【Book Introduction】
Satoshi Sōfue is a renowned Japanese book designer, celebrated for his unique and innovative approach to bookbinding and cover design. Born in 1959 in Aichi Prefecture, he studied graphic design at Tama Art University but left before graduation to pursue a career in design. In 1990, he established his own design studio, cozfish, focusing on book design while also venturing into advertising and product design.
Sōfue’s work spans literature, photography collections, manga, and more, earning him widespread acclaim for breaking traditional boundaries and offering fresh reading experiences. He has designed for notable manga artists such as Sensha Yoshida, Fujio Akatsuka, and Taiyō Matsumoto, often incorporating innovative design elements like angled cuts on the inner spine, blank pages, or repeated pages, with a disclaimer at the end noting “this is not a printing or binding error,” thus challenging conventional bookbinding norms.
His passion for printing is intense, often examining print details with a magnifying glass, referring to himself humorously as a “printing maniac.” In his design process, he pays careful attention to text arrangement, font selection, and spacing, believing these elements directly affect reading rhythm and experience. He once remarked, “Book design is not only about explaining content but conveying what words cannot express.”
With boundless creativity and curiosity about the world, Sōfue’s work continues to captivate readers and the design community alike.
A Comprehensive Collection of Satoshi Sōfue’s Design Work – Finally Complete!
This anthology of book designer Satoshi Sōfue’s key works is organized into four categories: “Manga,” “Reading,” “Visual,” and “Before Cozfish,” with Sōfue himself providing commentary for each section. Additionally, the book includes numerous interior formatting samples, binding specifications, and a comprehensive list of all his works from before cozfish was founded up to 2016. Spanning 408 pages, this volume showcases the essence of Satoshi Sōfue and cozfish’s design legacy.
【Details】
Author: Satoshi Sōfue
Publisher: PIE International
Publication Year: 2016
Dimensions: 28×21 cm
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 408 pages