Milestone Beverages HK has teamed up with Australian spirits label Iconic Beverages to launch an all-new Japanese whiskey brand called 'Onikishi,' which translates to "demon king" in Japanese.
According to the companies, the new brand was developed as a response to the growing demand for Japanese whiskey and was designed to pay homage to Japan's spirit-making traditions. Because of this, Onikishi's branding draws inspiration from traditional Japanese sake bottles while adding a contemporary twist that features Anime-style graphics.
"We developed Onikishi to capture the imaginations of Japan fans, Anime enthusiasts, casual samurai wannabes – and marry this to the world of Japanese whisky where interest and pricing had become all too serious," said Damith Weerakoon, Director of Marketing & Operations at Milestone.
Sake-Inspired Japanese Whiskeys
Onikishi is a Whiskey Brand Developed for "Anime Enthusiasts"
Trend Themes
1. Anime-inspired Branding - Creating products with branding that appeals to anime enthusiasts with unique graphics and themes can capture the imaginations of existing fans and introduce new consumers to the product.
2. Revival of Traditional Techniques - By reviving traditional Japanese spirit-making techniques, new and unique products can be created that appeal to consumers looking for products with authentic roots and cultural significance.
3. Creative Use of Traditional Packaging - Taking inspiration from traditional packaging techniques and adding a contemporary twist can create a unique and recognizable brand identity that sets a product apart from competitors.
Industry Implications
1. Alcohol Beverage - The alcohol beverage industry can innovate by targeting niche markets and creating unique branding and product differentiation techniques that appeal to specific consumer groups.
2. Anime Merchandise - The anime merchandise industry can innovate by partnering with businesses to create unique products that appeal to anime enthusiasts and collectors of unique products.
3. Packaging Design - The packaging design industry can innovate by utilizing traditional packaging techniques and incorporating unique graphics and themes to create packaging that stands out on shelves and creates a unique brand identity.