Yokote Sake Label Design

Commissioned by:

Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, Japan

Year:

2022

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly affected Yokote City’s traditional cultural and tourism events, resulting in numerous cancellations or scaled-down activities. With vaccines and other measures still under development, attracting large numbers of visitors remains challenging.

This project aims to preserve and pass down local traditions by introducing sake label designs inspired by Yokote’s seasonal imagery—kamakura snow huts, bountiful harvests, fresh produce, floral beauty, and vibrant festivals. Each label integrates stylized illustrations with AR compatibility, enabling viewers to experience brewing stories, local culture, and festival scenes through their smartphones.

Image of Yokote City

Graphic motifs and color palettes are derived from key seasonal and cultural elements:

Finished product

The finished sake bottles present a balance between traditional storytelling and modern graphic design. By combining local imagery with clean visual layouts, the products function as both functional packaging and collectible souvenirs, appealing to locals, tourists, and online audiences alike.

Bottle cap design

Each bottle cap features minimalist calligraphy that complements the main label art. The subtle design reinforces the sake’s identity while adding a refined touch, ensuring visual harmony across the entire product line. This detail enhances the unboxing experience and maintains brand consistency.

Make the label compatible with AR

You can view the sake brewing process of each brewery through AR.
You can watch stories from the presidents and master brewers of each brewery through AR.
You can watch videos of the Yokote Snow Festival in AR.

AR Integration

The labels are enhanced with AR technology, transforming each bottle into an interactive cultural experience. Scanning the label with a smartphone reveals immersive content, including brewery tours, interviews with master brewers, and video footage of iconic events such as the Yokote Snow Festival. This digital layer bridges tradition with innovation, making the product engaging year-round.