Wrestling / Japan / Research

EXTENDED PRACTICE / OUGD603
WRESTLING PUBLICATION
JAPAN / PURORESU

Puroresu (プロレス) is the popular term for the predominant style or genre of professional wrestling that has developed in Japan. The term comes from the Japanese pronunciation of "professional wrestling" (プロフェッショナル・レスリング), which is shortened to puroresu.

 In this sense, puroresu could be transliterated as pro-wres. The term became popular among English-speaking fans due to Hisaharu Tanabe's activities in the online Usenet community. Growing out of origins in the traditional American style of wrestling, it has become an entity in itself. Japanese pro wrestling is distinct in its psychology and presentation of the sport. It is treated as a legitimate fight, with fewer theatrics; the stories told in Japanese matches are about a fighter's spirit and perseverance. In strong style, the style most typically associated with puroresu, full contact martial arts strikes and shoot submission holds are implemented.

SOURCE

I have actually watched quite a lot of Japanese style wrestling, just through following the careers of some of my favourite wrestlers. Many of the most successful superstars in the most famous roster WWE actually had stints in Japan to gain more experience and skill in the overall in the sport. In some ways having the experience of wrestling in Japan usually gives a wrestler more credit as they have experienced the harsher style of wrestling as well as having improved skillets.

PURORESU VS PRO-WRESTLING 'US-STYLE'

'Perhaps the most obvious difference is the fact that puroresu tends to rely far less on the gimmickry that characterises the US sport. Most wrestlers work under their own names or simple variations thereof, and outlandish costumes are few and far between (though not unheard of as in the cases of the masked stars Jushin 'Thunder' Liger and the legendary Tiger Mask).

Another notable difference is that in puroresu (as opposed to US-style pro-wrestling) the grapplers are less likely to pull their blows. While this means that there is a greater chance of a wrestler being injured during the match, it also tends to generate a more seemingly 'real' performance to the eyes of the casual observer.The intense physical competition and no-nonsense style of puroresu are perhaps a result of the fact that Japanese fans expect their wrestling icons to pour their hearts and souls into their performances. Many observers note that as long as a wrestler shows that they have some degree of skill and the undaunted spirit to win, then the fans will appreciate them for it and to hell with gimmicks and plots that just get in the way.'

SOURCE


The red highlighted portions of this gathered information are relating to the comments I made about my opinions on the current state of the sport in the  'INITIAL RESEARCH & THOUGHTS' post. I feel that the reality of this style of wrestling used to be a lot more incorporated in the american brand as there were many more superstars there that had done time in the Japanese wrestling circuit.

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HISTORY

The first Japanese to involve himself in catch wrestling, the basis of traditional professional wrestling, was former sumo wrestler Sorakichi Matsuda. There were subsequent attempts before and after World War II to popularize the sport in Japan, but these generally failed until the advent of its first big star, Rikidōzan, in 1951, who became known as the "father" of the sport. Rikidōzan brought the sport to tremendous popularity with his Japanese Wrestling Association (JWA) until his murder in 1963. Following his death, Puroresu thrived, creating a variety of personalities, promotions and styles.

SORAKICHI MATSUDA

Sorakichi Matsuda (1859 – August 16, 1891)

was a Japanese professional wrestler of the 19th century. He became a feature attraction in America, competing in a distinctly western sport, long before it was adopted in Japan.

Matsuda came to the United States in 1883 and had his first match in New York City on January 14, 1884. He lost to the Englishman Edwin Bibby. In March, 1884, Matsuda beat Bibby and then James Daley in New York. Over the next few months he went on the road and wrestled in Cleveland, Baltimore, Buffalo, Rochester,Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Chicago and Peoria. His opponents included Duncan Ross, Jack Gallagher, Benny Jones, Joe Acton, Carlos Martino and Ted George.

Greco-Roman Champion William Muldoon was Matsuda's most famous opponent. Muldoon beat Matsuda in Chicago on July 18, 1884. Matsuda returned to New York City in August, 1884, where he lived until June, 1885. 

