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Kikumi Yoshida's Hagata Farm Pickles Packaging presents a sophisticated study in material contrast and haptic invitation, wherein a cylindrical glass vessel of approximately 8 centimeters in height an
Kikumi Yoshida's Hagata Farm Pickles Packaging presents a quartet of cylindrical glass vessels arranged in precise diagonal recession from foreground right to background left, each container exhibitin
Kikumi Yoshida's Hagata Farm Pickles Packaging presents a studied composition rooted in the material vernacular of artisanal food preservation, wherein a clear glass jar of modest cylindrical proporti
Kikumi Yoshida's Hagata Farm Pickles Packaging unfolds across the picture plane as a carefully orchestrated assemblage of cylindrical vessels, each wrapped in a richly patterned surface treatment that
Kikumi Yoshida's Hagata Farm Pickles Packaging presents three cylindrical glass jars arranged in pyramidal formation upon raw cultivated earth, their transparency revealing pale golden contents suspen

Hagata Farm

Iron Packaging Design · 2025

Hagata Farm Pickles Packaging

by Kikumi Yoshida

  • A' Design Award 2025 Iron Winner in Packaging Design
  • Awarded April 15, 2025
  • CLIENT: Hagata Farm
  • Estimated Number of Design Views: 12,798
  • Verification code 651464FA17 · Verify this award
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About Hagata Farm Pickles Packaging

To reflect the client's personality, they used the client's hand and daikon radish seeds as motifs in the logo. The green paper on the lid represents a daikon leaf. The colors and strength of the vegetable are expressed through fine dotted patterns that evoke texture and depth. To highlight the whiteness of the daikon, they minimized the label design, allowing the vegetable to stand out. The green paper covering the lid serves as packaging and a letter of appreciation to the consumer on the reverse side, reinforcing the connection between the product and the customer experience.

Kikumi Yoshida's Hagata Farm Pickles Packaging engages thoughtfully with contemporary discourse surrounding craft authenticity, material transparency, and the visual communication of artisanal food production values within an increasingly industrialized global marketplace, positioning itself at the fertile intersection of traditional Japanese aesthetic sensibility and modern packaging design functionality. The composition demonstrates sophisticated understanding of material semiotics, deploying a carefully calibrated hierarchy of textures and surfaces that communicate through tactile vocabulary as much as through chromatic or formal means, the deliberate juxtaposition of industrial glass precision with handcraft paper wrapping and natural fiber binding activating a symbolic dialogue between mass production capability and artisanal small-batch care, a tension increasingly central to premium food positioning in mature consumer markets. The technical execution reveals accomplished command of product photography conventions, the centered frontal presentation and neutral ground providing optimal clarity for commercial reproduction across varied contexts from e-commerce platforms to editorial features, while the diffused lighting paradigm ensures even articulation of the package's complex surface topography without introducing dramatic shadows that might obscure critical design details or create reproduction challenges, this lighting choice reflecting professional understanding of how such images function within contemporary visual communication ecosystems. The chromatic restraint evident throughout the composition speaks to design maturity and confidence, the limited palette of pale golden liquid, warm natural cordage, charcoal wrapping material, and clean white label establishing clear visual hierarchy without resorting to chromatic amplification or artificial vibrancy, this tonal modesty arguably communicating greater sophistication and premium positioning than more saturated alternatives might achieve, the approach resonating with Japanese aesthetic principles of shibui refined simplicity and wabi-sabi appreciation for natural imperfection and material authenticity. The wrapping paper's distinctive crinkled surface topology warrants particular attention, its irregular rumpled geography introducing organic unpredictability and handmade character into what might otherwise present as standardized industrial packaging, each unique configuration of folds and creases essentially rendering every package subtly individualized despite standardized production, this tension between repeatability and uniqueness embodying broader craft production paradoxes. The natural jute binding functions symbolically beyond its practical closure purpose, the organic fiber and simple bow gesture evoking gift-giving traditions, agricultural heritage, and pre-industrial material culture, its warm beige tonality and visible fiber structure providing tactile visual interest while reinforcing natural and unprocessed positioning, the binding essentially performing cultural work by anchoring the package within traditions of careful preservation and valued contents worthy of protective wrapping. The label's clean geometry and minimal graphic treatment demonstrate restraint characteristic of contemporary design sensibility influenced by Scandinavian and Japanese minimalism, the simple cucumber line illustration providing necessary product identification while maintaining visual quietness, the bilingual text suggesting cross-cultural circulation and respect for both heritage language and international accessibility, this linguistic duality increasingly common in premium food packaging targeting both domestic and export markets. The transparent vessel itself merits recognition as a design choice carrying significant meaning, the glass material allowing direct visual access to contents and communicating nothing-to-hide transparency increasingly valued by consumers seeking authenticity and material honesty in food products, the visibility of pickled vegetables and brine functioning as implicit quality assurance and appetite appeal while eliminating the abstraction inherent in opaque packaging that requires consumers to imagine rather than verify contents. What emerges through sustained viewing is appreciation for how this seemingly simple package actually represents sophisticated negotiation of multiple often-competing communication objectives: commercial clarity and aesthetic sophistication, mass production efficiency and handcraft authenticity, contemporary design vocabulary and traditional craft reference, functional utility and elevated presentation, accessible approachability and premium positioning, this multiplicity of successfully balanced tensions suggesting design intelligence and cultural fluency worthy of recognition. The work invites consideration of how everyday objects and commercial packaging might transcend purely functional roles to become vehicles for cultural storytelling, material appreciation, and aesthetic contemplation, asking viewers to recognize design as a field where utility and beauty need not exist in opposition but can achieve meaningful synthesis, how might sustained attention to such quotidian objects reshape understanding of where artistic value resides and what merits careful looking in contemporary visual culture saturated with designed artifacts yet often lacking contemplative engagement with their formal and material qualities?

