Wakayama Umeshu Series 梅酒 by Fumiko Okazeri

Wakayama Umeshu Series 梅酒 by Fumiko Okazeri is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 銅獎 in 包裝設計 Competition Category.

銅包裝· 2026

Wakayama Umeshu Series 梅酒

by Fumiko Okazeri

Client: fodesign Inc.

A' Design Award 銅獎 Winner in 包裝 Category

7,848

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #176284

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Wakayama Umeshu Series 梅酒

嚟自日本和歌山嘅芳香梅酒同清爽梅酒啫喱。設計靈感源自中國傳統中文化交流同相遇嘅概念，透過柔和嘅質感同細膩嘅插畫，展現出獨特嘅日本美學。當兩支酒瓶並排擺放嘅時候，包裝設計上就會呈現出一男一女相遇嘅畫面。呢份嚟自日本嘅禮物，蘊含住壯麗山巒、大海、海風同燦爛陽光嘅祝福，喺遙遠嘅中國陪伴住歡樂嘅聚會。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銅獎

Wakayama Umeshu Series 梅酒是 A' Design Award 銅獎得主，這是授予以創造力、獨創性和敏銳見長的傑出設計的極具聲望的認可。銅獎得主是技藝嫻熟、創意驚人的作品，印證了其設計師豐富的經驗、想像力與機智。預計Wakayama Umeshu Series 梅酒將成為一件備受推崇、令人欽佩且被珍愛的物品，兼具顯著的專業性與創新性。這件贏得 A' Design Award 銅獎的設計融入藝術、科學、設計和技術領域的最佳實踐，並因注重細節而出類拔萃。Wakayama Umeshu Series 梅酒出色地滿足需求，觸動渴望，迷住情感，並吸引好奇心。

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