Japan Packaging

Working on packaging for your products? Take a trip to Japan!

I always learn so much about packaging and presentation when I go to Japan. They are the masters of wrapping, are super precise, know how to present their products as beautiful gifts to give. It’s something I’ve always admired about their culture.

Back in 2015 or 2016, when I took our chocolate products to Japan for some feedback, I was given criticism on our packaging and that the quality of the outside, did not match the beautiful and delicious chocolates inside. Our packaging that we received praises for in Hawai`i, did not fly in Japan. I then spent time researching, working with a designer and reconstructing, and then recreating the truffle boxes we now offer today.

I still love to go and look at chocolates in Japan and really, any of their food products that can be found in the basement of fine department stores like Mitsukoshi or Takashimaya. Everything is always so simple, so clean, and yet so appealing.

An example from my most recent trip was a fresh fruit and mochi display that caught my eye right away in a sea of options in a busy department store basement. It had me bee-lining toward it to get a better look and try it to see if it lived up to its packaging and display on its perfect counter. And happy to share that it was delightful!

If you are looking for packaging ideas for your products, take a research trip to Japan!

erin’s tip

Spend time in department stores like Mitsukoshi in Ginza, Hankyu in Osaka, or Takashimaya and walk slowly around in the basement. Pay attention to details because they definitely do!