The World of Showa Posters: The Spirit and Appeal of an Era as Seen Through Design
Showa-era posters captured the spirit of their times with vibrant colors and dynamic compositions.
From product advertisements to films and railways, each one is filled with the daily lives and feelings of people back then.
The innovative expressions crafted by designers have continued to exert a significant influence on contemporary design.
Let’s time-travel into the world of Showa posters—where artistry and practicality are beautifully balanced—and uncover their enduring appeal.
- The nostalgic world of Showa-era films. Revisiting masterpieces that linger in the heart.
- [Nostalgic Showa Fashion] The changing trends that feel both nostalgic and fresh
- A compilation of beautiful actresses and singers from the Showa era: the beauties who captivated countless fans.
- Nostalgic foods of the Showa era. Let’s trace the memorable flavors and the memories they evoke.
- Heisei Retro Design: A Nostalgic World Gaining Renewed Attention in the Reiwa Era
- A nostalgic feature on Showa-era magazines: looking back at the popular magazines of the time.
- Heartwarming nostalgia: scenes of Showa-era streets that bring back memories.
- Have fun with classic Showa-era games! Simple yet profoundly engaging traditional pastimes
- [Showa TV Special] Beloved Classic Shows & Heroes of Our Memories
- [For Seniors] Nostalgic! Showa-Era Quizzes Recommended for Reminiscence Therapy
- A must-see for the Showa generation! Nostalgic popular snacks from the old days
- The Complete Guide to Showa-Era Toys: From Showa retro to toys still loved today
- List of popular Showa-era actresses that bring back memories: introducing iconic stars who evoke nostalgia
The World of Showa Posters: The Spirit and Allure of an Era Through Design (1–10)
Toshiba Mazda Lamp
The poster for Toshiba’s Mazda Lamp symbolizes a brighter life spreading alongside the advance of electrification.
In an era when living with artificial light was not yet the norm, the images of rooms gently illuminated by incandescent bulbs and smiling families convey the growing sense of security and abundance that the lamp brought.
Within its simple, refined design are embedded the hopes for a better standard of living at the time and the warmth of home, making it an advertisement that delivers a quiet sense of hope to viewers.
It stands as an emblem of light in the Showa era.
Morinaga Milk Caramel
The merry-go-round depicted on the Showa-era “Morinaga Milk Caramel” poster gently reflects a nostalgic, sweet, and wistful dreamscape.
As the wooden horses whirl around, children’s smiles and fluttering excitement spread, symbolizing the happy moments carried by a single caramel.
The soft hues and warm illustrations soothe the viewer’s heart and bring small joys to everyday life.
It’s a striking piece that conveys the tenderness and sentiment of the Showa period.
KINCHO mosquito coils
Of course, KINCHO’s mosquito coils are a staple for mosquito control, but they’ve also long been cherished by many as a quintessential symbol of summer in Japan.
This poster features Hibari Misora, who was a top star at the time, and her bright, wholesome image enhances trust in the product.
Her cool-looking yukata expresses the beauty of traditional Japanese culture, while the Showa-era color palette and hand-drawn style fonts evoke the period.
It’s a piece packed with appealing elements.
The World of Showa-Era Posters: The Spirit and Allure of the Times Through Design (11–20)
UCC Coffee
At the center of the poster, Aoi Teruhiko, dressed in light blue, holds UCC coffee in both hands against a matching light-blue background, wearing a refreshing smile.
Beside his straightforward gaze is a simple copy that reads, “I always drink UCC coffee.” The restrained color palette creates a calm elegance and sense of freshness, visually highlighting UCC coffee while conveying depth of flavor and reliability.
It’s a refined Showa-era piece that lingers quietly in the viewer’s mind.
Coca-Cola
In the Showa era, the Coca-Cola poster featuring Yuzo Kayama conveyed youthful energy and freshness.
His bright smile and carefree vibe perfectly matched the drink’s crisp refreshment, making it a piece that seemed to capture the youth and vitality of the time.
The poster evokes time spent with friends, a sense of freedom, and a longing for foreign cultures.
The cheerful atmosphere centered around Coca-Cola became a symbol of joyful moments that went beyond just a beverage, leaving a vivid mark on youth culture in the Showa period.
Morinaga Chorus
Morinaga Chorus, first sold in 1927 (Showa 2).
It was a lactic acid beverage with a sweet-and-sour taste and was reportedly very popular at the time.
From the poster on the back cover of a magazine—depicting someone drinking Chorus—you can sense the modern atmosphere of the Showa era, which blended Japanese and Western styles.
Incidentally, the original Chorus was sold in bottles as a concentrate.
When it first went on sale, the bottled concentrate format was unusual and attracted a lot of attention.
It is said to have been a favorite in many households.
From the poster, you can also see the bottle of Chorus wrapped in paper.
Jun Kissaten Ramune
A poster filled edge to edge with a retro glass brimming with mixed juice.
Beside it, the words “Jun-Kissa Ramune” appear in a rounded, nostalgic typeface, gently accompanied by the phrase “The taste of those days.” Inside the vintage glass is the nostalgic flavor of the Showa era, packed with the sweetness of banana and mandarin orange.
Centering the mixed juice as the star, this design becomes a striking piece that overflows with warmth and nostalgia—one that makes you want to take a sip.