SoftBank Group Corp. was founded as Nihon SoftBank in 1981. It has evolved from a software distributor into a global powerhouse in telecommunications, technology, and investment. The company’s history is marked by strategic expansions, innovative ventures, and significant acquisitions that have shaped its trajectory over the decades.
The evolution of the SoftBank logo reflects the dynamic growth of the company and its commitment to innovation in the technology sector. This article explores the history and evolution of the SoftBank logo and highlights the key design changes that have been undertaken over the years.
The Genesis of the Softbank Logo (1981 – 2006)
The original SoftBank logo was created when the company was founded in 1981. It featured the brand name “SoftBank” in two levels in a simple, bold font. Drawn in black, the brand name was placed against a yellow rectangle with a thick black outline. The colour combination of yellow and black reminded one of the warning signs, which made it highly recognisable.
The glyphs of individual letters in the brand name had the rectangle as the overriding shape. In fact, the letter “O” was a softened rectangle, and the dimensions of the letters, including their ends, were straight. The initial design was effective but lacked deeper symbolic meaning beyond its straightforward representation of the company’s name.
(2006 – 2010)
In 2006, SoftBank underwent a major rebranding effort that introduced a more modern and stylish logo. This redesign was inspired by the banner of Kaientai, which was a historical trading company founded by the Japanese samurai Ryoma Sakamoto. The logo had a graphical element in the form of two parallel lines in yellow that symbolised equality (the “=” sign). The parallel lines represented SoftBank’s commitment to providing solutions to the problems of its customers.
To the right of the emblem was the brand name in an elegant, extra-thin, and light style. Designed in grey, the brand name appeared in a combined form, “SoftBank,” and in a single line. It was written in a refined serif typeface called the Japanese Mincho font to emphasise authenticity.
Although the logo retained some elements from the original logo, the new design shifted towards a more subdued colour palette. The double lines also conveyed a sense of interactive communication and limitless possibilities and aligned with SoftBank’s vision for innovation.
(2010 – Present)
The current iteration of the SoftBank logo was adopted in 2010 as part of an ongoing effort to modernise the brand while maintaining its historical roots. The parallel lines in yellow are now rendered in a shade referred to as “shining silver.” This symbolises timelessness and reflects the company’s focus on technology.
The brand name in black employs the Mincho typeface, which is rooted in Japanese tradition but conveys a sense of modernity and innovation. The sleek and minimalist design aligns with contemporary branding trends. It emphasises clarity and recognition in various digital and print formats.
The Elements of the SoftBank Logo
Font
SoftBank refers to the shade of grey used in its emblem as “shining silver.” This colour was specifically chosen for its unique ability to maintain a shiny appearance, regardless of the surrounding colours or background. In the logo, the two parallel lines drawn in this colour symbolise “the Information Revolution” and the company’s resilience against “the passage of time,” as described on the corporate website of SoftBank.
Colour
The typeface used in the SoftBank logo is a Japanese font called Mincho. This font was selected for its timeless appeal and reflected the aspiration of SoftBank to innovate while respecting historical traditions. According to the company, it conveys their mission to “build a new era that makes people happier while paying homage to history.”
Finally
The SoftBank logo and its iterations mark changes in design aesthetics and reflect broader shifts within the company as it adapts to new markets and technologies. Each logo iteration has built upon its previous variant while reinforcing SoftBank’s identity as an innovator committed to shaping the future.