This logo was used at the 2015 annual Japan Day festival in Arlington Heights, IL featuring all things Japanese.
The sakura flower, partially hidden behind the type, in reminiscent of a rising sun, serves to combine these two symbols very specific to Japan. The font and the petals of the flower are intended to have a subtle semblance to calligraphy with both their line-based shape and their jagged edges, which lend them the look of dried ink. Thus, one simple logo contains multiple cultural references. It is sophisticated and representative of the country without being glaringly oriental.
