Wakayama Umeshu Series Fungsi Utamo: Anggua Plum by Fumiko Okazeri

Wakayama Umeshu Series Fungsi Utamo: Anggua Plum by Fumiko Okazeri is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Gangsa in Desain Kamasan Competition Category.

GangsaKamasan· 2026

Wakayama Umeshu Series Fungsi Utamo: Anggua Plum

by Fumiko Okazeri

Client: fodesign Inc.

A' Design Award Gangsa Winner in Kamasan Category

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Verified Award Winner
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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Wakayama Umeshu Series Fungsi Utamo: Anggua Plum

Teks Buku: Dari Wakayama, Jepang, datang anggua plum nan harum jo jeli anggua plum nan manyagakan. Tainspirasi dek konsep patukaran budayo jo patamuan nan baakar dalam tradisi Cino, desain ko mananyatoan raso khas Jepang malalui tekstur nan lambuik jo ilustrasi nan aluih. Kutiko duo botol diletakkan badampiang, tacipto suatu suasano patamuan laki-laki jo padusi—nan tagambar dalam desain kemasan ko. Sabagai hadiah dari Jepang, nan dibarakaik i jo gunuang nan gagah, lauik, angin samudera, jo cahayo matoari nan camerlang, hadiah ko manamani pakumpulan nan gembira di Cino nan jauah.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Gangsa

Wakayama Umeshu Series Fungsi Utamo: Anggua Plum adolah pamenang A' Design Award Gangsa, sabuah pangakuan nan sangaik bapresti nan dibarikan ka rancangan nan cemerlang nan dicirikan dek kreativitas, kacerdikan jo kabijaksanaan. Pamenang Gangsa adolah karya nan cukuik mahir jo kreatif sacaro mangesankan nan mamastikan pangalaman nan luas, imajinasi jo kacerdikan parancangnyo. Wakayama Umeshu Series Fungsi Utamo: Anggua Plum dipaokan manjadi bando nan sangaik dihormati, dikagumi jo disayangi, nan profesional jo inovatif sacaro nampak. Rancangan nan manang Gangsa iko mamuek praktik tabaik dalam seni, ilimu, rancangan jo teknologi jo cemerlang dalam parhatian ka rincian. Wakayama Umeshu Series Fungsi Utamo: Anggua Plum mamanuhi kaparluan jo elok, manyantuah karinduan, mamikaik parasaan jo manarik raso ingin tahu.

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