Rooted in heritage,
igniting the future.
ABOUT US
We are a boutique creative studio based in Kamakura, one of Japan’s ancient capitals. Our philosophy, “Innovative Tradition”, is about sculpting the future while drawing from the depth of heritage.
We spark big impact with small, dedicated teams of specialists solving complex business challenges. By bridging tradition and innovation, we collaborate with global partners who value both cultural authenticity and forward-thinking creativity.
WHAT WE DO
Creating narratives, formats, and creative assets that consistently express the brand’s story.
Shaping meaningful interactions across digital, physical, packaging, and hybrid experiences.
Crafting the visual and verbal language—logo, typography, color, and design system—that make the brand distinctive.
Ensuring coherence and alignment across all brand expressions, channels, and stakeholders.
Creating the principles and assets for how a brand moves—video, animation, and digital behavior.
Translating the brand into physical environments, from retail to offices to event spaces.
Designing the verbal identity—tone, messaging, and linguistic style that articulate the brand’s personality.
Services
Research
& Analysis
Understanding where the brand stands today and where it could go tomorrow.
Brand Audit
Brand Benchmark
Market Research
a full evaluation of current brand positioning and performance.
comparative analysis of brand and design standards within the industry.
comprehensive analysis of market dynamics and consumer behavior.
Strategy
& Architecture
Defining the brand’s voice, story, and architecture to create clarity and direction.
Brand Narrative
Brand Architecture
Brand Voice
crafting a compelling story that captures the essence of the brand.
structuring the brand portfolio for clarity and strategic alignment.
defining the tone and personality of the brand’s verbal communication.
Culture
& Organization
Aligning employees and organizations with the brand to foster lasting transformation.
Internal Branding
Change Management
Recruitment for Brands
strengthening brand perception among employees and new talent.
guiding organizations through brand transformation.
building and developing internal brand and design capabilities.
Identity &
Design
Crafting the visual and verbal language
that makes a brand instantly recognizable.
Naming & Tagline
Brand Identity & Brand Core
Brand Behaviour
creating memorable and distinctive names and taglines.
developing key identity elements: name, logo, typography, and color palette.
shaping the visual system that expresses the brand’s essence and narrative.
Experience & Communication
Designing meaningful interactions and content across digital and physical touchpoints.
VIDEO Motion
Digital Brand Environment
Content Strategy
designing motion behavior and producing videos for digital channels.
multichannel design (web, app, and product) with UX/UI that drives brand growth.
building digital and offline content strategies that connect with audiences.
Launch
& Management
Bringing the brand to life and sustaining
its evolution over time.
Brand Launch
Brand Activation
Brand Management
strategies and assets to introduce a brand and communicate change.
implementing strategies across touchpoints to bring the brand to life.
strategic direction and tools for sustaining and expanding the brand system.
Process
From Narrative to “EX.”
Thought, Language, Vision, and Experience.
At Tomdachi Ltd., we sculpt brand narratives that translate a company’s philosophy into a cohesive brand experience. Fusing sensibility and reason, we build brand strategies grounded in leadership vision and business strategy — defining the brand’s enduring essence.
Narrative Identity System™
Our process begins with narrative design, but it extends far beyond — translating stories into spaces, identities, and digital experiences that foster sustainable growth and lasting impact.
From language to UX, from branding to regional revitalization, we transcend boundaries to shape visions where business, culture, and innovation converge.
Philosophy
Create world-class creativity from local roots.
Build what connects the local to the world.
Founder
Founded by Tomohiro Kaji, former global creative lead at UNIQLO and graduate of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Tomodachi Ltd. is a brand design consultancy rooted in Kamakura, with creative reach extending across Tokyo and Chiba, and international connections to New York, San Francisco, Portland, and Milan.
The studio specializes in heritage-driven, contemporary branding, blending history, culture, and design innovation. From Michelin-starred restaurants and long-established companies to leading medical and welfare organizations, Tomodachi Ltd. sculpts brand narratives that connect tradition with modern experience.
Recognized with multiple international honors—including the Taiwan International Graphic Design Award, A’ Design Award, Design Master Prize, and Japan Package Design Awards—Tomohiro is an official member of the Japan Graphic Design Association (JAGDA) and its Copyright Protection Committee.
Based in the coastal regions of Kamakura, Japan, the studio provides integrated services in branding, spatial and retail design, consulting, content production, and regional revitalization—crafting cohesive solutions that unite heritage, creativity, and impact. Tomodachi collaborates with heritage brands and contemporary creators worldwide to shape authentic cultural identities that bridge Japan and the world.
Partners
Conceptor & Copywriter
Satoshi Umeda
A Singapore-based Japanese concept designer, copywriter, and entrepreneur recognized with over 30 international and domestic awards, including the Cannes Lions, Red Dot Design Award, and Good Design Award.
https://www.uandme.jp
Architect
Tatsuto Nakajima
An architect exploring modernism, postmodernism, and the human-centered lifestyle of California. His work integrates Japanese perspectives on materials, climate, and harmony, bridging culture and contemporary life.
https://www.ueadf.com
Photography & Motion Specialists in Beauty
RANSOM Ltd.
A Portland-based visual production company that champions bold creativity and original vision. Dedicated to visual excellence, RANSOM produces imagery that uplifts, inspires, and redefines contemporary beauty.
https://www.ransomltd.comCompany profile
Company Name
Tomodachi Ltd.
Representative
Tomohiro Kaji, CEO & Creative Director
Office
Zaimokuza 2-1-20 #104, Kamakura,
Kanagawa 248-0013
Established
July, 2019
Business Activities
Brand Strategy and Design, Communication and Experience, Activation and Naming, Culture and Change, Business Analytics and Insights, Regional Revitalization, and Accommodation Operation
Awards & Recognition
A’ Design Award
Gold Prize (Three Categories)
AIGA
Cause and Effect Award
Design Master Prize
Winner (Website & Digital Design)
Japan Package Design Awards
International Gold Category
London International Creative Competition
Shortlist
Taiwan International Graphic Award
Corporate Identity Category
Memberships
Member of JAGDA (Japan Graphic Designers Association), serving on the Creative Preservation Committee