What did the Japanese advertising of cigarettes and alcohol look like in 1894-1954

We all know that Japan has the craziest advertising on the planet. But has it always been like this? Let's see what Japanese advertising of cigarettes and alcohol looked like in 1894-1954. Some posters look very adequate, but, of course, there were some oddities.

But let's start with the story. Up until the end of World War II, Japanese advertising had several characteristic features. Despite the "trend of the West", the Japanese did not abandon the style of traditional engravings. After all, traditions are first of all. Also, the advertisement was full of military images.

The military mood is explained by the victories in the wars against China and Of Russia. This is emphasized by soldiers in cigarette advertisements and girls with armor in their hands. And, anyway, it was not without orientation to Western trends. Latin inscriptions and drawings began to appear, which in fact are copies of the works of the Czech artist Alphonse Muhe.

Dai Nippon Brewing Company, 1912

Tokio beer, 1896-1906

Chūyū cigarettes, 1900

Peacock cigarettes, 1902

Umegatani sake, 1926

Sakura beer, 1924

Sakura beer, 1928-1932

"Protection for the country, tobacco for society" (Union of Tobacco Manufacturers of South Kyoto), 1937

Sake Zuigan, 1934

Minori cigarettes, 1930