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Utsuroi: A Limited-Edition Sake Packaging That Celebrates the Passage of Time

MAHO SEKIZUKA's Utsuroi sake packaging, created for Takeda Shuzo in Ogata, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, stands out as a bold departure from traditional sake presentation. Released on November 19, 2021, in a strictly limited run of 100 sets, Utsuroi was conceived to break free from classical packaging conventions. The design centers on enhancing the sake enthusiast's experience, allowing recipients to fully immerse themselves in the luxury and nuance of three distinct Daiginjo vintages-2004, 2012, and 2019-while maintaining an understated elegance suitable for gifting.

What sets Utsuroi apart is its innovative use of slit animation on the packaging sleeve, which dynamically reveals the brewing years as the box is opened, symbolizing the flow of time. This interactive feature is complemented by bottle seals that use varnish and silver foil to highlight the deepening amber hues of each vintage. The minimalist approach, devoid of unnecessary decoration, draws attention to the sake's natural beauty and the evolving color palette, offering a multisensory experience that extends beyond taste to sight and touch.

Despite its striking visual presence, the Utsuroi packaging was meticulously engineered to balance luxury with cost efficiency. The double-printed black ink and OP varnish on PP transparent material, combined with a robust gift box, ensure durability and a premium feel. The design process involved extensive research and experimentation, particularly in achieving the deep black sleeve animation and the precise gloss of the bottle seals. The result is a packaging solution that not only preserves the integrity of the sake but also elevates the act of gifting and enjoying vintage sake to a new level of sophistication.

The recognition of Utsuroi with the Silver A' Packaging Design Award in 2025 underscores its technical excellence, artistic innovation, and its ability to evoke a sense of wonder. By seamlessly integrating visual storytelling with practical functionality, MAHO SEKIZUKA has set a new benchmark for luxury beverage packaging, making Utsuroi a coveted collector's item and a memorable gift for sake connoisseurs worldwide.

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