SOURCE

RIKIDŌZAN

Mitsuhiro Momota / Rikidōzan (November 14, 1924 – December 15, 1963)

(百田 光浩 Momota Mitsuhiro), better known as Rikidōzan (Japanese: 力道山, Korean: 역도산Yeokdosan, was a Korean-Japanese professional wrestler, known as the "Father of Puroresu" and one of the most influential men in wrestling history. 

Initially, he had moved from his native country Korea to mainland Japan to become a sumo wrestler. He was credited with bringing the sport of professional wrestling to Japan at a time when the Japanese needed a local hero to emulate and was lauded as a national hero.
Kim Sin-rak (Hangul: 김신락; Hanja: 金信洛) was born in South Hamgyong, in Korea, on November 14, 1924. He became the adopted son of the farmer "Momota family" of Nagasaki Prefecture when he was young and trained to be a sumo wrestler. He joined Nishonoseki stable, and made his debut in May, 1940. Due to the discrimination against Koreans by the Japanese, Sin-rak claimed that his name was Mitsuhiro Momota (Momota being the surname of the family which adopted, but later disowned, him) and listed his birthplace asOmura, Nagasaki. He was given the shikona of Rikidōzan. He reached the topmakuuchi division in 1946 and was runner-up to yokozuna Haguroyama in thetournament of June 1947, losing a playoff for the championship. He fought in 23 tournaments in total, with a win-loss record of 135-82. His highest rank wassekiwake.

Rikidōzan gave up sumo in 1950. Although he claimed it was for financial reasons, discrimination against Koreans may have been a contributory factor. He made his professional wrestling debut in 1951 with a ten minute draw against Bobby Bruns. He established himself as Japan's biggest wrestling star by defeating one American wrestler after another.



Through research on Japanese wrestling, as well as a little previous knowledge I already have from watching wrestling, the promotion 'New Japan Pro Wrestling' (NJPW) has come up a lot. I decided to look at this promotion a little more in depth to gather more knowledge on its impact in the sport in Japan as well as Worldwide.


NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING

'New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co., Ltd. (新日本プロレス株式会社 Shin Nihon Puroresu Kabushiki-kaisha) (operating asNew Japan Pro-Wrestling (新日本プロレス Shin Nihon Puroresu) – NJPW) is a major professional wrestlingpromotion in Japan, founded in June 1972 by Antonio Inoki, who sold the promotion to video game developer Yuke'sin 2005 and sold in 2012 to Bushiroad.'
Owing to its TV program aired on TV Asahi, it is the largest wrestling promotion in Japan and the second largest in the world in terms of attendance and revenue (behind WWE). From its creation in 1972 until 1986, NJPW was a member of the National Wrestling Alliance. NJPW is known for openly engaging in working agreements with various MMA andpro wrestling promotions around the world, including: World Wrestling Entertainment, World Championship Wrestling,Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, Full Impact Pro, WAR, Ring of Honor, Pride Fighting Championships, and Jersey All Pro Wrestling and various other MMA and pro wrestling promotions. NJPW's biggest event of the year is theJanuary 4th at the Tokyo Dome, an event they have held each year since 1992, currently promoted under the Wrestle Kingdom banner.'

(Things I want to look into further)

Reading though the information given, its easy to understand now, why I have heard of this promotion so much due to its relationship with the more western companies such as the WWE and WCW. 

NJPW is the largest professional wrestling organisation in Japan and the second biggest in the world behind the WWE. This is a very interesting statistic, at first this was a little shock, but after thinking about it, there are not that many prospering wrestling promotions in the US or UK outside of the WWE as any wrestler that looks to become successful with in the countries see the WWE as the 'be all and end all'. The Japanese people also love their professional wrestling

SM / Visiting Professionals

VISITING PROFESSIONALS
DSM / DESIGN SOMETHING MORE
TALK & BRIEF.


Design Something More is a new company that has been formed by a group of 3 designers that were recently a apart of the large Branding and Identity studio Elmwood. The talked about how they all had been apart of Elmwood for a good number of years and really enjoyed there time there (thats apparent from the length of time they were all there).

Unfortunately they were unable to show us any of the work they have been working on because of legal reasons, however they did have a little animation that gave us an idea on what they were as a company. This animation was actually made by The Hungry Sandwich
Club, a company made up of designers from last year LCA graduates.


