graphic design, freelancing, illustration, advertising, web design

Hi Tara, thanks for referencing my site. In all fairness to Japanese package designers, they’re not all as retro as I’ve implied. I have a habit of picking out the more retro ones, so it’s a little skewed. But it’s rather refreshing to see a number of companies reluctant to renew their packaging - they seem content with their designs the way they are, and perhaps the customers are too.

I love it! It’s daring and, in many cases, appeals to the child in all (most?) of us (the banana tetra packs are awesome). These designers look as though they have a lot of fun with colors and give free reign to their imaginations, epsecially with what appear to be snack foods — which are supposed to be fun, right? Thanks, Tara, for posting this great article!

Japanese snacks are very popular here in Singapore. The 2nd row last one can be seen in any supermarket and convenient store. It’s not just that the design is fun and exciting, their packaging is superb. For example, I’ve seen a casing for the narrow instant noodle cup so one can hold it while it’s hot or balance it solidly on one’slap. Sometimes, a fork is included. I believe it’s in their culture that everything must be planned and well thought out. After all, Japanese efficiency is well known globally

Hi James, thanks for letting me use your images much appreciated.

Hi Michael, yes they really do have a child like quality (in a good way) I love the banana packaging too.

Hi Vivienne,
” I’ve seen a casing for the narrow instant noodle cup so one can hold it while it’s hot or balance it solidly on one’slap”
Fantastic idea, I love it when a designer really thinks something through and doesn’t “just” consider the surface decoration.

What? No Pocky? I looooove Japanese candy. Too bad the store I used to buy it at makes you pay for a membership now (they used to just charge non-members an extra 10%)

Love the banana packaging! It looks so real!

And that is a great point about the soup packaging. Sometimes us designers get too consumed with trying to make the package something that catches attention and will sell the product rather than making it practical.

Hi Lauren, What’s Pocky?

*Gasp*

It’s little cookie sticks that you dip in chocolate, strawberry and other flavors of… sauce? Icing? Apparently it’s called Mikado in Europe.

Sorry Lauren, didn’t mean to offend with my lack of Pocky knowledge

LOL, not at all! I have done my duty to the Pocky fan base by bringing knowledge to a lost soul. Now you’ll have to go out and try some (if you can find it). Had you heard of the alternate name, Mikado?

Yes, I have heard of Mikado, I think I’ve tried some chocolately things with cream in. I don’t remember them being very memorable so obviously not up to the quality of the Pocky Cookie sticks

I’m going to sound like Mrs Cranky Pants here but I actually hate this kind of packaging. Maybe something wierd happened to me as a child but I find all the smiley faces and happy characters on FOOD packaging slightly creepy.

Having said that, the banana packaging is very cool!

Oh yes, forgot to say, Mikado biscuits are THE business too.

Hi Jennifer (Mrs Cranky Pants)

What package design do you like?

Hi Tara

Generally I like very simple designs. At the moment, I really like these: http://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/our_drinks/

and yes I know there are some cute little characters on them but they don’t seem so manic as on the Japanese packaging.

I’m going to have to go the shops to have a good look around because I can’t think of any at the moment. This is a good exercise!

I am a fresher in this, but i like those works…good. very nice typical works..i just done 1 package only in my blog… just watch out and sa the comments..

by
vexguy

I like banana juice packaging

Tara, how you came across this packaging website. its really stumbling, especially the second row pink colour package attacted me in its colour and animal represented food particles are sounds great.

I love those samples, I really like the Japanese flair for design/creativity, it’s evident in everything they do even fashion.

To me they seem much more experimental - they aren’t afraid to be be a bit ‘out there’.

Amanda

oops forgot to subscribe

i love about that banana packaging . where can i get the full picture thx

Hi Ardyan, Sorry I only found a cropped image.

I live in Osaka, and my daughter likes those biscuits.

Japanese advertising is always interesting.
The strangest things are usually the brand/product names.
On tv I saw sunglasses from a company called parasite.

I dare to recommend you “Japanese Graphics Now!”, the book published by Taschen. It is filled with Japanese craziness, and about 20% of pages are devoted to package design.

I love it! It’s daring and, in many cases, appeals to the child in all (most?) of us (the banana tetra packs are awesome). These designers look as though they have a lot of fun with colors and give free reign to their imaginations, epsecially with what appear to be snack foods — which are supposed to be fun, right? Thanks, Tara, for posting this great article!

Wow this is somthing different. We dont see this stuff in New Zealand. Cheers for the post.