Craft Gin 'HAKUBA GIN' Wins Silver at the 105th NY ADC Awards for Capturing the Scent of Hakuba's Forests
HAKUBA GIN, a craft gin project by Shinto Tsushin designed to showcase the nature of Hakuba Village, has won one Silver Cube and two Merits at the prestigious 105th NY ADC Awards. The circular economy-based design using underutilized regional materials received high international acclaim.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 20:00
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Shinto Tsushin Co., Ltd.'s specialized team, CIRCULAR DESIGN STUDIO., announced that its craft gin 'HAKUBA GIN,' which utilizes native plants from Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, has won a total of three awards at the 105th NY ADC Annual Awards, including one Silver Cube and two Merits.
HAKUBA GIN was developed in collaboration with Ethical Spirits Inc. with the concept of delivering the 'current state' of Hakuba's forests—constantly changing due to climate change—in the form of scent. The project originated from 'GREEN WORK HAKUBA,' a co-creative business conference organized by the Hakuba Village Tourism Bureau.
The gin uses eight types of botanicals, such as Shishiu-do and Nanakamado. The label records environmental data at the time of harvesting (date, location, temperature) and features a unique design where the forest landscape is visible through the liquid. Since its release on February 18, 2026, a portion of sales has been donated to local nature conservation efforts.
Award Categories:
- Silver Cube: Design for Good / Packaging Design
- Merit: Packaging Design / Brand Partnership
- Merit: Packaging Design / Sustainable / Eco-friendly - Single
The NY ADC Awards is the world's oldest design and advertising award, and winning a 'Cube' is considered one of the highest honors in the creative industry. Creative Director Kohei Matsushita commented, 'I am delighted that a small project started to convey the beautiful nature of Hakuba Village has been recognized on an international stage.' Shinto Tsushin aims to continue contributing to regional problem-solving and the realization of a circular economy through creativity.
HAKUBA GIN was developed in collaboration with Ethical Spirits Inc. with the concept of delivering the 'current state' of Hakuba's forests—constantly changing due to climate change—in the form of scent. The project originated from 'GREEN WORK HAKUBA,' a co-creative business conference organized by the Hakuba Village Tourism Bureau.
The gin uses eight types of botanicals, such as Shishiu-do and Nanakamado. The label records environmental data at the time of harvesting (date, location, temperature) and features a unique design where the forest landscape is visible through the liquid. Since its release on February 18, 2026, a portion of sales has been donated to local nature conservation efforts.
Award Categories:
- Silver Cube: Design for Good / Packaging Design
- Merit: Packaging Design / Brand Partnership
- Merit: Packaging Design / Sustainable / Eco-friendly - Single
The NY ADC Awards is the world's oldest design and advertising award, and winning a 'Cube' is considered one of the highest honors in the creative industry. Creative Director Kohei Matsushita commented, 'I am delighted that a small project started to convey the beautiful nature of Hakuba Village has been recognized on an international stage.' Shinto Tsushin aims to continue contributing to regional problem-solving and the realization of a circular economy through creativity.
FAQ
Where can I buy HAKUBA GIN?
It is available through the Ethical Spirits e-commerce site (https://shop.ethicalspirits.jp/products/hakuba_gin) and other selected retailers.
What is the NY ADC Award?
Founded in 1921, it is the world's longest-running design and advertising award, recognizing excellence in craftsmanship and creativity.
What is the role of CIRCULAR DESIGN STUDIO.?
It is a co-creative project team within Shinto Tsushin that addresses social issues using expertise in circular economy and creativity.