Sumofish artist and creator, Brandt Fuse, grew up in Hawaii with a love of fishing and anything ocean related. Studying abroad in Japan and working summers at Iconic t-shirt brand Cane Haul Road provided inspiration and life direction. Brandt relocated to the Bay Area in 1998, and after working at Osaki Design in Berkeley went out on his own in 2002. Sumofish was born that summer at a booth at the Nihonmachi Street Fair. Together with his wife and business partner Joni, they slowly built the brand traveling around the country selling their designs at Japanese festivals from Boston to Chicago to Honolulu (and many places in between!). Now primarily found online and at select boutique retailers, their entire product line can be found at http://www.sumofish.net. Follow them on Instagram @sumofishdesign
In designing this year’s poster, Brandt wanted to highlight the return of the parade, which is the heart and soul of the Festival. The mikoshi is an integral part of the parade, and is carried by many folks, symbolizing the strength and coming together of the community. The frog mascot Gogo represents this community.
