
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.”
The History of SoftBank
SoftBank was founded by Masayoshi Son in September 1981 as a distributor of packaged software. After recognising the potential of personal computers, he aimed to create a “software bank” that would support Japan’s emerging information society. In May 1982, the company diversified into publishing with the launch of Oh! PC and Oh! MZ, magazines that were focused on NEC and Sharp computers, respectively. By 1989, these publications had made SoftBank the largest publisher of computer and technology magazines in Japan.
In 1990, the company officially changed its name to SoftBank Corporation. A key moment came in 1994 when SoftBank went public, wherein it achieved a valuation of $3 billion. This period also saw significant investments in Internet services, which laid the groundwork for future growth.
The mid-1990s marked a transformative phase for SoftBank as it entered the burgeoning Internet market. In 1996, it formed a joint venture with Yahoo! Inc. to create Yahoo Japan, which quickly became one of the most popular websites in Japan. In fact, this partnership was crucial for establishing SoftBank’s presence in the digital landscape.
SoftBank continued to expand its portfolio by acquiring Ziff Davis Publishing for $2.1 billion in 1995 and later purchasing COMDEX, a major computer trade show. However, the aggressive expansion strategy of the company faced challenges during the dot-com bubble burst in 2000. It led to a significant decline in the stock value of the company.
In 2006, SoftBank acquired Vodafone Japan, which it rebranded as SoftBank Mobile Corp. This acquisition positioned SoftBank as a leading player in Japan’s mobile telecommunications market. The company launched innovative services such as Yahoo! BB broadband and VoIP telephone services. These further cemented its reputation for technological advancement. During this period, SoftBank also ventured into international investments. The most notable among them was investing $20 million in the Alibaba Group in 2000. This later yielded enormous returns when Alibaba went public in 2014.
In recent years, SoftBank has focused on artificial intelligence and technology investments through its SoftBank Vision Fund. It was launched in 2017 with $100 billion raised from various investors, including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. This fund aims to invest in innovative companies globally. SoftBank’s evolution continues as it adapts to changing market dynamics while maintaining its core mission of fostering technological advancements that enhance people’s lives.
Interesting Facts About SoftBank
- SoftBank was founded in 1981 by Masayoshi Son as a software distributor. The name “SoftBank” was inspired by the concept of a “software bank,” which sought to connect software developers with hardware manufacturers in Japan.
- In the mid-1990s, SoftBank played a significant role in the Internet boom in Japan. It established Yahoo Japan through a joint investment with Yahoo! Inc., which became one of the most popular online platforms in the country.
- SoftBank has a history of strategic acquisitions to expand its influence. Two of the notable purchases include Ziff-Davis Publishing for $2.1 billion and Vodafone Japan for $21.6 billion. These helped SoftBank to establish its mobile telecommunications arm.
- Launched in 2017, the SoftBank Vision Fund is one of the largest technology-focused venture capital funds globally, with over $100 billion in capital. It aims to invest in innovative companies across various sectors, including artificial intelligence and robotics.
- SoftBank has made significant investments in robotics. It has acquired companies like Boston Dynamics and Schaft from Alphabet. These acquisitions align with its vision of advancing robotics technology and integrating it into everyday life.
- SoftBank owns the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. It is a successful professional baseball team in Japan. This acquisition has enhanced the brand recognition and corporate reputation of the company.
- SoftBank has expanded its business interests worldwide. It has invested in numerous startups and technology firms across different industries, which included e-commerce, finance, and telecommunications.
- SoftBank is known for its innovative products, such as “Pepper.” Launched in 2015, the Pepper is the world’s first robot capable of recognising human emotions.
- Masayoshi Son has articulated a long-term vision for SoftBank that spans over 300 years. It is focused on creating sustainable technological advancements that benefit society.
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.