Branding 3D Modeling Packaging Illustration

Cinema 4d Photoshop Illustrator

Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese Noh theatre, I created a tea brand named NŌ (another way of referring to this form of theatre).
The core visual identity draws directly from one of its most iconic elements: the masks. Within Noh, a set of archetypal characters are represented through different faces, each carrying its own distinct role and expression.

Noh theatre is characterized by a minimalist and traditional style which, when blended with modern elements, lends the brand a distinctive and intriguing aesthetic.
The concept is that each of the six Japanese green tea varieties (Sencha, Genmaicha, Hōjicha, Kukicha, Bancha, and Matcha-blend) embodies one of these archetypal characters, drawing parallels between the teas’ intensity, flavor, and personality and the traits of the theatrical roles.

KO-OMOTE - Sencha

Feminine Youth
Her expression is gentle, almost innocent. This mask is paired with Sencha, Japan’s most classic and balanced tea. Fresh and vegetal, it forms the foundation of tradition—just as Ko-Omote does within the Noh repertoire.

HANNYA - Genmaicha

Transformation of Jealousy and Pain into Rage
It conveys a profound emotional complexity. Genmaicha, a blend of green tea and roasted rice, embodies this duality: warmth and bitterness, softness and rawness. A harmony of contrasts—just like the character it represents.

OKINA - Hōjicha

Longevity, Serenity, and Good Fortune
Okina is the mask of the wise elder. Its spiritual energy resonates with Hōjicha, a roasted tea low in caffeine, warm and comforting in flavor.

SHIKAMI - Kukicha

Strength, Tension, and Resolve
Shikami bares his teeth and furrows his brow. Kukicha, a tea crafted from stems and twigs, is equally unusual and full of character. Its drier, more distinctive taste mirrors the raw and uncompromising nature of this figure.

FUKAI - Bancha

Mature Woman
Steeped in memories and deep emotions. Bancha is a tea made from larger, more mature leaves, less refined, yet authentically rich. It offers a gentler flavor, yet carries significant emotional weight.

OTOBIDE - Matcha-blend

Emotional Duality
Otobide represents a young noble or masculine spirit. His serene face and tragic background evoke an emotional duality. This complexity is mirrored in the Matcha-blend, a refined and potent tea that perfectly complements Otobide’s symbolic weight as an introspective and emotionally dense figure.

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Marca y producto té japonés