Kanade Japanese Te Mahi Matua: Whakakōpaki by Yuko Takagi

Kanade Japanese Te Mahi Matua: Whakakōpaki by Yuko Takagi is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Hiriwa in Hoahoa Takai Competition Category.

HiriwaTakai· 2025

Kanade Japanese Te Mahi Matua: Whakakōpaki

by Yuko Takagi

A' Design Award Hiriwa Winner in Takai Category

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Verified Award Winner
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Colors

The Design

About Kanade Japanese Te Mahi Matua: Whakakōpaki

Ko te hoahoa whakakōpaki mō Kanade, he waireka tohunga Hapanihi tino pai, ka tīkina mai i ngā āhuatanga ātaahua tuku iho hei whakaata i te reka māmā, mā o te hua. I whakaawehia e te ariā o te rangimārie, ka whakamahia e te hoahoa te pepa washi ritenga me ngā muka pīataata, ka waihangatia he rerekētanga i waenga i te pōuri me te tīwaiwai iti mō te whakaaro rongo, tohunga ā-ringa. Ko ngā whakaahua wai-tae me ngā tuhituhi ā-ringa ka whakapiki i te whakaaro mahi ā-ringa, ā, ko tētahi momotuhi ritenga ka tāpiri he tuakiri hou engari e mau tonu ana ki te ahurea. Ko te otinga he whakakōpaki e honohono ana i ngā tikanga tuku iho me ngā whakaaro o nāianei mō te pīrangitanga o te ao.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Hiriwa

Ko Kanade Japanese Te Mahi Matua: Whakakōpaki te toa o te A' Design Award Hiriwa, he whakaaetanga tino whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa taumata teitei rawa, ātaahua me te whakamīharo. Ko ngā toa Hiriwa he mahi tino kanapa, tino auaha e whakaatu ana i te mātanga, te pūmanawa me te mōhio hōhonu o ā rātou kaihoahoa. E tūmanakohia ana ko Kanade Japanese Te Mahi Matua: Whakakōpaki he mahi whakamīharo, he tauira, he tino ngaio, he auaha hōhonu. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Hiriwa he hanganga rongonui, whakamīharotia e whai wāhi ana ki te whakawhānui i ngā rohe o te toi, te pūtaiao, te hoahoa me te hangarau. Ko Kanade Japanese Te Mahi Matua: Whakakōpaki he mahi e hae ana te tini, e whakaara ana i ngā hiahia, e kawe mai ana i ngā kare-ā-roto pai, ā, e whakaoho ana i te mīharo.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Kanade embodies Japan's traditional craftsmanship in liqueur-making. Drawing inspiration from Suntory’s renowned whiskey line, it incorporates a Kanji character to align with the House of Suntory aesthetics. Designed for both local and global audiences, Kanade offers a distinctly Japanese appeal with worldwide resonance.
Dimensions & Packaging: 700ml
Tags: #packagedesign, #packaging, #branding, #Japanese, #Japan, #liqueur, #alcohol, #drink, #craft, #handcrafted, #natural, #brandidentity
Production Technology: The packaging employs custom washi paper featuring subtle glossy fibers to balance matte softness with refined shine. It includes a handwritten calligraphy logo, a custom typeface, and watercolor paintings representing each flavor. This meticulous approach highlights the artisanal quality and premium positioning of the liqueur.
Design Challenge: Achieving a balance between a distinctly Japanese design and global appeal was challenging. The development of original washi paper that maintained its natural texture during printing required minimal digital intervention. The paper's fine glossy fibers blend a matte texture with subtle shine, enhancing the tactile experience and emphasizing the handcrafted quality.
Research: We conducted field testing in a bar and spoke with bartenders to understand how the bottle’s design impacts usability and perception. Insights from their feedback led to design adjustments for ease of pouring and tactile elements, ensuring a balance between aesthetic appeal and functionality for both bartenders and consumers.
Inspiration: The inspiration came directly from experiencing the liqueur itself. Its delicate, natural taste evoked imagery of soft, flowing watercolors—an artistic representation of Japanese subtlety and harmony. This led to a design that visually reflects the product’s smooth, sophisticated flavor using handcrafted textures and organic elements.
Project Duration: 1 year, Tokyo
Operation Flow: Consumed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.
Patents: Yuko Takagi
Image Credits: Yuko Takagi