'WE ARE A MULTIDISCIPLINE DESIGN STUDIO WHO BELIEVE EVERY BRAND SHOULD BE A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.'


The guys from DSM explained how they approach their work and view on what a brand should be. They talked about how a brand isn't just visual collateral like a logo being plastid across different things and sticking with colour themes. They also explained how a brand should be an experience. A brand that puts consumers through negative or nondescript experience will either be remembered in a negative way or simply not at all. Engaging with the audience gives the impression that they are cared about and invest emotionally into the brand

To have a brand that stands for something means that it gives off an air and cause that people can believe in and stand behind. This is how brands can lead to change and design can be used as an opportunity to make a difference. 

They explained that Movember was a great example of how a cause like testicular cancer isn't the most relatable subject due to it being a rather intimate issue. However making the subject engaging and using something like facial hair steers away from the intimate side of this problem however is still keeps the subject based on 'manliness' and makes the awareness raising fun.


DEFINE
What should the brand stand for ?
Why should it exist?
What is it's function?
Who people care?
Why is it different?

CREATE
What does it do? 
What does it look like?
What does it sound like?

BUILD
Make it relevant.
How does its communicate?
How can it be pushed beyond the norm.

What else can the brand do other than the obvious?


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BRIEF

We were asked to create a brand for a service that are usually seen in a boring in un-engaging light. These services were on pieces of paper that we had to pick from a hat. 
I picked - CITY COUNCIL.

Not going to lie, I wasn't thrilled at this at first just because the council is such a boring subject and I do know that the council do a lot of different things but only vaguely what the specific jobs are. Of course this is the point of the excersice so I'm sure that my enthusiasm will get a boost once I start gaining more of an understanding.



I really enjoyed the talk given by DSM as I am a designer that leans more to the Branding and Identity side of Graphic design so it was really interesting listening to their interpretation of what the aim of a brand should be. I also feel that using these guys as a source for my COP would very helpful as I can interview them and ask questions on how they feel ethics should be used as well as utilising there experiences working with a large company such as Elmwood as well as experiences in smaller companies such as the one they are apart of now.

Wedding Thanks / Initial ideas / Sketches

OUGD603.

WEDDING THANK YOU'S.

PRESENTATION & PACKAGING.

WHAT I WANT TO DO.

Create a package containing:

- A message of thanks.

- Favourite Photographs of the day.

- Photographs that include the recipients.

Due to the fact that the Wedding party was situated in a garden setting, in the country side, I would like to use this as a basis and influence on the making and aesthetic of this pack. i feel that this would be fitting and would act as a tool to take those who receive the pack back to the day and reminisce in the atmosphere that the day had.

On a post on this blog, I have looked at other practitioners and relative methods used that may aid the aesthetic I am aiming for.



These are some sketches regarding the ideas I have for this project.

The sketches on this sheet look at ideas for wrapping paper and tissue paper as well as the use of a belly band.

The sketches on this sheet look at the way in which a box could be used and arranged in an exciting way to present the stack of photographs.

I also played bait with some possible hand drawn typography that could feature in the presentation, However i first have to work out how the photographs can be presented.

Bone Broths / Live Brief / Packaging Development

EXTENDED PRACTICE
LIVE BRIEF / BONE BROTHS 
PACKAGING.

When Nick initially got in touch with me to discuss the project, I ask whether or not they wish me to look into different types of packaging or whether they already had something in mind.

Nick sent me a link to the packaging they had looked at and water to use for their broths.

http://productxplorer.tetrapak.com/en/package/tetra-brikr-aseptic-250-edge

This is the carton vessel that the company owners are looking to use. I wanted to start looking at ways in which I could utilise this shape so I asked Nick if  he would be able to get the details from the manufacturers in order to get the net and dimensions. This way I can make sure that any designs I create would work properly considering the printing of the packaging.

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NEW PACKAGING

After a few weeks, while I was getting to grips with the logo, Nick informed me that they had changed the type of packaging they are looking to use. He sent me a new link so I could see the details of the new vessel.

http://www.sorbentsystems.com

 I feel that this type of packaging is definitely not as appealing as the carton and I feel that there isn't as many options and ideas I can go with considering the shape and composition of this type of vessel. Unfortunately there isn't much I could do about this as it is up to the company owners and investors on what they wish to use.

