Wakayama Umeshu Series 梅子酒 by Fumiko Okazeri

Wakayama Umeshu Series 梅子酒 by Fumiko Okazeri is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 铜奖 in 包装设计 Competition Category.

铜包装· 2026

Wakayama Umeshu Series 梅子酒

by Fumiko Okazeri

Client: fodesign Inc.

A' Design Award 铜奖 Winner in 包装 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 梅子酒

来自日本和歌山的芳香梅酒与清爽梅酒果冻。设计灵感源自植根于中国传统的文化交流与相遇之意,以柔和的质感与细腻的插画,呈现出鲜明的日式审美情趣。当两只瓶身并肩而立,便在包装设计中勾勒出一男一女相遇的情景。作为来自这片拥有雄伟山峦、海洋、海风与灿烂阳光的土地的礼物,它伴随着远方中国那些欢愉的相聚时光。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 铜奖

Wakayama Umeshu Series 梅子酒是 A' Design Award 铜奖得主，这是授予以创造力、独创性和敏锐见长的杰出设计的极具声望的认可。铜奖得主是技艺娴熟、创意惊人的作品，印证了其设计师丰富的经验、想象力与机智。预计Wakayama Umeshu Series 梅子酒将成为一件备受推崇、令人钦佩且被珍爱的物品，兼具显著的专业性与创新性。这件赢得 A' Design Award 铜奖的设计融入艺术、科学、设计和技术领域的最佳实践，并因注重细节而出类拔萃。Wakayama Umeshu Series 梅子酒出色地满足需求，触动渴望，迷住情感，并吸引好奇心。

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