C L I E N T

Kubo + Koya

P R O J E C T

Where eccentrics find community | Available to license

 

| Brand Identity | Character Design
| Products | Strategy

 

S I T U A T I O N

The Gentle Sumo and the Graceful Geisha

 

In the city of Kyoto, with its fleeting cherry blossoms and centuries-old traditions, Kubo and Koya must navigate their insecurities, societal expectations, and the fear of rejection to discover that love, like kindness, can transcend all boundaries. Their journey becomes one of self-acceptance and learning to see themselves through each other’s eyes.

 
 

Characters

  • Kubo

    Kubo grew up in a rural fishing village on the southern coast of Japan. Born to a family of humble fishermen, his immense size and strength made him stand out from an early age. Though many saw him as intimidating, those who knew Kubo understood he was gentle to his core, always putting the needs of others before his own. His mother, a deeply compassionate woman, instilled in him the belief that true strength comes from kindness and protecting others, a lesson he carried with him into adulthood.

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Product Concepts

 

Apparel

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Misc.

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A B O U T

Fate brought Kubo and Koya both to Kyoto, a city of tradition and fleeting moments of beauty. Kubo had moved there to join a prestigious sumo stable, hoping to bring honor to his family and send money home. Despite his towering frame and skill in the ring, Kubo was often teased for his soft-hearted nature, as he lacked the aggression many saw as essential to a sumo wrestler. While he succeeded in the sport, he often doubted whether he truly belonged in such a world.

Koya first saw Kubo during a spring festival, where he stood quietly at the edge of the crowd, towering over everyone but looking oddly out of place. His presence drew her attention—not because of his size, but because of the gentleness in his eyes. Later that evening, Kubo saw Koya perform at the festival, her movements so graceful and her music so hauntingly beautiful that he couldn’t take his eyes off her. From that moment, Kubo admired her from afar, convinced that someone so elegant and refined could never look twice at someone like him.

What Kubo didn’t realize was that Koya, too, was drawn to him. She noticed how he helped an elderly woman carry her basket that day or how he played with children near the festival stalls, showing his true character. To her, Kubo’s quiet strength and humility were more captivating than any finely spoken words.

Despite their growing awareness of each other, Kubo felt unworthy of Koya. He began leaving anonymous gifts outside her okiya—small tokens like delicately carved charms or fresh flowers he picked himself. Koya suspected Kubo was behind these gestures but didn’t press him, waiting for him to gather the courage to speak his heart.

  • B R A N D A T T R I B U T E S

    Trustworthy

    Innovative

    Authentic

    Quality

    Creative

    Empathetic

    Sophisticated

    Inspiring

  • U N I Q U E S E L L I N G P O I N T S

    A heartfelt tale of love and self-discovery set in the timeless beauty of Kyoto, where a gentle sumo wrestler and a graceful geisha overcome insecurities, societal expectations, and self-doubt to find strength in kindness and the courage to embrace true connection.

    • The unique dynamic between a gentle, kind-hearted sumo wrestler and an elegant, self-reliant geisha

    • The rich cultural setting of Kyoto, blending tradition and fleeting beauty (like cherry blossoms)

    • A focus on universal themes of love, self-acceptance, and the power of inner strength