I had to rethink my approach to this project.

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MOCK UPS

To look at the different ways in which I could utilise and enhance the style of packaging I decided to create some mock ups using the image shown on the website.

I like this type of label, however it is hard to make it looked balanced and in the middle because if the angled corner where the lid sits.

I do really like the horizontal labelling. I feel that if I could print directly onto the bag, this would probably work a lot better. However this is not possible and I feel that a paper label that would be stuck on would not apply very well just because of the flexibility of the packaging materials.

For something a little different, I looked at applying a label that wrapped around the spout bag starting from the lidded corned and flowing round the back to where nutritional information and other details could be situated.   I do like this idea and I feel like it is a little outside of the ordinary and unique which could portray the company is a similar way.

I looked again at applying a label horizontally around the bag but playing around with the composition of the type. I also create a pattern form sketch images I found on google that reflect the content of the stock: Beef, Apple cider, Herbs and carrots. 

If the Bone Broths people like this label, I can simply draw up my own images to avoid copyright issues, for now I used google images so my time isn't eaten away by something that may not be used.

I really like this label and I feel that the pattern also adds to the high sand and prestigious feel the company is looking for. Unfortunately This means the logo that the company owners originally chose would not be a future so Im not sure on whether or not they would go for this design.

I added the pattern to the landscape label to see how this would look as I feel that practically this label would work better taking into account the flexible surface of the bag. I also added in another logo I had been experimenting with earlier on in the project. Personally I feel that this aesthetic looks a lot better and much more prestigious than the bone and ladle logo.

I added all of the credible mock ups into a pdf file and sent them to Nick to see what they thought.

 

 

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After about a week, Nick got back to me after deliberating with the other company owners.

They said that they really liked this design, especially the white one. However they did asks that I swap put this square logo for the more illustrative one as that is there favourite.

The only reason why I'm not happy with the combination of the pattern and the bone and ladle logo is because the sketchy images of the pattern and the more precise neater images used in the logo are like a completely different style. That is the reason I paired up the pattern with the more basic, simpler type based logos.

I did hint this in the email about the other logo being more suited to the pattern and label type, but they did not take up this offer. I don't mind as long as I let my opinion in, in the end it is up to the owners of the company and as long as they are happy with what I produce, then that is what matters for me.

Wedding Thanks / Testing

OUGD603 / EXTENDED PRACTICE
WEDDING THANK YOUS.
TESTING AND DEVELOPMENT


I started to experiment and test some of the initial ideas I have. I really liked the ideas of printed wrapping paper. So I started with this.

 

This idea sees the wrapping paper have images on the outside with a belly band around the middle. I think by having the images on the outside of the paper might create a cool visual that obscures the images so you have to open it out to get a better look.

I started to get some of the photographs from the wedding and arrange them on to a sheet that could then be printed as wrapping paper.

 I used tiled layout to arrange the photographs, most of them contain only images of the garden and the surrounding rather than too many of people as these are the photos that will be a part of the actual package.

 By reducing the opacity of the images, this give a softer and more subtle appearance.

 By adjusting the angle slightly, this means that the images will be obscured even more once folded.

I printed out this paper and tested wrapping it around some photos.

I also drew a quick bit of type on the front to see what this would look like with a bit of foil on there. This could be directly on the top or as part of a belly band.

Im not sure whether i liked this idea or not, I feel that the images are a little yellowy, because there are a lot of greens in them as well them being at an opacity.

I tried the same layout and image but in black an white to see how this would look.

I do think that the gold foil would look better on a black and white image just because I think it gives the aesthetic more clarity. however in this particular format I think that it looks a little bit like wrapped up fish and chips in news paper.

I then looked at having the images on the inside of the wrapping pair. This way the reveal will have a big pop of colour once the wrapping paper is unfolded.

 I also looked at which way a belly band could be applied. Either on the inside or the outside.

I think i prefer this format than having the images on the ouside, however I'm still not satisfied with this solution.


I tried out a couple more of my initial ideas.

I tested out this idea that saw the photographs being folded up in to its packaging.

I like the fact that this idea can work with both landscape and portrait photographs. I also think its a great alternative because the packaging is very solid especially considering it will be made from card.