Choco Mochi – A Sweet Detour into Asian Web Aesthetics
Some time ago, my curiosity led me to dig into Asian web design. I let Instagram’s algorithm guide me to creators and aesthetics from the region. It’s no substitute for experiencing the actual local web firsthand, but it offered some insightful glimpses.
Later, with a little help from ChatGPT, I did a quick exploration of what AI considers “popular” Japanese websites. Unsurprisingly, local e-commerce platforms and blog-style channels came up. What fascinated me was how they structure what initially seems like chaos.
These pages can appear text and image-heavy, even a bit hectic at first glance. Yet, upon closer look, there’s often a clear logic - a subtle hierarchy beneath the surface noise. It’s a seemingly simple design that can be incredibly impactful.
In contrast, much of Western web design, especially in lifestyle and commercial spaces, tends towards more visual “noise” - animations, swirling elements, etc. While visually exciting, it can sometimes be overwhelming if you’re trying to focus.
This isn’t about declaring one style “better” than the other. But it did make me reflect that in Western markets, we often default to “emphasize more.” Sometimes, less can indeed be more.
The Choco Mochi Web Concept
This project started as a one-pager for a Wix Studio certification. Since it wasn’t for a real brand, I thought, why not make it fun? Instead of the usual placeholder text, I used snippets from Wikipedia about mochi. If you’re going to create something, make it enjoyable!
Why Choco Mochi?
Choosing a generic, emotionless product felt uninspired. Mochi is familiar, a bit playful, and has some cultural significance without being so deeply entrenched that visual reinterpretation feels risky.
What Was the Goal?
I wanted to capture what I perceive as the essence of mochi - soft, minimal, satisfying - and translate that into a website that feels like reading a digital newspaper feature. Clean, text-forward, and with a nod to Japanese minimalism without being a direct copy.
Design Notes
Color Palette
I chose tones inspired by vintage newspapers, chocolate mochis, and that soft “kawaii” aesthetic often found in Asian design. The result is a muted, slightly nostalgic palette with gentle contrast.
Typography
Typography plays a huge role in setting the mood. Here, I went with Bitter and Bitter Light - typefaces that have a structured feel, like a newspaper, but also possess a certain softness to balance the rigid grid with a touch of playful “cuteness.” Even a seemingly stern font like Times New Roman can feel different with the right color choices.
Styling + Layout
The layout is geometrical, aiming to echo newspaper columns and content divisions. While it works well on wider screens, it adapts reasonably to mobile. I added subtle drop shadows and gentle hover effects for a touch of modern interactivity - nothing overwhelming, just a hint of life.
Summary
This Choco Mochi concept wasn’t just about a sweet treat. It was a design experiment in embracing “less is more,” drawing inspiration from a different cultural approach to structure, emotion, and visual hierarchy.
Sometimes, stepping back is the best way to stand out.
You can see the result of this exploration here: Visit Choco Mochi