11/02/2026
Yasuo Kuroki was a Japanese graphic designer and Sony’s in-house designer who created the iconic Sony logo in 1973. Working under Akio Morita and Norio Ohga, Kuroki refined earlier logos from 1955, emphasizing simplicity and modernity. His minimalist design, featuring clean typography, became a globally recognized symbol of Sony’s innovation. Kuroki’s work focused on clarity and timelessness, contributing to Sony’s brand identity. His logo remains largely unchanged, a testament to its enduring impact.
In 1984, Sony launched a worldwide competition inviting designs for a new logo. Nearly 30,000 entries poured in, and the company awarded the prize money as promised. However, Sony ultimately decided to stick with their original logo, running an ad in *TIME* magazine to politely say, “Thanks, but no thanks.”
