On the road to Christmas

The winter solstice is here and soon it will be Christmas again this year.
Are you getting ready to decorate your tree and wreaths, and pick out cards to send to your friends?
When I see some elaborately designed Christmas cards in a general store, I find myself wondering, "I wonder how that person is doing?" and writing a card to a friend whose face comes to mind.


Unless you have children, for a slightly cynical adult, it's probably something you want to avoid as much as possible, getting caught up in the Christmas shopping season and the hustle and bustle of the city. I was no exception, and I walked alone through the illuminations, telling myself, "It's not Christmas, it's the winter solstice that we should celebrate!"
But when I think back to my childhood, I realize that I too innocently enjoyed the event known as Christmas.


We exchanged gifts at the Christmas party, my grandpa bought us toys (※The Arasawa family wasn't the kind of family that Santa Claus would visit), we decorated the tree, lit candles, and gathered around a feast and cake. Even in the middle of the cold winter, it remains as a warm memory.


A Christmas song that will remind you of the happy atmosphere of your childhood was released in December 2024.
This is the EP "Christmas Dreams" by california snow story.


California Snow Story is a band by David Scarving, who is based in Scotland and continues to perform in a relaxed style. David's gentle singing voice and nostalgic traditional Christmas songs, combined with the singing voices of his daughters and their choir, create a work that is magical and makes you feel happy.


I'm a little proud of myself, but sögent* was in charge of the sleeve design for this item.
The illustration, depicting a tranquil night, was created by Katayama Fuka, who also worked on the music video's animation, and the trees sleeping, dreaming of a holy night, look like a scene from a picture book.



David had a clear image of the finished product in his mind, so we simply helped bring it to life, and we are very grateful to have had the opportunity to be involved in this wonderful project.


It is true that it can be complicated to think of a world where wars and conflicts between humans never end. However, Christmas is celebrated regardless of religion, ethnicity, or country of origin, and if we can celebrate it all over the world, it should be possible to achieve peace.
I want to celebrate together with my family, friends, and anyone living somewhere.

*sögent is a design unit consisting of myself and Hisashi Kuno, the owner of rovakk musikk and the host of "Hickory Sound Excursion" (FM Matsumoto).

＿

Text and photos by Fumika Arasawa designer Freelance ⇄ company employee, occasionally helping friends out. Moved to Matsumoto in 2024. Instagram: @fumika * Click here to purchase related products at rovakk musikk.

＿

California Snow Story - Christmas Dreams

Artwork: Fuka Katayama (illustration), sögent (design)
Format: CD / Cassette
Product no: SHLF2192 / gal-140
Watch on rovakk music


WALLFLOWER CATALOGUE

In each episode, designer Ayaka Arasawa will introduce one of her inspirational artworks, which will blossom on your walls every day.
It will be updated once a month, at the timing of the second solar term (around the 20th of each month).
We look forward to receiving your feedback via the contact form or Instagram.

Bookmarks and archives can be found here .