Drinking Heals

Rooted in Japan’s traditional tea culture, “Drinking Heals” is a conceptual project by UnD, designed by LOWORKS Inc. The project reinterprets the act of Ippuku — a traditional Japanese ritual of taking a mindful break — through a modern and minimalist design language.

Ippuku (literally meaning “one breath” or “a short pause”) has long been an essential part of Japanese daily life, representing a moment to reset both body and mind. Whether through smoking or drinking tea, the ritual shares the same purpose: to pause, reflect, and restore balance. “Drinking Heals” explores this cultural essence by contrasting these two opposing acts — one that harms, and one that heals.

By replacing the familiar cigarette pack with Japanese tea packaged in a similar form, the project challenges habitual behavior and reframes it into a positive, health-conscious ritual. The iconic message “Drinking Heals” stands as a counterpoint to the well-known phrase “Smoking Kills,” transforming the language of addiction into one of mindfulness and restoration.

The project also takes an artistic approach. The culture of Ippuku has been visually preserved through ukiyo-e, traditional Japanese woodblock prints that depict moments of everyday life. Woodblock printing has long been a vital part of Japan’s artistic heritage. In creating the packaging for this collection, we chose to use silkscreen printing—a contemporary printmaking method—as a way to bridge tradition and modern design.

The Drinking Heals Collection goes beyond being just a product; it is an artistic proposal that invites us to reconsider everyday habits and cultural practices. By merging tradition with innovation, it offers a new perspective and renewed value. We hope this collection brings a small yet meaningful shift to daily life—offering a moment to restore balance and care for oneself.