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)
Fujiya Milky
Peko-chan, the mascot of Fujiya, a long-selling Japanese confectionery brand, and the Milky candies she represents.
This poster is captivating for its unique world that combines the story of Urashima Taro riding a turtle to the Dragon Palace with a Milky “treasure box.” You can also see how Peko-chan’s charming, tongue-out expression has evolved with the times.
The Milky packaging uses the original design from that era, giving a real sense of the period.
The retro color palette and illustration style—rarely seen today—overflow with nostalgia and cuteness.
Ointment Ointment (OroNain)
Chieko Naniwa, who appeared on the Showa-era posters for Oronine Ointment alongside the phrase “For the whole family,” became a familiar symbol of safety and trust.
Her smiling figure in an apron was striking, conveying the warmth of home and the importance and role of a household staple medicine.
Her calm delivery and friendly expression aligned with the product’s image, bringing reassurance and resonance to many people.
It’s also said that her real name was Kikuno Minamiguchi, and the playful wordplay with “nankō kiku no” (meaning “the ointment works”) made her especially popular.
Oronamin C Drink
The Otsuka Oronamin C poster featuring Kon Omura that appeared in the late 1960s was an advertisement that powerfully conveyed usefulness and familiarity along with the catchphrase “Full of energy!” Wearing a white shirt and round glasses, Omura’s smiling pose as he tilts the bottle made a striking impact, delivering a sense of vigor to viewers.
The bright background color and simple composition communicate the product’s appeal and message directly.
It’s one of the iconic posters of its era, bringing energy and laughter to Showa-era households.
Kirin Beer
Showa-era Kirin Beer posters are captivating for their bold, modern expression unlike anything before.
By featuring women in Western clothing, with bobbed hair, and in swimsuits, they embraced a new image of womanhood and helped transform beer’s impression into something more sophisticated.
The posters also depict beer as an enjoyable presence in a variety of settings, conveying how naturally it fit into everyday life.
They suggest that beer had become widely appreciated as the times changed.
Through these posters, the visuals compellingly reflect shifting values and lifestyles of the era.
Borraginol
The man in a coat and hat depicted on the Showa-era “Borraginol” poster embodies the urban, sophisticated image of the time.
He is modest yet dignified, exuding a calm, mature atmosphere.
The poster gently conveys the importance of caring for one’s health even amid a busy daily life, creating a sense of approachability.
Its soft color palette, tranquil design, and the words “easy to use” help ease anxieties about hemorrhoids, offering a reassuring presence and a warm message that quietly stands by anyone reaching for the medicine.
Mitsuya Cider
Mitsuya Cider has long been loved by people of all ages, from children to adults.
In this poster, Izumi Ashikawa, an actress active in the 1950s and 1960s, serves as the model.
Her translucent skin and striking smile pair perfectly with Mitsuya Cider’s refreshing image, effectively conveying the product’s appeal.
In particular, the depiction of the bubbles in the cider poured into the glass and the bottle’s design beautifully express the drink’s crisp, cooling sensation.
The nostalgic Showa-era retro atmosphere brims with charm, giving viewers a warm, friendly feeling.
Japan Airlines
The woman in traditional attire depicted on the Japan Airlines poster is striking as a symbol of quiet dignity and uniquely Japanese beauty shared with the world.
Her poised bearing and gentle smile express the politeness and warmth of Japanese hospitality.
For foreign travelers on international flights, it added a sense of reassurance and anticipation, leaving a strong impression of the allure of Japanese culture.
By placing a modern aircraft and a traditional kimono within the same frame, the poster conveys a message of connecting past and future, Japan and the world—resulting in a beautiful and refined design.