IREZUMI
Food Packaging Design
IREZUMI, meaning ‘Tattoo’ is a brand of high-end Japanese food delicacies. The project involved the creation of a variety of packages and a conceptual outer container which would be sold as a gourmet box set. The logo replicates a stamp seal commonly used in East Asian cultures as a signature. This represents the unique and important similarities between a signature and a tattoo in one’s identity.
The design was inspired by the stigma in Japanese culture that tattoos are highly associated with the Yakuza or Japanese gangsters. Each package features a minimal exterior with an extremely detailed interior; simulating how real Yakuza would typically hide their tattoos from the public to avoid harsh judgements. The tattoo designs incorporate a Japanese flower and a character that symbolizes the essence of the delicacy and important virtues related to the Yakuza culture, such as honor, wisdom, and pride. The clean, minimalistic design paired with the complex hand-done illustrations create a balance that embodies both the modern and traditional aspects of Japan.
