The logo mark for Iwate’s new brand rice, “Shirogane no Hikari,” features an original artwork by HERALBONY contract artist Satoru Kobayashi!

The logo for Iwate’s new rice brand, “Shirogane no Hikari,” features an original illustration by HERALBONY contract artist Satoru Kobayashi! ​
Heral Bonnie Press release: October 28, 2025 To Members of the Press The logo for Iwate’s new brand of rice, “Shirogane no Hikari,” features an original illustration by Heralbony contract artist Satoru Kobayashi! The spirit of the region and its unique character are imbued in each grain. A rich everyday life woven together by art and food
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HERALBONY Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, HERALBONY) has created a logo mark featuring an original artwork by Iwate Prefecture-based contract artist Satoru Kobayashi to celebrate the launch of Iwate Prefecture’s new rice brand, “Shirogane no Hikari.” On Sunday, October 26, 2025, a logo mark unveiling event was held at HERALBONY’s flagship store, ISAI PARK, with Iwate Prefecture Governor Takuya Tasso, HERALBONY Representative Director and Co-CEO Fumito Matsuda, and logo designer Satoru Kobayashi in attendance. It was an opportunity to celebrate the launch of “Shirogane no Hikari” and promote it nationwide. ■About Shirogane Hikari “Shirogane no Hikari” is an original Iwate Prefecture rice, following in the footsteps of “Ginga no Shizuku” and “Kon’iro no Kaze.” Full-scale sales will begin in 2025. It was developed as a variety suited to northern Iwate Prefecture and high-altitude areas. To ensure stable yields even in cold regions, the rice is short and resistant to lodging, and boasts excellent flavor. The goal is to plant 1,500 hectares for the 2028 harvest. The name “Shirogane no Hikari” combines the “silver” (white silver) of the shining white grains inherited from “Ginga no Shizuku,” and the “light” (light) of hope that illuminates Iwate’s rice cultivation. It cooks plump and has a refreshing taste despite its large grains. It is a versatile rice that goes well with a wide range of dishes, from Japanese to Western cuisine. By adorning this long-awaited variety that completes the “Iwate is All Rice-Growing Region” slogan with art by artists with roots in Iwate Prefecture, we hope to spread the richness of Iwate’s culture, including its food, both within and outside the prefecture. Hakugin no Hikari Official Website ■About the logo mark The logo mark used on the packaging is a newly drawn work by artist Satoru Kobayashi (currently affiliated with the Lumbini Museum of Art). The oval, reminiscent of a single grain of rice, is divided into seven sections based on the character for “light,” and each section is inlaid with a word symbolizing Shirogane no Hikari. The catchphrase was also created to accompany the logo mark. “Snowy” refers to the deep snowfall in northern Iwate Prefecture, an area well-suited for cultivation, and expresses the distinctive whiteness of Shirogane no Hikari and the dignified atmosphere evoked by its name. “Noble” refers to the high-altitude region, also well-suited for cultivation, and conveys a strong awareness of resolving social issues.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/39365/482/39365-482-61c0dec5ebe9e3955bb596810d5a2a67-3900×1300.jpg ▲Description of Satoru Kobayashi’s artwork ■Unveiling event held at ISAI PARK On Sunday, October 26, 2025, a logo unveiling event was held at ISAI PARK, HERALBONY’s flagship store. Iwate Governor Takuya Tasso celebrated the launch of the new brand, saying, “Related organizations and groups will work together to ensure that Shirogane no Hikari becomes a ray of hope that illuminates rice cultivation in our prefecture. We hope that Shirogane no Hikari will become widely known and enjoyed by many people as a brand rice on a par with Kin’iro no Kaze and Ginga no Shizuku.” JA Zennoh Iwate also commented, “This collaboration between a company with ties to Iwate and an artist symbolizes the fact that Shirogane no Hikari is a brand born in Iwate. We sincerely hope that Shirogane no Hikari will become a source of pride for Iwate and bring light to everyone’s dining tables.” Heralbony Representative Director and Co-CEO Fumito Matsuda said in his opening remarks, “I am truly happy and proud to be involved in Iwate’s new brand of rice. Just as the letters in Satoru Kobayashi’s art are connected, I hope that connections will connect and that the silvery light will reach a diverse range of people.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/39365/482/39365-482-742dc1f5bd72e00126951b8ed8f0ed2f-3900×2557.jpg ▲Around the “Silver Light” logo unveiled at the unveiling ceremony
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/39365/482/39365-482-3c7c920f1877d5f6c51fc29d3b7af191-3900×2597.jpg ▲Author Satoru Kobayashi and Heralbony Co-CEO Fumitoshi Matsuda giving a speech
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/39365/482/39365-482-04c597a683b732246e2713da0a8295c5-3900×2607.jpg ▲The logo mark will also be used on product packaging and banners.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/39365/482/39365-482-6fc631fb5ee50fd6209dc397220c2487-3900×2600.jpg ▲New rice was distributed to the first 100 visitors.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/39365/482/39365-482-9a55f75f6e45af50cb50255b957b7eb0-1080×1080.png Satoru Kobayashi Runbinii Museum, Iwate Prefecture While attending the junior high division of a special needs school, he began to write all kinds of characters, deforming them according to his own rules. At first, those around him were confused and struggled to correct his writing, but eventually, several teachers recognized his writing as a unique form of “artistic expression” and actively supported his work. As a result, his expression began to take flight as art that brings joy to many people. His favorite musicians are Billy Joel, Spitz, and Yosui Inoue. He attempts to communicate with others through the exchange of having his back scratched.
【Overview of HERALBONY Co., Ltd.】 With the mission of “Let your unique style shine,” HERALBONY is a creative company that aims to change the image of disabilities and create a new culture centered on welfare. The company has built a sustainable business model by managing over 2,000 artworks by artists with disabilities as IP licenses and paying fair royalties. It operates its own brand, “HERALBONY,” and engages in a variety of art-focused businesses, including co-creation with companies, creative planning and production, employee training programs, and hosting the international art award, “HERALBONY Art Prize.” In July 2024, the company established its first overseas subsidiary, “HERALBONY EUROPE,” in Paris, France. Company name: HERALBONY Co.,Ltd. Address: 2-38 Kaiunbashi Dori, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture (Head Office), 2-5-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061 Gintomi Building 3F Reception (Tokyo Office) Representatives: Takaya Matsuda, Fuminori Matsuda Corporate website: https://www.heralbony.jp Online store: https://store.heralbony.jp/ Request for copyright notice for art data: All image data of artworks published in this document are valuable works of copyright holders. When using these photographs, please be sure to include the title of the artwork and the name of the artist.