kinoshita:

If I had to name my principal goal, it would be to become a creator who can inspire others. I don’t mean just as a copywriter, but as a person. I hope to become someone who gives courage to young people and women.
Then, of course, there is the Japan’s Creator of the Year award. It has never been given to a woman, so to be the first to win it is a dream that hovers at the back of my mind. But that is a truly big dream.