Idea 014, 1955. Cover design by Yoshio Hayakawa

Members Content

Yoshio Hayakawa. Japanese Graphic Designer | 1917 – 2009

Yoshio Hayakawa is one of Japan’s most influential post-war poster designers. His work represents a fusion of traditional Japanese art and European modernism often using soft, poetic brushstrokes and refined colour palettes and capturing the elegance of Japanese aesthetics while integrating the clean lines and bold visual language of Western design.

Share:

Members Content

This is a members-only article, gain access and support the archive for £1.99 a month.
Memberships help grow the design collection and share research on the history of graphic design.

You can sign up here.

Already a member?

Sign in below

Yoshio Hayakawa - Japanese Graphic Designer
Yoshio Hayakawa was born in Osaka in 1917 and is regarded as one of Japan's most influential post-war poster designers. His work is often described as a "harmonisation of traditional Japanese art with Western art," reflecting the design fusion that became a hallmark of Japan's postwar creative output. 
More info about
More graphic design history articles

Members Content

This 1,500 word essay is about the life and work of Willem Sandberg and is illustrated with part of my collection of over 100 pieces of Sandberg’s work, including books, Stedelijk Museum catalogues, and various individual printed items.

Members Content

As a chemist, I have an obligation to be curious – I grab a stack of our chemical journals and start with the advertising section. I start it, the walk through the sand. I don’t want to deny some oases. But soon I’m bored and tired.

Members Content

Max Huber worked across advertising, packaging, design and industrial design. He had a distinctive style that skillfully blended bright hues with photomontage.

Members Content

The advertising has a certain contrast of hand-drawn and mechanical. Produced entirely in black, it reminds us that the absence of colour can be highly effective. Hans Michel and Günther Kieser's illustrations bring a sense of both playfulness and a stylistic approach to a corporate client.