Showa Modern: Ad Designs, 1920s–30s

In 1920s and 1930s in Japan, a blossoming cosmopolitan culture pervaded Taisho and Showa era when new Western-style establishments such as bars, cafés, and boutiques lined city streets. The concept of design as a vehicle to connect people and things found expression in fresh and exuberant forms, and cities teemed with posters and other advertising media. This book presents a treasure trove of over 200 ad designs, including flyers, posters, illustrations, and product packaging. To modern viewers, these works will brim with nostalgia while also inspiring a new sense of fascination and excitement. 

Featured: calendars, flyers, notepads, envelopes, catalogues, leaflets, posters, product packaging, matchbox labels, illustrations, print ads