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Wakayama Umeshu Series Vin de prune by Fumiko Okazeri

Wakayama Umeshu Series Vin de prune by Fumiko Okazeri is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award de Bronz in Design de Ambalaje Competition Category.


BronzAmbalaje· 2026

Wakayama Umeshu Series Vin de prune

by Fumiko Okazeri

Client: fodesign Inc.

A' Design Award de Bronz Winner in Ambalaje Category

Colors

The Design

About Wakayama Umeshu Series Vin de prune

Din Wakayama, Japonia, vine un vin de prune aromat și o jeleu de vin de prune răcoritor. Inspirat de conceptul de schimb cultural și întâlniri înrădăcinate în tradiția chineză, designul exprimă o sensibilitate distinct japoneză prin texturi fine și ilustrații delicate. Atunci când cele două sticle sunt așezate una lângă alta, ele creează o scenă a întâlnirii dintre un bărbat și o femeie - surprinsă în cadrul designului ambalajului. Ca un dar din Japonia, binecuvântată cu munți maiestuoși, marea, briza oceanului și lumina strălucitoare a soarelui, acesta însoțește reuniunile pline de bucurie din China îndepărtată.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronz

Wakayama Umeshu Series Vin de prune a câștigat A' Design Award de Bronz, o recunoaștere extrem de prestigioasă acordată designurilor remarcabile care se disting prin creativitate, ingeniozitate și istețime. Câștigătorii Bronzului sunt artefacte din plin pricepute și izbitor de creative, care atestă experiența vastă, imaginația și resursele designerilor lor. Se așteaptă ca Wakayama Umeshu Series Vin de prune să fie un obiect foarte apreciat, admirat și prețuit, remarcabil de profesionist și inovator. Acest design câștigător al A' Design Award de Bronz încorporează cele mai bune practici din artă, știință, design și tehnologie și este excelent prin atenția la detalii. Wakayama Umeshu Series Vin de prune satisface splendid nevoile, atinge dorințele, vrăjește sentimentele și stârnește curiozitatea.

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

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