KOTORI — Luxury Uji Matcha Packaging & Brand Identity

PROJECT OVERVIEW

KOTORI 小鳥 is a luxury Japanese matcha brand born at the intersection of centuries-old Uji tea-making traditions and modern high-end aesthetics. The project’s core focus was the creation of an exclusive ceremonial gift box. Designed as an immersive art object, the packaging reflects the Japanese philosophy of Ma (negative space) and the serene atmosphere of the traditional tea ceremony. Every detail, from the choice of tactile materials to the custom visual narrative, was developed to convey purity, heritage, and quiet luxury.

THE OBJECTIVE Position KOTORI 小鳥 as an elite ceremonial-grade matcha brand in the global luxury market, creating a visual language that elevates the product from a simple beverage to a high-art gift experience.

KEY GOALS Artistic Integration: Seamlessly unite traditional Japanese artwork with modern, ultra-minimalistic package construction. Tactile Storytelling: Utilize premium tactile materials (handmade Washi paper, natural silk lining, and gold foil stamping) to turn the unboxing into a multi-sensory ritual. Uncluttered Aesthetics: Preserve absolute minimalism on the outer packaging while housing all functional storytelling and ritual guides within the inner elements.

PACKAGING ARCHITECTURE & THE RITUAL The packaging system is built on the concept of “unfolding the ceremony.” The Exterior Art Box: A rigid, matte-finished outer box featuring the embossed gold Ogg typography and the central crane illustration. It remains entirely free of commercial noise. The Interior Experience: Upon opening, the recipient is greeted by a luxurious deep silk lining that cradles the handcrafted ceramic Chawan bowl, bamboo Chasen whisk, Chasaku spoon, and the minimalist tin cylinder. Washi Ritual Cards: A fan-out guide printed on heavy, deckled-edge Washi paper, pivoting on a brass rivet to lead the user step-by-step through the tea preparation ritual.