Utsuroi

Sake Packaging for Takeda Shuzo Co., Ltd.

The design of this set of three Daiginjo aged sake bottles combines innovative slit-animated packaging with artisanal craftsmanship. The dynamic logo transitions illustrate the brewing years of 2004, 2012, and 2019, while the act of opening symbolizes the sake's aging process. Clear varnish and silver foil seals enhance the unique amber hues of each vintage. Balancing elegance and cost efficiency, the minimalist design highlights the intrinsic beauty of sake, offering a profound and timeless experience for recipients.

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Utsuroi by MAHO SEKIZUKA

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Sake Packaging by MAHO SEKIZUKA

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MAHO SEKIZUKA Utsuroi

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MAHO SEKIZUKA Sake Packaging

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MAHO SEKIZUKA Designer Portrait Photo

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Takeda Shuzo Co Ltd Brand Logo

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Utsuroi Sake Packaging Press Releases

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Unique Properties

This set of three Daiginjo aged sake bottles features innovative slit animated packaging with changing logos to indicate the brewing years 2004, 2012, and 2019. Opening the box reflects the flow of time. The bottle seal highlights the progression of years using varnish and silver foil. The design emphasizes the amber color of sake, deepening with each vintage, adding a new layer of enjoyment to the sake experience.

Tags

GraphicDesign, Utsuroi, PackageDesign, Branding, Sake, VintageSake, Katafune, Joetsu, Niigata, Japan

Production Technology

Specifications: Double printed with black ink + OP varnish. Gift box: Double printed with black ink + OP varnish. Material: PP transparent 0.25. Gift box: CB 270g/EF (single-sided white, C5).

Design Challenge

Achieving new concepts involved trial and error, applying slit animation to evoke the passage of time. Cost management balanced high-end design and budget limitations through careful material selection. The box design ensures ample white space and durability. Offset printing with double sumi ink achieved deep black sleeve animation. Bottle seal varnish highlights the vintage's amber beauty, fine-tuned for gloss. Packaging focuses on enriching the user’s luxurious sake experience.

Project Duration

This product was released on Friday, November 19, 2021, in a limited edition of 100 sets by Takeda Shuzo in Ogata, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture.

Operation Flow

Using the principle of slit animation, opening the sleeve showcases the brewing years shifting from 2004 to 2012 and then to 2019. This conveys the concept of the passage of time from the moment the box is opened. The seals on the bottles represent the flow of time through the use of varnish and silver foil. The design eliminates decorations to emphasize the amber color of the sake, which becomes richer with each vintage.

Research

This research explores innovative packaging that transcends traditional boundaries, enriching the sake experience. Slit animation symbolizes time's passage upon opening, with varnish and silver foil on bottle seals highlighting the amber beauty of vintages. Stripping away decorations, the design emphasizes sake’s intrinsic charm. By balancing costs with luxury, it delivers exclusivity, ideal for gifting and creating memorable moments.

Inspiration

This product, limited to just 100 sets, aims to create a striking package that avoids classical styles and remains free from conventional constraints. It is designed to allow sake enthusiasts to focus on the tasting experience and fully enjoy a luxurious time for themselves. The package subtly communicates that it contains a set of sake from three different vintages. Despite keeping printing and processing costs low, the package maintains a significant presence suitable for gifting. These conditions, including the naming, were all carefully considered in the design.

Image Credits

Image #1: Maho Sekizuka, 2021. Image #2: Maho Sekizuka, 2021. Image #3: Maho Sekizuka, 2021. Image #4: Maho Sekizuka, 2021. Image #5: Maho Sekizuka, 2021. Video Credits: Maho Sekizuka, 2021.

Project Overview

Utsuroi Sake Packaging has been a Silver winner in the Packaging Design award category in the year 2024 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

MAHO SEKIZUKA was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Utsuroi Sake Packaging.

MAHO SEKIZUKA Press Releases

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MAHO SEKIZUKA's Utsuroi Sake Packaging Wins Silver at 2025 A' Design Awards for Innovative Time-Themed Design

On November 19, 2021, Takeda Shuzo in Niigata released Utsuroi, a limited-edition sake set designed by MAHO SEKIZUKA, featuring slit-animated packaging that visually narrates the passage of time through three Daiginjo vintages. This groundbreaking design, now honored with a Silver A' Packaging Design Award in 2025, redefines luxury sake gifting by blending innovation, craftsmanship, and a focus on the tasting experience.

MAHO SEKIZUKA Newsroom

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