HAKUBA GIN, a craft gin that captures the current state of Hakuba Village's forests in the form of aroma, has been named a finalist in the 105th ADC Annual Awards.
The ADC Annual Awards, founded in 1921, is one of the world's longest-running design and advertising competitions, recognizing excellence and creativity across a wide range of fields including advertising, digital media, graphic design, and packaging design. Organized by The One Club for Creativity, it is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in the creative industry worldwide.
Nominated Categories (3 Entries)
| Category | Sub-category |
|---|---|
| Design for Good | Packaging Design |
| Packaging Design | Brand Partnership |
| Packaging Design | Sustainable / Eco-friendly - Single |
About HAKUBA GIN
HAKUBA GIN was developed in collaboration between Shinto Tsushin Co., Ltd.'s circular economy-focused team CIRCULAR DESIGN STUDIO. and distillery startup Ethical Spirits Co., Ltd. The gin is built on a unique concept: documenting the "current state" of Hakuba's forests — continually shifting due to climate change — through the medium of aroma.
A portion of sales proceeds goes toward nature conservation activities in Hakuba Village, creating a cycle where consumers can enjoy the bounty of the forest while contributing to its protection.
Product Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | HAKUBA GIN |
| Volume | 375ml |
| Alcohol Content | 43% |
| Price | ¥5,000 (excluding tax) |
| Release Date | February 18, 2026 |
| Sales Channels | Select restaurants in Hakuba Village, online store |
| Manufacturer | Ethical Spirits Co., Ltd. |
| Distributor | Shinto Tsushin Co., Ltd. |
Online store: https://shop.ethicalspirits.jp/products/hakuba_gin
Project website: https://cdstudio.jp/hakuba-gin/
ADC Annual Awards official site: https://adcawards.org/
Packaging Highlights
1. A Label That Records the Forest's Moment
The label includes the date, location (latitude and longitude), and temperature at the time the botanicals were harvested — "documenting" the state of the forest on that specific day in gin form.
2. A Bottle Design That Puts the Forest in View
The photographs on the label are taken at the actual forest where the botanicals were collected. By double-printing the label and attaching it to the back of the bottle, the design creates a dreamlike visual effect — the forest landscape appears to be viewed through the gin liquid itself.
3. A Special Book-Type Package Made from Oak Wilt-Affected Wood
Wood damaged by Nara blight (oak wilt), a growing environmental problem in Hakuba Village, has been repurposed to create a book-shaped special package. It contains detailed information about the botanicals used and the nature conservation values behind HAKUBA GIN.
Note: The book-type package is currently on display at select restaurants in Hakuba Village and is not available for general sale.
Born from GREEN WORK HAKUBA
HAKUBA GIN traces its origins to GREEN WORK HAKUBA — a collaborative project co-organized by CIRCULAR DESIGN STUDIO. (the circular economy team within Shinto Tsushin Co., Ltd.) and the Hakuba Village Tourism Bureau. The initiative brings together businesses from within and outside Hakuba Village to explore ways of building the village's future through a circular economy approach.
Ethical Spirits Co., Ltd. participated in this initiative and, inspired by the natural beauty of Hakuba Village and motivated by a desire to see it preserved, partnered in the development of this craft gin.
