Have A Good Tea: A Package Design Inspired by Cherry Blossoms

Bringing the Taste, Aroma, and Scenery into One Product

In Japan, the tradition of Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is celebrated during the cherry blossom season. "Have A Good Tea" was specifically crafted to enhance this season of Hanami with its fragrance and taste. The package design itself features a stunning landscape that complements the flavors of cherry blossom and night cherry blossom, creating a harmonious blend of modern and traditional aesthetics.

To achieve the desired freshness and fragility of cherry blossoms, the package design incorporates original hand-drawn watercolor paintings. The product logo area is embossed, providing a distinct outline against the background illustration. Additionally, the box is made of recyclable, non-glossy high-quality paper, making it both visually appealing and environmentally friendly.

The "Have A Good Tea" package design measures (W)85mm x (D)20mm x (H)150mm, providing a compact and convenient size for easy handling. Its eco-friendly materials allow for easy disassembly and recycling, aligning with sustainable practices. The exquisite seasonal design also makes it a popular choice for gifting.

This project, led by designer Toshiki Okada, began in October 2018 in Kawagoe and was completed in February 2019. The aim was to preserve and pass on the culture of enjoying tea time, especially to the younger generation, as tea consumption at home has been declining in Japan. By creating a familiar flavored tea with added sweetness and aroma, the "Have A Good Tea" design serves as an entry model for tea culture, enticing those who may not have developed the habit of enjoying tea at home.

One of the main challenges faced during the design process was striking a balance between tradition and innovation. The illustration, based on an actual landscape, successfully captures the essence of tea culture and history while incorporating a fresh and contemporary design. The combination of hand-painted watercolors and simple artwork creates a visually captivating representation of the old and the new, aroma and taste.

The "Have A Good Tea" package design, with its captivating cherry blossom-inspired aesthetics and commitment to sustainability, has garnered recognition in the design community. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in Packaging Design in 2021. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that exhibit outstanding creativity, technical skill, and contribute to improving the quality of life.

With "Have A Good Tea," Toshiki Okada has successfully captured the essence of cherry blossoms and the tea culture of Japan in a visually stunning and environmentally conscious package design. It serves as a reminder to slow down, appreciate the beauty of nature, and savor the moments of tranquility that a good cup of tea can bring.