Step away from a major street, and you'll quickly find that much of Japan suffers a dearth of clear signage. Town block indicator plates are most cities’ answer to street names, but even these primary markers lack continuity in visual appearance and format.

Together with Type Project, graphic designer Yoshiaki Irobe has developed “Tokyo CityFont,” a typeface that can be used not only on block indicator plates but throughout diverse platforms of information: everything from maps and buses to street signs and banners.

“Not only does this increase convenience for local residents, it contributes to making deeper impressions on visitors and to improving the long-term value of the city,” says the designer.