Symbol marks and logos are generally used to promote public recognition of new companies, new products or events, such as athletic meets or trade fairs. The University has developed the Communication Mark, since the use of such a visual symbol is effective in promoting Hiroshima University's new motto on and off campus: Hiroshima University: Fostering Human Resources Who Are Daring and Decisive.
 

Members of Hiroshima University can use this Communication Mark in various media and publications, in compliance with the VI Manual. The University hopes that the Communication Mark will be used by many people.
 

Many designs were proposed as visible symbols of the University's motto "Hiroshima University: Fostering Human Resources Who Are Daring and Decisive." In addition, many other designs were prepared, representing Hiroshima, its people and the University's key concept: fusion of education, research and community collaboration. Among the many proposed designs, the University selected those with motifs involving the letter "H/h" of Hiroshima, daringness, decisiveness and people.
 

The University's crest uses a phoenix leaf as its motif. Although the University selected this motif in recognition of the plant's association with the mythological bird that, like Hiroshima City, arises from the ashes, it is difficult to get an image of Hiroshima University from just a green leaf crest, as well, the university wanted to focused on an image which was daring and decisive about the future, and thus decided not to use the phoenix leaf in the Communication Mark, preferring to emphasize the University's orientation to the future.
 

The Communication Mark will be used together with the University's logotype (comprising characters of specific font and size). Several color variations, including black and white, are available to enable the selection of an optimal combination with the background color. The Communication Mark has been designed for use on name cards, envelopes, letter pads, report sheets, leaflets and brochures.
 

The University crest is a time-honored symbol, representing the University's long history and tradition. Accordingly, the University will continue to use the crest on official documents, including diplomas, certificates and students/staff ID cards. There are, however, several variations of the crest, as a result of repeated reproductions. Since the crest's original design has been lost, on the occasion of adopting the Communication Mark, the University decided to specify the crest design and regulations regarding its usage so as to prevent its misuse. The University Crest Regulations took effect in April 2004.
 

The University Crest was adopted in 1956 as the design for university buttons. Subsequently, the same design was used for the University flag, and green was selected as the University color. Most students and faculty members associate this flag design with the University crest. The details of the design, however, differ slightly from those of the crest printed on diplomas.
 

Since introducing the new Communication Mark, the University has received various responses. Some people felt that they had seen similar logos somewhere; others felt uncomfortable with the Communication Mark design. The University believes, however, that by using the Communication Mark on various occasions, it will come to be loved by all students and faculty/staff members. The University hopes that, upon seeing the Communication Mark, increasing numbers of people will recall Hiroshima University. Through brand management, including adoption of the Communication Mark, the University intends to enhance students' and faculty/staff members' pride in the University and stimulate their motivation. At the same time, the University hopes that the introduction of this new logo will trigger concrete discussions on the ideal states of Hiroshima University and the direction in which it should go.
 

For further information, contact:
Hiroshima University Public Relations Group
Tel: +81-82-424-6131 Fax: +81-82-424-6040
E-mail: koho@office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp