Wakayama Umeshu Series Primary Function: Waini yePuramu by Fumiko Okazeri

Wakayama Umeshu Series Primary Function: Waini yePuramu by Fumiko Okazeri is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Mubairo weBronzi we A' Design Award in Dhizaini yePakejingi Competition Category.

BronziPakejingi· 2026

Wakayama Umeshu Series Primary Function: Waini yePuramu

by Fumiko Okazeri

Client: fodesign Inc.

Mubairo weBronzi we A' Design Award Winner in Pakejingi 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 Primary Function: Waini yePuramu

Book Text: Kubva kuWakayama, Japan kunouya waini yepuramu inonhuhwirira uye jeri rewaini yepuramu rinozorodza. Yakafemerwa nepfungwa yekutsinhanisana kwetsika nekusangana kwakadzika midzi mutsika yeChina, dhizaini iyi inoratidza pfungwa dzeJapan dzakanyanya kuburikidza nemamiriro akapfava nemifananidzo yakatsetseka. Kana mabhodhoro maviri akaiswa padivi nedivi, anogadzira mufananidzo wemurume nemukadzi vachisangana-zvakabatwa mukati medhizaini yepakeji. Sechipo chinobva kuJapan, chakakomborerwa nemakomo akakura, gungwa, mhepo dzegungwa, uye chiedza chezuva chinopenya, chinoperekedza misangano inofadza kuChina iri kure.

The Recognition

About the Mubairo weBronzi we A' Design Award

Mubairo weBronzi we A' Design Award wakahwinwa ne Wakayama Umeshu Series Primary Function: Waini yePuramu, rukudzo rwakakwirira kwazvo runopiwa kumadhizaini akasiyana anozivikanwa nekugadzira, njere nekungwara. Vakunda veBronzi mabasa ane unyanzvi hwakakwana uye kugadzira kunoshamisa kunosimbisa ruzivo rukuru, pfungwa nehunyanzvi hwevagadziri vawo. Wakayama Umeshu Series Primary Function: Waini yePuramu inotarisirwa kuva chinhu chinokudzwa kwazvo, chinoremekedzwa uye chinodiwa, chine hunyanzvi hunoonekwa uye zvitsva. Dhizaini iyi yakahwina Mubairo weBronzi we A' Design Award inosanganisa maitiro akanakisa muhunyanzvi, sayenzi, dhizaini netekinoroji uye yakasiyana nekutarisisa zvidiki. Wakayama Umeshu Series Primary Function: Waini yePuramu inogutsa zvinodiwa zvakanaka, inobata zvishuvo, inokwezva manzwiro uye inomutsa kuda kuziva.

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