Japan Society: Design Officer

Hi, I’m Daniel! I am a first-year architecture student from Hong Kong and Kagawa. I have been living in England for 5 years now. 

Being a member in Japan Society for my first year in UCL, I had actively participated in a variety of cultural and social events. This opened different connections with people from all around the world including the current committee which has given me a brief insight into the operations of Japan Society.

Having spent most of my time at the Bartlett, I have accumulated abundant experience in digital design with different software including Canva, Adobe suite (photoshop, illustrator, etc.) and much more. Combining with my designing skills and other arts beyond schoolwork, including model making, film photography and much more, I am confident in my ability to deliver high-quality posts that will promote Japanese culture both within and beyond the society.

Upon being elected as Design Officer, I would experiment with new concepts for various merchandises designs including traditional Japanese clothing like Haori (羽織), which creates a casual but unique identity for members. Furthermore, I would love to use themes inspired by Showa style posters featuring eye-catching aspects from constructivism while retaining traditional Japanese printing designs like Hokusai.

Considering my veteran experience in design, I am inviting you to support my endeavour to serve as your Design Officer next year. 

Thank you very much for your time and please consider voting for me!

Hi, my name is Rinka and I'm a first year Global Humanitarian Studies student. I'm excited to be running for the position of publicity officer this year. As someone who grew up in Japan to Chinese parents, I have developed an appreciation for cross-cultural connections and cultural diversity. Being away from home, Japan Society has been a place where I found connection, creativity, and comfort. I now want to contribute by shaping how our society looks, feels, and represents itself visually.

Experience and eligibility:

• With past leadership experience in student organisations and service groups during high school, including serving as chair, I helped organise events and developed a strong sense of responsibility and teamwork.
• Having previously worked as Publicity Officer, I have experience in visual creation from drawing to digital design and have seen how design shapes engagement, recognition, and the overall presence of the society.
• I am confident in using Canva and applying layout design principles such as visual hierarchy, colour coordination, and typography. 

• Additionally, I am a fast responder and consistently meet deadlines while balancing multiple responsibilities.

  As Design Officer, I want to:

• Create a strong and consistent visual identity across all platforms

• Develop cohesive templates for Instagram posts and stories

  If elected, I promise to dedicate my creaticity, consistency, and attention to detail to making Japan Society's visual identity stronger than ever.

Motivations: To make aesthetic merch.

Experience: KCL Japan Society 2526 Publicity Officer (same role), KCL Japan Society 2425 Subcommittee - Publicity (basically the same role)

Examples of designs: @tuna__illust (my art account), @kcljapansociety (Committee election, Kendo, LUJS Boat Party, LUJS partnerships, Icebreaker etc.)

Why me: I've been doing this for way too long. You can probably (??) trust me frfr.

Here is my manifesto from last year (with commentary):

Hi! My name is Owen and I'm a first year Economics student. My parents are from Hong Kong, but my close bonds with my half-Japanese cousins have led me to learning Japanese. Growing up in HK, a melting pot of cultures, I came to appreciate and develop a deep understanding of Japanese culture (I'm not sure I have?), especially the food (correcto)!

I am running for the position of Publicity Design Officer. As PO for KCLJSOC (censored), I strive to continue using my skills in digital art to contribute to a community where I've made meaningful connections in. I've always been very passionate(?) in visual communication. Relaying information in a concise yet aesthetic manner is difficult, but I'm always down(?) for a challenge (i'm lwk crashing out rn)!

Objectives: (you can ignore this bs)

• Homogeneity: Increase the uniformity of designs such that the Instagram page is orderly and aesthetically pleasing.
• Visual clarity: Select appropriate color palettes and layout to convey information clearly.
• E... (ive ran out of characters SDIYBT

I’m standing for Design Officer because I genuinely enjoy using design to tell stories and connect people. During my volunteer work with Arte Terapeutica Condivisa for Alzheimer’s Care, I co-designed the “Childhood Garden” art therapy workshop for elderly patients in a cognitive-support centre in Shanghai. That experience showed me how colour, imagery, and simple visual details can create comfort, spark memories, and encourage emotional expression. It made me realise that design isn’t just decoration — it shapes how people feel and interact.

Outside of that, I’ve always enjoyed experimenting creatively. I took a 3D art course in high school and created a sculpture about the social pressures women face, which taught me how to turn abstract ideas into visual form. I’ve also designed academic posters and written science blogs with my own drawings to make complex topics easier and more engaging. I’d love to bring that same creativity and energy to Japan Society — designing clean and eye-catching posts that make upcoming events attractive and easy to understand at a glance.