The Office of Mr. Moto

The Office of Mr. Moto team has created an immersive Omakase experience centered around the fictional character of Mr. Moto, a worldly historian and globetrotter who documented his journey to Japan aboard the USS Susquehanna in 1853. Amid his discoveries, he uncovered the treasure of Japanese cuisine.

A "19th Century Discovery Log" creative direction was meticulously crafted for the brand, centered around a logo that pairs a signature-like script with both a timeless serif and a gothic typeface, demonstrating a subtle reverence for the past. Within the logo mark is an etching of a small man with a telescope, a way for us to personify our protagonist and his adventurous spirit.

Our menu designs honor both the Latin and Japanese alphabets in a tidy and elegant manner, complemented by scans of 19th-century woodblock prints from a vintage 1888 edition of "The Collection of Registered Trade Marks and Articles." Our tasting menu is printed on large-scale parchment paper, folded into a custom wax-sealed envelope, and handed to guests at the end of their meal.

To conclude the meal in a thoughtful manner, the check comes with a blind-embossed, gold-stamped postcard, on which guests have the opportunity to write a note. The team at Mr. Moto then mails it out on their behalf.

Creative Direction: Polonsky & Friends
Art Direction & Design: Claire Dufournier
Photography: Giada Paolini