A bilingual creative agency based in Tokyo is making waves in the design world by successfully bridging cultural and linguistic divides through innovative visual storytelling. Bianco Bianco, founded by graphic designer Lena Manger and her longtime collaborator Patryk Kulig, has emerged as a distinctive voice in Japan's creative landscape over the past two years.
Manger, who splits her time between Berlin and Tokyo, brings a unique perspective to her role as graphic designer, art director, and writer. Her approach centers on creating emotionally resonant work that generates genuine connections with audiences. Together with Kulig, she has developed Bianco Bianco into both a full-service creative agency and the publisher of "sabukaru," an influential media collective and magazine that captures Tokyo's alternative spirit.
The agency's identity draws inspiration from the fundamental forces that drive creative expression: art, literature, film, and music. Through sabukaru magazine, Manger provides a platform for these influences while also showcasing niche subcultures and cross-border creativity. The publication's debut issue serves as a comprehensive exploration of Tokyo's rich cultural landscape, featuring legendary filmmaker Takeshi Kitano as its cover star alongside an eclectic mix of collaborators.
The inaugural issue showcases an impressive roster of creative talents, including electronic artist Thaiboy Digital, graphic designers Tim Lindacher and Mike Sunday, and producer-artist Palmistry. The magazine delves deep into Tokyo's underground scene, celebrating artsy films, tattoo culture, boundary-pushing DJs, latex fashion, and alternative style movements. All content is printed with distinctive silver spot color, creating a premium aesthetic that matches the publication's high-quality editorial content.
Adding to its collector appeal, the first issue features three variant covers and includes a special edition created in collaboration with renowned fashion brand Stone Island. This strategic partnership demonstrates Bianco Bianco's ability to work across different creative industries while maintaining its distinctive editorial voice.
The agency's own visual identity serves as a masterclass in minimalist design philosophy, functioning as a blank canvas that promotes accessibility without sacrificing sophistication. The bilingual identity system reflects both clarity and timeless elegance while ensuring that all of the agency's work remains completely accessible to diverse audiences. This approach has proven particularly effective in overcoming language barriers that often challenge international creative collaborations.
Bianco Bianco recently underwent a comprehensive visual overhaul that extends far beyond traditional branding elements. The redesign includes a completely new website, updated stationery system, and premium aluminum business card holders produced by Seoul-based design studio Niceworkshop. Recognizing the special significance that business cards hold in Japanese work culture, the team approached this element with particular attention to detail.
"Given that business cards hold a special significance in Japanese work culture, we approached this element of the identity with particular care, ensuring it feels both meaningful and memorable," Manger explained. The resulting design reflects this cultural sensitivity while maintaining the agency's commitment to contemporary aesthetics and functional design.
The redesign philosophy emphasizes simplicity, contemporary appeal, and precision, utilizing elegant wordmarks and sophisticated graphics specifically designed to eliminate language barriers. "Design played a central role, with typography, layout, and material choices reflecting the platform's eclectic, playful, and cross-cultural approach," Manger shared. The team's attention to detail extends to individual story presentations, with each piece receiving unique treatment to maintain reader engagement.
"While keeping the broader system in mind, we wanted each story to feel special and unique, making it fun for the reader to keep exploring," Manger noted. This approach ensures that both the magazine and the agency's broader creative output maintain consistency while allowing for creative flexibility and experimentation.
Through the successful combination of their debut magazine launch and comprehensive visual identity redesign, Bianco Bianco has effectively captured and displayed Tokyo's enduring style and attitude. The agency's work demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how design can transcend cultural boundaries while celebrating local creative communities. This dual achievement positions Bianco Bianco as a significant emerging force in the international creative industry, proving that thoughtful design and cultural sensitivity can create powerful platforms for cross-cultural creative expression.
