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Gaijin

‘24
Brand
[ Client ]
Interior of Gaijin Izakaya restaurant showcasing branded signage and decor

The Challenge

Gaijin Izakaya is a Japanese restaurant in the heart of Tel Aviv, blending street-punk energy with classic izakaya culture. I was responsible for the full visual direction — from brand strategy to final execution — creating an identity that feels rebellious, handcrafted, and deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics.

Photograph of Gaijin Izakaya branding on restaurant packaging and menusInterior of Gaijin Izakaya restaurant showcasing branded signage and decorInterior of Gaijin Izakaya restaurant showcasing branded signage and decorPhotograph of Gaijin Izakaya branding on restaurant packaging and menus

Brand Identity

The visual system channels 1980s Japanese street culture: custom calligraphy-inspired logotype, bold Japanese typography meets clean grids, hand-drawn illustrations and icons, cohesive brand guidelines for print & digital.

Photograph of Gaijin Izakaya branding on restaurant packaging and menusPhotograph of Gaijin Izakaya branding on restaurant packaging and menusPhotograph of Gaijin Izakaya branding on restaurant packaging and menusPhotograph of Gaijin Izakaya branding on restaurant packaging and menusPhotograph of Gaijin Izakaya branding on restaurant packaging and menusPhotograph of Gaijin Izakaya branding on restaurant packaging and menusPhotograph of Gaijin Izakaya branding on restaurant packaging and menusPhotograph of Gaijin Izakaya branding on restaurant packaging and menusPhotograph of Gaijin Izakaya branding on restaurant packaging and menus

Final Result

The brand now lives across print and digital — from animated signage to immersive menus. It stands out not only in Tel Aviv’s culinary scene, but in how it redefines what Japanese branding can feel like abroad: raw, rich, and unforgettable.

Photograph of Gaijin Izakaya branding on restaurant packaging and menusPhotograph of Gaijin Izakaya branding on restaurant packaging and menusPhotograph of Gaijin Izakaya branding on restaurant packaging and menusPhotograph of Gaijin Izakaya branding on restaurant packaging and menus
Shinola Detroit website project cover with animated phonograph design

shinola

‘24
Design & Dev
Burachevsky
Roman