Shimadzu 島津 is a leading manufacturer of analytical and medical instruments. The company commissioned Hanyi Fonts to create Shimadzu Genso Sans, the industry’s first custom brand font. This elegant typeface, designed to boost brand recognition and eliminate font copyright risks, was awarded the iF Design Award 2025.
The core concept, “Beauty of Health,” reflects Shimadzu’s commitment to the well-being of humankind and the Earth, aligning with the company’s management principles. Inspired by the handwritten descriptions of X-ray radiography systems by Genzo Shimadzu Junior, the font fuses the warmth of handwriting with natural, curved lines, resulting in a minimalist aesthetic.
Genso Sans is designed for easy readability on digital devices like tablets and smartphones, taking into consideration users with disabilities. This universal design is compatible with the Latin alphabet, used in 35 languages, as well as with Hebrew. It also adheres to the GB/T2312 standard, offering three weights and encompassing Chinese, Western, Greek characters, numerals, and more.