Logo Meeting in the Dragon God Forest! Seeking a New Face for RYUJIN BASE OUTDOORS

Hello, this is NICO, the designer from Kemono Town.As I mentioned in a recent blog post, my friend YOJI’s outdoor shop rebranding project has now entered the logo design phase.The logo, the “face” of the store, is a condensed symbol of its vision and concept. That’s why I, NICO, poured my heart into creating several logo proposals.

I’ve been staring at my PC late into the night, to the point where LUCY the bear teased me:“NICO, you’ve got dark circles under your eyes! Oh wait—by ‘kuma,’ I mean me!?”

LUCY, I think I’ve heard that joke enough times already…

The Meeting Stage: The Mystical Dragon God Forest

We couldn’t possibly hold this logo review meeting in an office.After all, YOJI’s goal is to run “an outdoor shop that proposes a lifestyle in harmony with nature.”The best ideas are born in nature itself, right?

So, with LUNA the cat and LUCY the bear in tow, we ventured deep into Kemono Town to the Dragon God Forest for a day-camp-style logo review session.

The forest is wrapped in a local legend: the Dragon God Lake, said to be home to the Dragon God himself.It’s known as a spiritual power spot, where the crisp, pure air feels like it cleanses your heart.

LUNA, with a serious face, said, “Surely the Dragon God will guide us.”Meanwhile, I was utterly captivated by the rich aroma of the campfire coffee LUNA brewed.I’m convinced that this coffee carried the Dragon God’s blessing!

The Name “RYUJIN BASE OUTDOORS” and YOJI’s Vision

YOJI has inherited his father’s authentic outdoor shop and is ready to evolve it in a new direction.

His vision is to create a place where not only seasoned outdoor enthusiasts but also complete beginners—people who’ve never camped before—can casually drop by, experience the beauty of nature, and gather as if it’s a “base camp” for everyone.

After hearing his passionate vision, I suggested the name “RYUJIN BASE OUTDOORS.”

YOJI immediately lit up:“Feels like a secret base… that really suits me.”He was also happy that the beloved ‘Ryujin’ name, passed down from his father, would live on.

The name, inspired by Dragon God Lake—the home of Kemono Town’s guardian deity—truly symbolizes the town.In the logo, I wanted to express this sense of connection and new beginnings.The color palette is also rooted in earth tones, reflecting an eco-friendly image.

My Four Unique Logo Proposals

And now, here are the logo proposals that could become the new face of RYUJIN BASE OUTDOORS!

I brought four designs I’m proud of.

As I explained the concept behind each to YOJI, LUNA, and LUCY, ideas and opinions flew across the campfire—it was a lively and colorful discussion.

Option A: Friendly Fusion of Dragon God and Community

This symbol shows the Dragon God gently enveloping people.The majestic yet approachable dragon silhouette hides the figures of people inside, representing YOJI’s concept of “a base where anyone can gather.”It evokes families and friends joyfully spending time in nature.

YOJI nodded, “This would make first-timers feel welcome.”Then LUCY said, “Hey, let’s have the dragon carry bread for us!”

LUCY, your brain is basically a theme park of bread.

Option B: Gateway to the Forest and Invitation to Adventure

This mark embodies the hope that RYUJIN BASE OUTDOORS will serve as a doorway to nature.With mountains, forest imagery, and cloud shapes reminiscent of the Dragon God, it’s a simple yet grand design.The gate-like form represents an easy first step into adventure.

LUNA admired it: “It’s so refined—perfect for grown-up outdoor life.”

Option C: Mysterious and Profound Harmony of Dragon God and Nature

This logo expresses the mystical depth of the Dragon God Forest.The dragon’s form blends with the scenery of the forest and lake, evoking a faraway story.Earth-tone gradients capture the lush natural world of Kemono Town.

YOJI reflected, “This feels… historical.”LUNA added, “It’s like a painting,” appreciating its artistic feel.

Option D: Nature’s Blessing, Memories of the Landscape

This design reflects our wish for RYUJIN BASE OUTDOORS to leave a lasting impression of beautiful landscapes on its visitors.It abstracts iconic scenery—Dragon God Lake, the surrounding mountains, and clouds like a dragon in the sky—into a memorable mark.

It’s designed to awaken each viewer’s personal memory of nature.

LUCY said, “Looking at this makes me want bread again…”Honestly, LUCY, even landscapes make you think of bread?

As we debated around the campfire, we also enjoyed LUCY’s special campfire cooking and took breaks with LUNA’s carefully brewed coffee.

It was a heartwarming, Kemono Town-style creative session.

RYUJIN BASE OUTDOORS’ New Face… Soon!?

Now, the question everyone’s waiting for: Which logo did YOJI choose in the end?

Sorry, I can’t reveal it yet! That’s for the next blog post.But I can promise you this:

The chosen logo truly captures YOJI’s vision for RYUJIN BASE OUTDOORS and will surely excite everyone who sees it.

As for whether the Dragon God gave us a sign… hmm, I’ll just keep that as one of Kemono Town’s little mysteries in my heart.

By the way, I’d love to hear your opinions on these logo proposals!We’ll also run a poll on Instagram Stories—come vote and help choose the new face of RYUJIN BASE OUTDOORS!

If today’s blog made you think,“I like this logo!” or “I wonder what this shop will become?”please leave a comment.

Your voices inspire me, NICO, and all the residents of Kemono Town for our next story.

See you in the next NICOlogue!