Press Kit

Unique Properties
To reflect the individuality, the hand held by the client and the vegetable seed were used as the logo motif. The green paper on the lid imitates a vegetable leaf. The deep hue and the strength of the vegetable are expressed in fine dots.
Dimensions & Packaging
Width 80 mm,Depth 80 mm,Height 75 mm
Tags
Package design , pickles , farmers , Japanese food
Production Technology
We pondered how to express the personality of Hagata Farm. We realized that the hands they hold belong to proud farmers who embody dedication. We reflected these hands in the design and used dotted vegetable leaves to represent the quiet yet powerful life force in the field. This design connects the essence of the farm to the product telling a story of nature hard work and pride. By highlighting the farmers connection to the land we aimed to create a design that resonates with the values of the community and the beauty of agriculture.
Design Challenge
Many other companies already sell pickle products. We needed to find a way to differentiate ourselves from them and appeal to the interests of people in locally grown vegetables and the project with an appealing design.
Project Duration
The project started in 2022 in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture.
Operation Flow
The green paper covering the lid also decorates the surface of the package, while the reverse side is a letter of appreciation and product concept to the consumer. By putting thought into every part of the package, we aimed to create a package that will be a keepsake, rather than a package that will be thrown away.
Research
Team members discussed every possible direction, including what expressions the clientele liked, what magazines they preferred, and what designs they preferred, and carefully shaped them in a layered manner.
Inspiration
The project involved making pickles using vegetables from the Hagata farm, and using the profits from the sales to cover the costs of growing vegetables for school lunches. The client wanted to deliver first class vegetables to school children while taking on the challenges of agriculture.
Image Credits
#1: Designer Kikumi Yoshida, Kuuche design,Photographer Keijiro Ando, 2022.
#2: Designer Kikumi Yoshida, Kuuche design,Photographer Rui Tokunaga,2022.
#3: Designer Kikumi Yoshida, Kuuche design, 2022.
#4: Designer Kikumi Yoshida, Kuuche design, 2022.
#5: Designer Kikumi Yoshida, Kuuche design, 2022.
Writer Tomomi Takada,Video production Hiroshi Minao

Colors of Hagata Farm Pickles Packaging

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Design Interview about Hagata Farm Pickles Packaging

The design was inspired by the client's dedication to farming and the desire to share high-quality vegetables with children. We used the client’s hand and vegetable seed as the logo to reflect their individuality. The deep green wrapping resembles a leaf, while the reverse side of the paper includes a handwritten letter of appreciation and the product’s concept. The goal was to create a heartfelt design that wouldn’t be thrown away, but cherished.

Our main focus was to design a package that captures the quiet strength and sincerity of the farm, while also appealing as a gift. We aimed to make the packaging itself speak—carrying emotion and story, not just function.

We plan to continue refining the packaging and explore ways to share it as a model for agricultural branding in other regions. It has also opened up conversations about storytelling-based product design in our local community.

The design took several months, including multiple field visits, feedback sessions with the client, and iteration based on their values. It was a layered process that took time, but was deeply rewarding.

It was a commissioned project, but the design direction was shaped through open dialogue with the client. We started from scratch, exploring ways to embody their beliefs in the design.

The packaging is currently in use by Hagata Farm, and we have no plans to sell or lease the design rights. It is a collaborative effort created for their exclusive use.

We wanted to create a design that would represent the deep connection between the farm, the land, and the consumer. It was a chance to show how design can carry emotional value, not just visual beauty.

