Unveiling the Unshakeable

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By Alison Simpson

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Our 2026 YCP Conference is titled “Unshakeable,” and we wanted to share how this theme inspired the story behind our logo. At first glance, you can see elements that display Blessed Takayama Ukon’s unwavering faith and boldness. As a courageous samurai who gave up everything for Christ, Takayama embodies the fierce, unwavering commitment we are all called to possess on our journey to sainthood. Every color, and symbol in our design is a deliberate nod to his journey of courage, sacrifice, and an unshakeable faith.

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The Font: 

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When choosing what type to use for the logo, we knew we wanted to go for something that was bold. During Takayma’s life, he stood firmly for Christ. Inspired by Takayma’s resilience, We chose a strong font that represented his boldness and the way he stood firmly in Christ.

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The Symbols: 

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The logo symbols found within the logo are the very heart of the design. It features the Japanese Kanji letters for “Yuruginai”, which can be translated to mean "solid," "firm," or "steady,". This phrase represents Takayama's strong relationship with Christ that could not be moved or changed.

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An even more central symbol to this logo is the presence of the Japanese katana sword. The upside-down katana represents Takayama leaving his old life of status and wealth to live a life dedicated to serving Christ alone.

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If you look closely, you can see that the katana is split and damaged at the bottom. This symbolizes his decision not to return back to his old life. He was completely committed to his life found in Christ. 

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Takayama once held the sword, but now he holds the cross. The sageo (a decorative cord) is tied around the Cross, proclaiming his new allegiance to Christ. This cord is rendered in a scarlet red to represent the persecution he would suffer for his faith.

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The Colors:

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The color palette for our logo was carefully curated to blend elements of our organizational identity, as well as the historical backdrop of Takayama’s story. 

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To maintain a strong connection to our brand at YCP, we used the color blue as a foundational color behind this design. This hue shows our dedication to the mission of YCP.

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A critical addition to the palette is the vivid red, which is an important color in Japanese samurai culture. We specifically chose a rich shade known as shōjōhi, which translates to “scarlet”. It represents Takayama’s sacrifice of choosing the cross over the sword. His martyrdom is a powerful witness to all Catholics. 

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Instead of using a pure white, we opted for a ceramic white. This shade of white calls to mind the artistry and craftsmanship of Japanese ceramics. It adds some contrast to the deep blue and vibrant scarlet.

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Conclusion:

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The 2026 YCP conference logo is far more than a design. It serves as a tribute to the life and martyrdom of Blessed Takayama Ukon. Takayama was a man whose life proved that true power is found not in holding a sword, but in laying down one’s life for Christ.

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Every element is designed to inspire. Like the unshakeable, ancient rocks on the Japanese shores, our conference calls every attendee to examine the foundations of their own lives. We hope that you feel inspired to live your life boldly for Christ. Blessed Takayama Ukon, pray for us!

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