Yosemoji × Graffiti – A Fusion of Japan and New York

By blending the elegance of traditional Japanese calligraphy with the raw energy of New York street graffiti, we’ve created a bold new form of visual expression, one that bridges two distinct cultures and tells our story.

At the heart of this fusion is Yosemoji, a calligraphic style born in the Edo period. Known for its rich, ink-laden strokes and upward-slanting form, Yosemoji was traditionally used on theater posters and shop signs. Its purpose was more than aesthetic, it was symbolic. Its bold, ink-laden strokes, written to minimize empty space, expressed a wish to fill seats. The upward angle expressed a wish to grow. Over time, Yosemoji became known as a lucky script, a style tied to prosperity and connection. This spirit aligns with Saltfields Brewing’s vision: to create a place where people gather, connect, and cultivate culture.

With Yosemoji Graffiti, we aim to establish a visual identity that is distinctly our own, one that echoes our roots in both Japan and New York. We hope to make this a signature style of Saltfields Brewing, leaving a lasting impression of the world we’re building. For our first label, we collaborated with a calligrapher friend to bring this vision to life. The result: a striking rendering of 米麦酒 (Rice Beer) in Yosemoji Graffiti, our tribute to tradition, reimagined.