There were no specific design references in terms of visual direction. However, I was inspired by expressions that emphasize local narratives and tactile experiences, especially in how they connect products with people through story and material.

People who appreciate high-quality, locally produced food with a story—especially those looking for thoughtful gifts or unique culinary items.

This design is intended to be reused even after consumption, seamlessly integrating into everyday life. It is not just a disposable package but includes a space on the reverse side to deliver a message of gratitude, making it a more personal and memorable experience.

The name was developed through collaborative discussions with the project team. By defining the target audience clearly, we crafted a name that is honest, grounded, and resonates with everyday language—something that directly reflects the identity of the producer.

Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for layout and artwork, plus hand-drawn sketches and physical prototypes for visual testing.

The package integrates the farmer’s hand and vegetable seeds into the logo, conveying pride and authenticity. The wrapping paper is not just decorative but carries a letter of appreciation on the reverse side, turning it into a keepsake rather than disposable waste.

The project began with deep conversations with the client, who is passionate about agriculture. I collaborated with a local printing company for paper processing and finishing, worked with a trusted photographer for visuals, and brought the story to life with the help of a local writer and a video creator. Each member contributed their unique skills to elevate the design.

Technology played an important role in expressing the delicate textures and depth of the package, while maintaining an honest and sincere tone. In particular, the printing and photography processes were effectively used to bring out the subtle qualities of the material and convey the atmosphere of the brand faithfully.

We conducted qualitative research by discussing with the client what kinds of expressions, visuals, and narratives would resonate most with their values and customers. It was less about numerical data and more about emotional alignment.

It was challenging to design something that felt premium while also being sincere and emotionally grounded. Balancing the aesthetic with cost and practicality, and ensuring it aligned with the values of the farm, was a delicate process.

The client’s story and their approach to agriculture were so powerful that I felt it deserved to be shared on a global stage. This award submission was one way to celebrate their work and share it with a wider audience.

I learned the importance of listening—both to the client’s unspoken values and to the material’s natural qualities. It taught me to design not just for aesthetics, but for emotional depth and human connection.

This project was more than a design job—it was a shared journey. It reminded me that design has the power to carry values, stories, and care across generations. I hope it continues to spark connections wherever it goes.

Grand Interview about Hagata Farm Pickles Packaging

In the initial meetings, I was deeply impressed by the farmer’s "proud hands" and the act of "sowing seeds." From there, I developed the hand motif to symbolize nurturing, while the seeds came to represent hope for the future.

The idea of allowing messages on the green paper lid was designed for the farmer to convey their feelings directly to the purchaser. It was not initially requested as a "letter space," but I intentionally created this area to help farmers connect more closely with buyers. Even without a handwritten message, the design stands on its own beautifully, creating a meaningful opportunity for connection and leaving room for emotional engagement.

To abstractly convey the strength of nature, I experimented repeatedly with different drawing and dot techniques. Ultimately, I realized that dense clusters of fine dots could best express a sense of vitality and organic movement.

I saw the daikon itself as the main protagonist, so I deliberately kept the label minimal. By reducing the prominence of the brand logo, I actually created a stronger sense of exclusivity, successfully balancing natural beauty with brand presence.

This project is not merely about product development but is rooted in the social mission of providing safe and delicious vegetables to children. Therefore, I chose materials that evoke natural textures and adopted a warm, hand-drawn feeling in the design. By emphasizing kindness and sincerity, I aimed to convey the deeper social significance behind the product.

To create a strong presence within the limited size, I focused on the use of negative space and the three-dimensional feel of the paper. By emphasizing the expanded green lid and the natural whiteness of the contents, I designed it to leave a lasting impression despite its compact form.

Rather than choosing flashy elements simply to stand out, I carefully expressed essential elements such as the farmer’s hands and the vitality of the vegetables. By respecting local trust and the passion of the producers, the design naturally differentiates itself from other products.

By incorporating motifs that evoke “beginnings,” such as soil, fields, and seeds, I aimed to help children imagine the starting point of food. Through the packaging, I designed it so that the background of production and the value of food education would be naturally communicated.

By designing the packaging as something people would want to keep rather than dispose of, I aimed to evoke a sense of attachment and memory. Its reusability after consumption aligns with modern consumers’ values regarding sustainability. Transforming it into a gift-like or keepsake item also helps deepen the connection between the farmers and the consumers.

This award has given me greater confidence in leveraging local charm and background through design. Moving forward, I envision using this experience to embark on new projects that connect traditional agricultural products and regional resources to contemporary consumer experiences. I also aim to further bridge the gap between consumers and producers by sharing farmers' stories through thoughtful design.

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