Vintagience

Vintage Japanese Sake Packaging for Shunbin inc.

This design is a branding project for vintage sake. The designers focused on the sake brewer's scientific approach to making aged sake and designed the brand based on the concept of Vintage × Science. The shining gradation on the label, created by special printing techniques, expresses the blend of long years, scientific aging methods, and the brewer's passion. The clock's hands symbolize the continuous passage of time during the aging process. The design aims to create new possibilities for sake while incorporating Japanese aesthetics in the product name and symbol.

Download Press Kit № 157708

Download Press Kit № 157708 Vintage Japanese Sake Packaging for Shunbin inc. by Hisamichi Kasai to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

Available Now for Your Next Story

At design|newsroom, we understand the pressures and deadlines journalists face. That’s why we offer exclusive access to our curated press kits and high-resolution images, tailored for accredited journalists. These resources are designed to enrich your stories with depth and visual appeal, spotlighting the world's most innovative designs.

Please Note:

• Credit the work's creator and/or photographer.
• Mention design|newsroom as your source.
• Share your published pieces with us; we love to celebrate and promote your work on our platform and social media.

Let’s Collaborate: Your stories matter. design|newsroom is here to support you with quality, accessible content. Once you are accredited, reach out for the images and content you need. We will provide the specific images and content directly, along with recommendations on works to feature.

Get Accredited Easily: Quick access to our resources requires media accreditation. Apply for media accreditation to join our network and start exploring a wealth of design stories.

Vintagience by Hisamichi Kasai

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Vintage Japanese Sake Packaging by Hisamichi Kasai

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Hisamichi Kasai Vintagience

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Hisamichi Kasai Vintage Japanese Sake Packaging

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Shunbin inc Brand Logo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Unique Properties

This vintage sake is aged using scientific methods by a sake brewery in Iga (a ninja village in Japan). Sake of various qualities are aged, and the flavors of different storage methods are monitored. Changes in flavor caused by water pressure and vibrations are meticulously analyzed in pursuit of flavors not found in conventional aged sake. The design aims to challenge unexplored territories of sake by fusing the aging process with science, to create and develop a new sake culture.

Tags

Sake, Japanese Sake, Vintage Sake, Package design

Production Technology

To beautifully showcase the gradient on the label, a special printing technique called prism printing was used to create a luminous effect. The letters are all foil-stamped, and the symbol mark and clock hands are embossed to create a sense of luxury. The rigid box uses holographic foil that changes color depending on the angle from which light hits it, expressing the design concept of "gradation of aging."

Design Challenge

For the sake breweries, they found it challenging to convey the value of their excellent quality aged sake, which had been aging for decades. To solve this, we devoted much time on developing our brand. We focused on how Japanese aged sake was crafted based on scientific principles and developed the brand concept "Vintage x Science." This concept allowed us to create a design that can convey the product's value.

Project Duration

This brand launched in Iga, Japan, in November 2023.

Operation Flow

This vintage sake, presented in elegant packaging, offers a special moment when poured slowly into a glass after uncorking. Whether enjoyed during a meal with loved ones at a restaurant or while relaxing alone at home, it's perfect for any occasion. It pairs well with various meat and fish dishes, enhancing the dining experience.

Research

The conventional design of Japanese sake typically features a tall 720ml bottle with labels bearing the brand name written in Japanese calligraphy. We aimed to break away from such stereotypes and pursue a new form of sake. We strive to enrich the value of Japanese sake by creating an innovative design that overturns the traditional image of Japanese sake, developing bottles that embody our concept, using sophisticated typography, and utilizing visual expressions that evoke the mystery of aging.

Inspiration

To encapsulate the aging process and science, we opted for a bottle reminiscent of antique medicine bottles. The gradation on the label embodies the unpredictable changes that occur in aging. It represents the blend of long years, scientific aging methods, and the brewer's passion. The clock hands symbolize the continuous passage of time during the aging process. The design incorporates Japanese aesthetics into the product's name and the symbol, which is inspired by traditional patterns.

Image Credits

Shunbin Co., Ltd.

Project Overview

Vintagience Vintage Japanese Sake Packaging has been a Silver winner in the Packaging Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

Hisamichi Kasai was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Vintagience Vintage Japanese Sake Packaging.

Hisamichi Kasai Newsroom

Explore Hisamichi Kasai Newsroom to uncover award-winning design projects and more.