【Show Sento】— Savoring a Refined Life in a Slow Era: Showcasing the Gentle Layers of Chinese Herbal Blends, from Packaging to Beverages | Phoenixes Case Study
There was no clamor there, only the fragrance of wind and tea, a place where people could forget time and rest in serenity.
The birth of Show Sento is precisely the hope of allowing everyone in the city to also set foot upon this little island that belongs exclusively to them.
Show Sento’s creation was inspired by Mount Penglai—transforming the legendary fairyland into a 'little island' accessible right within the city.Hope that every guest who steps into the shop can temporarily escape the clamor of reality and set foot upon a Mount Penglai that belongs to them.Show Sento's Spatial Language of Oriental Aesthetics
Stepping into the Show Sento Tainan branch, the first things you perceive are not only the aroma of the beverages but also the tranquility of the space. The warm yellow tones combined with layers of concrete gray make the entire area resemble an island nestled in the mist.
Guardian of the Tengu (Celestial Dog): The Island's Guide
The Show Sento Tainan branch uses the 'Tengu' (Celestial Dog) from the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shanhaijing) as its thematic motif. In Eastern mythology, the Tengu serves as the guardian of the night sky and is also a symbol for those seeking the path/Dao.
This symbolism echoes the spirit of Show Sento—the brand hopes to become a gentle light within the city, guiding people to rediscover their own rhythm amidst busy lives. People stop here to rest, drink tea, and catch their breath, before continuing their journey carrying that renewed sense of calm.
When asked about the visual style of each branch, this is what they had to say:
Show Sento: We changed the rules of the brand’s design system, reducing replication in favor of increasing extensibility. Therefore, you will see that while it retains elements of the same worldview, it will change materials, colors, and other details when it reaches stores in different cities. Thus, different branches will reflect the essence of different cities.
We allow each branch to choose different spirit beasts (or 'mythical creatures') and main colors based on the direction they feel most connected to. Only by selecting elements that truly resonate with themselves can each store present a unique aesthetic and atmosphere, allowing Show Sento to become a representative hub of beverage culture in every city.
Show Sento Brand Philosophy: Using a Beverage to Practice Slowing Down
'Drinking a beverage shouldn't just be about quenching thirst, but a brief moment of rest.' Therefore, Show Sento was inspired by the concept of 'Chinese Herbalism × Tea Beverages,' using layers of herbs, grains, spices, and tea to allow everyone to savor the delicacy and balance characteristic of Eastern flavors.
Show Sento: We wanted to create a milk tea and other beverages based on the principle of 'food and medicine sharing the same source' , ensuring that drinking them would not be a burden on the body.
After discussing the feasibility with several Chinese medicine practitioners, we proceeded with flavor development.
We proved that Chinese herbal blends (Han Fang) can be delicious and healthy without tasting like traditional Chinese medicine. The brand Show Sento was born after the COVID-19 pandemic further confirmed the benefits of Chinese herbs and solidified our desire to promote them to the mass market.
This is not the hand-shaken drink you are used to.
The first time you pick up a Show Sento beverage, you might wonder: 'Is this really a hand-shaken drink?' From the packaging design to the sealing film material, and from the cup proportions to the colors, every detail has been meticulously adjusted, solely to present the purest balance and texture.
Show Sento shared: 'Innovation is our fundamental mindset. With innovation, we can offer unique content that breaks a framework in the beverage industry. The introduction of any new flavor requires time for the market to understand and accept, but as long as the product is good enough, it can lead consumers to embrace new sensory experiences.
Details of the Beverage Sealing Film: Conveying Elegance with a Paper Film
Atop every Show Sento beverage is a paper seal made using the Phoenixes Cup Sealing Machine PH-989H.
This sealing film carries a delicate matte finish and a tactile warmth, lending a softer look to the overall appearance. Show Sento’s choice to use the Phoenixes paper film seal is, in fact, directly related to the brand's desired image and temperament.
Show Sento: Do you recall what we mentioned earlier about having a highly variable brand worldview? We continue to implement this concept through the cup sleeve design.
Six spirit beasts will appear on our cup sleeves, rotating irregularly. Therefore, when the cup sleeve design carries heavy elements, the cup and the sealing film must be kept lighter.This is why we no longer need to rely on printing on the sealing film.
Therefore, we searched for a material that was both simpler and environmentally friendly, which led us to discover the Phoenixes paper film seal. It does not require printing to highlight its quality, as it inherently possesses a material delicacy.
Furthermore, it aligns more closely with the concept of sustainability, allowing the brand to convey to the market the idea that beverages can be both healthy and environmentally friendly.
The Phoenixes cup sealing machine is simple to operate and does not require trimming, avoiding unnecessary waste and resulting in a stable and aesthetically pleasing beverage seal. This makes the entire customer experience more beautiful and impactful.
We recommend this sealing method to encourage the market to move toward a more sustainable direction.
Show Sento breaks away from traditional plastic sealing film, allowing the paper film seal to possess greater texture in both visual appeal and touch. This also aligns with the brand's commitment to environmental sustainability. Consumer feedback has also been very positive; they appreciate the dual option of either directly inserting a straw or tearing open the film for drinking.
This method also resolves the issue of easily scalding one's mouth when using a straw for hot drinks, leading to reduced straw usage and greater environmental friendliness.
PH-989H Paper Cup Sealer
This desktop sealing machine is specially designed for coffee shops, light meal vendors, and modern beverage industries. It utilizes innovative single-sheet paper cup sealing technology, which, unlike traditional roll-film sealers, effectively prevents plastic film waste.
PH-989H Paper Lid Film Sealer | Dedicated for Coffee Paper Cups
Furthermore, the stable sealing technology provided by Phoenixes ensures that every beverage remains clean and intact during the takeaway process, maintaining a consistent aesthetic across high-volume production. This not only demonstrates a dedication to craftsmanship but also embodies Show Sento’s practical application of the philosophy that 'details are the spirit.'
Show Sento: Let Life Be a Little Softer Show Sento does not chase speed, nor does it cater to trends. It uses the time it takes to drink a cup of tea to invite people to pause and feel the distance between themselves and the world.
Show Sento is also currently initiating its second phase of development planning, with the goal of more widely integrating Show Sento's flavored tea and experiential beverage culture into daily life. In the future, the brand will continue to deepen the brand experience, expand its product line, and explore more channels, allowing more people to easily access, understand, and appreciate this unique tea culture.
Show Sento Social Media
Facebook：小仙島 Show sento Tainan
Instagram：showsento_tainan