Context

Manmaru is a small nursery based in Osaka, catering to children aged one to two. With the close attention made possible by a small group setting, the nursery focuses on nurturing each child’s individual rhythm of eating and sleeping, providing a comfortable and reassuring daily environment. The nursery places great importance on creating an atmosphere that encourages the natural movements of the “mind” and “body” typical of one- and two-year-olds — from emotional expression to spontaneous physical activity — laying the foundations for intellectual curiosity and growth beyond the age of three. We were responsible for developing the branding to express Manmaru’s warmth and core philosophy.

Approach

In line with the client’s philosophy of providing attentive, individualised care in a small-group environment, the visual identity was built around the motif of building blocks, which can be combined in endless ways to create diverse forms. The design is colourful and warm—reflecting the atmosphere of a nursery—while the combination of simple shapes such as circles, triangles, and squares allows for limitless playful variations. This approach enables flexible, engaging visual applications across class signage and other graphics, much like playing with building blocks.