RIHEI GINGER: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Tomomi Nakamura's Award-Winning Japanese Craft Shochu Design

Tomomi Nakamura's design inspiration for RIHEI GINGER came from the concept of "Wabi-Sabi," a traditional Japanese aesthetic sense. This philosophy appreciates the beauty in imperfection and the natural cycle of growth and decay. Nakamura has translated this concept into a design that is quietly clear, calm, and deeply beautiful.

The unique properties of this design lie in its simplicity and elegance. The bottle, sophisticatedly clear, has been stripped down to its essential elements. When lighted up, it creates a stylish atmosphere, offering a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes.

The realization of this design was achieved through medium printing. The 750ml bottle, frosted on the surface, has a transparent window created by printing a medium from above. This technique results in a shiny design when light is applied, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the product.

RIHEI GINGER is more than just a bottle; it's an interactive design that changes its facial expression according to situations. It's designed to transform time spent with important people into a gorgeous and special space. This design project, which started in July 2017 in Tokyo and finished in August 2018, was launched in North America in October 2018.

The design research for RIHEI GINGER involved studying shochu sold at shops and websites. Nakamura perceived Japan's craft shochu, with its history and tradition of over 100 years, as an "art product to taste" and elevated it to the level of an artwork. The challenge was to return to the sophistication of original Japanese art and create a design that minimized elements as much as possible.

RIHEI GINGER, a testament to Nakamura's design prowess, has been recognized with the Golden A' Packaging Design Award in 2019. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.