Looking back at the launch of Asset Management One Co., Ltd. in October 2016.
I was commissioned to create the main visual for their corporate brand: the character 「1」 (One).
Writing the 10-meter “One”
The scale of this work was immense—nearly 10 meters long.
I spent an entire day, from early morning until late at night, in a studio, wielding a gigantic brush to write the character over and over until I was satisfied.
The final advertisement featured not just the character but also a photo of me writing it, showcasing the overwhelming scale of the brushstroke.
From Paper to the City
This massive “1” did not stay in the studio. It expanded into the city as the symbol of the new company.
It appeared on large billboards in train stations, inside buildings, and on signage across the city.
Seeing my calligraphy integrated into the urban landscape, marking the start of a major financial group, was a deeply rewarding moment.
Artwork for the Headquarters
I also provided the original calligraphy work for the lobby of their headquarters.
Framed in gold to match the corporate color, it stands as a symbol of their philosophy to be “No.1.”
I had the honor of taking a commemorative photo with the CEO in front of the installed masterpiece.
Yabe Chosho Office
