This series of projects for the Nikka Whiskey Distilling Co. is an attempt to include in modern mass-produced objects the charm or magical element of strong spirits. There are only a few internationally accredited wineries in Japan. The Grace Wine Chuo Budoshu in Yamanashi Prefecture is one of them. On the label is an extremely clear wine description design in Japanese.
The flavor of Iwafune rice, grown in Niigata Prefecture, rivals that of Minami Uwonuma rice, which ranks among the best in Japan. The Iwafune brand symbolizes the spirituality of the Japanese culture.
The "Tampopo [dandelion] sake" is specialty produced in the village of Tsurukawa-cho, in Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, where the largest number of dandelions in Japan is found. On the label is an etching of the plumed seeds of dandelion down, whose count grows by one every year. In 2004 there will be six seeds on the label.
The design of the bottle for "Hakkin Sake," produced by Masuichi Ichimura Shuzojyo distillery in Obuse-do, Nagano Prefecture, seems to be a mirror, which disappears into its environment.