Ankodoki Sweet Bean Jelly by Fumiko Okazeri Wins the Bronze A' Design Award in Packaging Design

Fumiko Okazeri honored for packaging design by the international grand jury of the 2025 - 2026 A' Design Award & Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COMO, Italy, April 24, 2026 /DesignNewswire/ A' Design Award & Competition has confirmed the Bronze A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category for Ankodoki Sweet Bean Jelly by Fumiko Okazeri, designed for KINOSHITASEIAN Co., Ltd.. The result belongs to the 2025 - 2026 A' Design Award & Competition and was determined through blind peer review by an international grand jury panel of established academics, design professionals and press members, who scored anonymized entries against predetermined criteria.

The Bronze A' Design Award Explained

The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.

About Ankodoki Sweet Bean Jelly

This package was created for the yokan line launched by a long-established Japanese bean paste maker. While preserving the traditional value of yokan, it breaks away from the conventional heavy packaging style. The nostalgic yet casual design brings warmth and approachability, perfectly matching the organic and simple taste of the sweets. Welcomed even by those unfamiliar with wagashi, it has been highly acclaimed and has won numerous awards both in Japan and abroad.

About Fumiko Okazeri

A design studio that values thorough hearings to uncover the essence of each business and product, and a commitment to deep thinking beyond the surface. We specialize in creating results-driven designs unconstrained by a fixed style. Incorporated in 2025, the studio has earned numerous accolades both in Japan and abroad, ranging from design awards to business recognitions.

Award Record

Fumiko Okazeri is a winner of 1 A' Design Award, including this recognition.

About the A' Packaging Design Award

The A' Packaging Design Award is an international packaging competition that recognizes outstanding packaging designs by talented packaging designers worldwide. The competition is organized within the A' Design Award & Competition and is open to packaging designers, graphic designers, branding agencies and product manufacturers from all countries. Entries typically include bottles, boxes, cans, pouches, tubes and cartons. Awarded packaging designs are published at https://designers.org/design-category/packaging

About A' Design Award & Competition

A' Design Award & Competition is an international, juried design accolade organized annually since 2008. The competition is open to entries from all countries. The A' Design Award has a philanthropic mission to advance society through good design by recognizing and promoting superior products, projects and services that benefit society, and by creating a global awareness and appreciation for good design practices and principles. Entries are peer reviewed and anonymously evaluated by an international grand jury panel of established academics, design professionals and press members against predetermined criteria such as functionality, ergonomics, engineering, presentation, innovation, usability, sustainability and technology, with score normalization applied to remove biases. Awards are conferred at Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron levels. The A' Design Prize granted to eligible laureates includes the award trophy, the certificate of design excellence, the hardcover yearbook, a lifetime license to use the A' Design Award winner logo, exhibition of awarded works, an invitation to the gala night and award ceremony in Italy, inclusion in the World Design Rankings and Designer Rankings, and public relations and publicity services. Registration, the upload of a work and the preliminary score are free of charge, and Professional and Digital Edition laureates are not contractually obliged to pay further fees to claim the A' Design Prize. Further information is available at https://competition.adesignaward.com

Press Resources

Winner Page: https://designers.org/176283
A' Design Award Page: https://competition.adesignaward.com/176283
Media Showcase: https://www.designnewsroom.com/!176283
Laureate Profile: https://designers.org/d/371995
Further Information from the Laureate: http://ankodoki.com/

Media Contact

Giulia Ferrari, Press Office
Designers.Org
Via Leone Leoni 32, 22100 Como, Italy
press@designers.org
+39 031 4491953

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Fact Sheet

The Work

Project: Ankodoki Sweet Bean Jelly
Function: Sweet Bean Jelly
Category: Packaging Design
Discipline: Communication Design
Industry: Packaging & Retail, Branding & Advertising and Manufacturing
Colors: Orange, Chocolate, Saddle Brown, Gold and Dark Orange
Images: 5
Client: KINOSHITASEIAN Co., Ltd.

The Recognition

Laureate: Fumiko Okazeri
Country: Japan
Recognition: Bronze A' Design Award
Edition: 2025 - 2026
Design ID: #176283

Design Details

Unique Properties: While preserving the authentic value of traditional yokan, this design redefines the conventional image of heavy packaging. By incorporating hand-drawn ingredient illustrations and vivid visuals, it creates a friendly, casual impression that evokes both nostalgia and warmth. The additive-free, naturally colored taste is conveyed through an organic expression, appealing even to audiences unfamiliar with wagashi.
Inspiration: This project originated when a long-established bean paste manufacturer, primarily engaged in OEM production, launched its own brand. Entering the BtoC market represented a significant challenge, particularly in contemporary Japan where Western confectionery is more favored. The key issue was how to effectively reach younger generations less familiar with traditional Japanese sweets.
Research: We purchased yokan from long-established to newly opened confectioners, analyzing packaging design, its relation to taste, and structural details. Inspiration was also drawn from other wagashi and even Western sweets. The study revealed the need to address both individual enjoyment and gift-giving. Thus, adjustments such as edge treatments of illustrations when boxed and fine refinements were applied to elevate overall quality.
Challenge: The project initially focused on ohagi, a fresh confection of bean paste and glutinous rice. However, issues of short shelf life and waste posed significant risks. Leveraging expertise in yokan, we proposed shifting from a five-piece to a ten-piece concept. With yokan’s year-long shelf life, the plan evolved into developing eight varieties. Though production volume and time demands were challenging, the result was a vibrant and distinctive lineup.
Realization and Technology: Each individual package uses coated cardboard designed to withstand contact with liquid yokan during production. For the gift box, a refined, subdued color palette was selected to convey dignity as a present. While maintaining an elegant atmosphere, the vivid visual impact revealed upon opening enriches the experience, transforming the moment of enjoying traditional Japanese sweets into a special, delightful occasion.
Operation and Interaction: In social gatherings, the assortment of yokan varieties encourages lively communication, as guests enjoy choosing and sharing different flavors together. Since every type is made without additives, they can be enjoyed safely and with peace of mind by children and families alike.
Project Duration and Location: This private label store opened on May 30, 2024.
Specifications: Width 30 mm x Depth 18 mm x Height 82 mm
Keywords: Casual style, watercolor illustration, organic concept, reinterpretation of tradition, Japanese sweets, modern wagashi, natural texture, cheerful experience