Wakayama Umeshu Series Vino de Ciruela by Fumiko Okazeri

Wakayama Umeshu Series Vino de Ciruela by Fumiko Okazeri is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award de Bronce in Diseño de Envases Competition Category.

BronceEnvases· 2026

Wakayama Umeshu Series Vino de Ciruela

by Fumiko Okazeri

Client: fodesign Inc.

A' Design Award de Bronce Winner in Envases Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #176284

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Wakayama Umeshu Series Vino de Ciruela

Desde Wakayama, Japón, llega un aromático vino de ciruela y una refrescante gelatina de vino de ciruela. Inspirado en el concepto de intercambio cultural y encuentros arraigados en la tradición china, el diseño expresa una sensibilidad claramente japonesa a través de texturas suaves e ilustraciones delicadas. Cuando las dos botellas se colocan una al lado de la otra, crean una escena de un hombre y una mujer que se encuentran, capturada dentro del diseño del empaque. Como un regalo de Japón, bendecido con majestuosas montañas, el mar, brisas oceánicas y una luz solar brillante, acompaña alegres reuniones en la lejana China.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronce

Wakayama Umeshu Series Vino de Ciruela ha ganado el A' Design Award de Bronce, un reconocimiento sumamente prestigioso concedido a diseños sobresalientes que se distinguen por su creatividad, ingenio y astucia. Los ganadores de Bronce son artefactos ampliamente hábiles y sorprendentemente creativos que acreditan la vasta experiencia, imaginación e ingeniosidad de sus diseñadores. Se espera que Wakayama Umeshu Series Vino de Ciruela sea un objeto muy apreciado, admirado y querido, notablemente profesional e innovador. Este diseño ganador del A' Design Award de Bronce incorpora las mejores prácticas del arte, la ciencia, el diseño y la tecnología, y es excelente por su atención al detalle. Wakayama Umeshu Series Vino de Ciruela satisface espléndidamente las necesidades, toca los deseos, encanta los sentimientos y atrae la curiosidad.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: In introducing Japanese sake to the Chinese market, the design aimed to express authentic Japan. The packaging is simple yet refined, employing soft colors, grand landscapes of Wakayama, and clean Japanese typography to convey its atmosphere. The illustration, crafted by layering cut paper, adds depth of color and texture. When two bottles are placed together, they depict the meeting of a man and woman, embodying the concept of enjoying sake through encounters and connections.
Dimensions & Packaging: Width 60 mm x Depth 60 mm x Height 295 mm
Tags: Simple design, emotional expression, paper collage illustration, human connection, encounter theme, Wakayama nature, Japanese culture, serene moment, warm atmosphere, handcrafted texture
Production Technology: The frosted bottle, chosen for its gentle impression, is paired with a label finished in velvet PP. Its silicone-like texture offers both a pleasant touch and a sense of luxury. The sealing label combines muted gold foil with a matte surface, achieving refinement while retaining softness. Overall, the design emphasizes a gentle impression, enhancing the concept with a strong sense of storytelling.
Design Challenge: Translating a concept rooted in Chinese exchange culture into a distinctly Japanese expression was not simple. Through repeated discussions with the client, we deepened mutual understanding, seeking a balance that embraced the continent’s passionate sensibility while retaining a soft, delicate Japanese touch. Layered paper illustrations and the gentle textures of frosted bottles and label stock gradually built up a refined sense of Japaneseness.
Research: We researched China’s drinking culture and why Japanese alcohol is welcomed there. To reassess the essence of Japaneseness in design, we revisited packaging and visuals seen daily in stores, analyzing them with fresh eyes. This led us to reinterpret cultural subtlety, the beauty of empty space, and the elegance of hiragana and kanji, incorporating these qualities into the package design and product naming.
Inspiration: Wakayama is Japan’s top plum producer, known for thick flesh and rich aroma. Its umeshu is acclaimed worldwide for flavor and fragrance. In China, fruit liqueurs and low-alcohol drinks are rising in popularity, with Japanese sake especially loved by the young. Family and friendship are deeply valued, and sharing drinks embodies such moments. This project began with the wish to offer sake that accompanies happy times with supportive friends.
Project Duration: It was exported and sold in Hangzhou, China in November 2022.
Operation Flow: The rich, aromatic flavor of umeshu and the refreshing, springy texture of umeshu jelly can be enjoyed in different scenes, allowing you to choose according to your mood and occasion.
Image Credits: Illustrator Yuri Mizutani