Area JP

Blaze Type expands the Area family to include Hiragana and Katakana, applying the same modular, geometric logic that defines the original design. Area is a variable geometric sans-serif inspired by architecture: it begins with a stable, modular structure that gradually unfolds into a calm, quiet neogrotesque form, offering a smooth, balanced reading experience. Area JP extends this system to Japanese characters, letting Latin, Hiragana, and Katakana coexist harmoniously in a single type family, and it works seamlessly in both horizontal and vertical writing systems.

The making of Area JP was a careful, step-by-step process. The team began with research into Japanese type styles to find a formal direction compatible with Area’s geometry. Skeleton forms for key Kana characters were drawn, and metrics were established to align them with Latin letters. Additional characters were then systematically developed, with proportions, stroke weights, and details refined through extensive testing. Unicode elements such as circled numbers were also included, ensuring practical usability across different applications. Each step focused on preserving the geometric clarity and calm, neutral tone that defines Area, while integrating the unique forms of Hiragana and Katakana.

Area JP unites Latin and Japanese scripts in a single, coherent system, maintaining the structural logic, clarity, and understated elegance of the original Area family.

Area JP

Foundry: Blaze Type
Designer: Matthieu Salvaggio, Caio Kondo
Release: 2025
File Formats: .OTF .WOFF .WOFF2 .TTF (Variable)
Weights: 11 (Hairline to Extrablack)
Scripts: Latin, Hiragana, Katakana

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