Wakayama Umeshu Series Primary Function: Aran-ardoa by Fumiko Okazeri

Wakayama Umeshu Series Primary Function: Aran-ardoa by Fumiko Okazeri is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Brontzezko Saria A' Design Award in Ontziketa Diseinua Competition Category.

BrontzeOntziketa· 2026

Wakayama Umeshu Series Primary Function: Aran-ardoa

by Fumiko Okazeri

Client: fodesign Inc.

Brontzezko Saria A' Design Award Winner in Ontziketa Category

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Wakayama Umeshu Series Primary Function: Aran-ardoa

Book Text: Japoniako Wakayamatik dator aran-ardo usaintsu bat eta aran-ardozko jelatina freskagarri bat. Tradizio txinatarrean errotutako truke kulturalaren eta topaketen kontzeptuan oinarrituta, diseinuak sentsibilitate erabat japoniarra adierazten du testura biguinen eta ilustrazio finen bidez. Bi botilak elkarren ondoan jartzean, gizon eta emakume baten topaketaren eszena bat sortzen dute, paketearen diseinuan harrapatuta. Mendi handietsiz, itsasoz, itsas haizez eta eguzki-argi distiratsuz bedeinkatutako Japoniako opari gisa, urruneko Txinako topaketa alaiak laguntzen ditu.

The Recognition

About the Brontzezko Saria A' Design Award

Wakayama Umeshu Series Primary Function: Aran-ardoa Brontzezko Saria A' Design Award irabazlea da, sormenak, asmamenak eta zorroztasunak bereizten dituzten diseinu bikainei ematen zaien aitorpen oso prestijiotsua. Brontze-mailako irabazleak trebetasunez beteriko eta nabarmenki sortzaileak diren artefaktuak dira, beren diseinatzaileen esperientzia zabala, irudimena eta ekimena egiaztatzen dutenak. Wakayama Umeshu Series Primary Function: Aran-ardoa oso estimatua, miretsia eta maitea den objektua izatea espero da, nabarmenki profesionala eta berritzailea dena. Brontzezko Saria A' Design Award irabazi duen diseinu honek artearen, zientziaren, diseinuaren eta teknologiaren praktika onenak biltzen ditu eta xehetasunei ematen dien arretagatik bikaina da. Wakayama Umeshu Series Primary Function: Aran-ardoa beharrak bikain asetzen dituen, desirak ukitzen dituen, sentimenduak xarmatzen dituen eta jakin-mina erakartzen duen lana da.

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