Slab Square Yazu 4 is a regular weight, narrow, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font.
Keywords: posters, headlines, editorial, packaging, signage, typewriter, industrial, utilitarian, retro, authoritative, typewriter evocation, strong readability, industrial tone, compact setting, print impact, bracketed slabs, rounded corners, ink-trap feel, sturdy, compact.
This font is a compact slab serif with heavy, rectangular serifs and a generally narrow footprint. Strokes are fairly even with modest contrast, and corners often soften into small radiused joins, giving the shapes a slightly machined yet worn-in look. Serifs are bold and blocky with subtle bracketing, and many terminals end bluntly, reinforcing a sturdy, stamped rhythm. The lowercase is straightforward with a normal x-height and simple, workmanlike details; bowls and counters stay relatively tight, and the overall spacing reads dense and efficient. Numerals follow the same solid construction, with clear, upright forms and consistent slab finishing.
It works well for headlines, subheads, and short editorial blocks where a sturdy, vintage-industrial voice is desired. The robust slabs also suit labels, packaging, and signage that need a confident, utilitarian presence, especially in high-contrast black-on-white settings.
The overall tone is practical and no-nonsense, with a distinct typewriter/letterpress flavor. It feels archival and documentary—more about clarity and authority than elegance—while the softened edges keep it from feeling overly rigid.
The design appears intended to evoke typewriter and early industrial printing aesthetics through bold slab serifs, compact proportions, and blunt terminals, balancing legibility with a deliberately rugged, functional character.
In text, the strong slab serifs create a pronounced horizontal cadence, which can read punchy at larger sizes and structured in short blocks. The compact proportions and tight internal counters suggest it benefits from adequate tracking and line spacing in longer passages to maintain openness.