Tag: ‘80s’

Japanese sci-fi art (1972-1985)

09 Mar 2011

50 Watts (formerly "A Journey Round My Skull") has posted a splendid assortment of 1970s and 1980s Japanese sci-fi art from old illustration books and catalogs. [More]

Retro Japanese scifi ilustration --
Pater Sato magazine cover

Retro Japanese scifi art --
Hitoshi Ikematsu book jacket illustration, 1984

Retro Japanese fantasy art --
Noriyoshi Ohrai

Retro Japanese fantasy illustration --
Black Space -- Shuji Tanase, 1982

Retro Japanese fantasy art --
Atsushi Yoshioka

Welcome to Japan

19 Jan 2011

Poster by Masayoshi Nakajo, 1988 --
Poster by Masayoshi Nakajo, 1988 [+]

Behold a place where the people's needs miraculously meet the corporate agendas. Enjoy a nation of modern cultural perspectives -- "humanication," "forever freshness" and "the super next." Experience a country that does things better, or so its citizens fervently believe.
- Leonard Koren

Vintage political posters

22 Nov 2010

Here is a selection of old Japanese posters featuring political, social and environmental messages.

Political poster from Japan --
Sheltered Weaklings (Takashi Kono, 1953) [+]

Political poster from Japan --
Anti-pollution poster (Kenji Ito, 1973)

Political poster from Japan --
Against the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japan (Kinkichi Takahashi, 1960s)

Political poster from Japan -- Political poster from Japan --
Anti-war poster (Kenji Iwasaki, 1960s) [+] // Give Us Back Man (Tsunehisa Kimura, 1969) [+]

Political poster from Japan --
Poster for exhibit in support of Vietnamese women and children (Makoto Wada, 1968)

See more vintage political posters »

Vintage Tokyo subway manner posters

09 Aug 2010

Here are a few manner posters that appeared in the Tokyo subways between 1976 and 1982.

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Three annoying train monsters (October 1982)

The three annoying train monsters shown in the poster are Nesshii (the sleeping monster), Asshii (the leg-crossing monster), and Shinbunshii (the newspaper-reading monster).

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Don't throw chewing gum on the platform (September 1976)

Even Superman is no match for chewing gum discarded on the train platform.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
The Seat Monopolizer (July 1976)

Inspired by Charlie Chaplin's "The Great Dictator," this poster encourages passengers not to take up more seat space than necessary.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Don't forget your umbrella (June 1977)

This poster of the high-class courtesan Agemaki (from the kabuki play "Sukeroku"), whose captivating beauty was said to make men forgetful, is meant to remind passengers to take their umbrellas when they leave the train.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Space Invader (March 1979)

This 1979 poster pays tribute to the extremely popular Space Invaders video arcade game and encourages passengers to read their newspapers without invading the space of other passengers.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Isami-ashi: Wait behind the white line (May 1979)

The image of sumo wrestlers locked in combat serves as a reminder for passengers to stand safely behind the white line when waiting for the train.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Don't forget your umbrella (October 1981)

The text at the top of this poster -- which shows Jesus overwhelmed with umbrellas at the Last Supper -- reads "Kasane-gasane no kami-danomi" (lit. "Wishing to God again and again"). The poster makes a play on the words "kasa" (umbrella) and "kasane-gasane" (again and again).

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Shimatta (March 1977)

This poster warns passengers against getting their shoulder bags caught in the train doors.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Coughing on the platform (January 1979)

Modeled after the paintings of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, this poster -- titled "Hōmu de Concon" (coughing on the platform) -- urges people not to smoke on the train platforms during the designated non-smoking hours (7:00-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM). The poster makes a play on the words "concon" (coughing sound) and "cancan" (French chorus line dance).

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Dream at home (December 1981)

This poster, which features Doraemon dressed as Santa, encourages Christmas and end-of-year drunks not to pass out on the train.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
The Non-Thinker (May 1981)

The image of a cross-legged version of Auguste Rodin's "The Thinker" aims to encourage passengers to sit in a way that is considerate of other passengers.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Kappa, (August 1979)

The image of a kappa (river imp) against a backdrop of lit cigarettes serves as a reminder not to smoke on the platform during the designated non-smoking hours (7:00-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM). The text at the top of the poster reads "Gaman gurai wa he no kappa," which translates loosely as "waiting is no big deal."

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Umbrellas left behind in the subway (June 1976)

This Marilyn Monroe poster aims to remind passengers to take their umbrellas with them when they leave the train. The text in the top right corner -- "Kaerazaru kasa" (umbrella of no return) -- is a play on "Kaerazaru Kawa," the Japanese title for "River of No Return," the 1954 movie starring Monroe.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
I'll stand up (July 1979)

Uesugi Teppei, a character from the popular manga "Ore wa Teppei," offers to give up his seat to the elderly and infirm.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Do not rush onto the train (April 1979)

This poster advises passengers not to rush onto the train at the last moment. The text (かけこみ禁寺) is a play on the words かけこみ禁止 (kakekomi kinshi - "don't rush onto the train") and かけこみ寺 (Kakekomi-dera - Kakekomi temple), which has long been known as a sanctuary for married women fleeing their husbands.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Clearly show your train pass (September 1978)

The image of Napoleon holding a partially concealed train pass is meant to remind passengers to clearly show their train passes to the station attendant when passing through the gates. The dictionary page in the background appears to be a reference to Napoleon's famous quote, "The word 'impossible' is not in my dictionary."

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Humans are forgetful (February 1976)

This poster, which reminds passengers to take their belongings when they leave the train, shows Astro Boy returning a forgotten hat and umbrella to his creator, Osamu Tezuka.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
When the bell chimes, it's too late (April 1977)

This poster, which depicts Cinderella rushing from the ball at the stroke of midnight, is meant to warn passengers against the danger of trying to rush into the train after the departure chime sounds.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Mary is tired (December 1977)

The image of Mary carrying baby Jesus aims to encourage passengers to give up their seats to mothers with small children.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
No smoking during non-smoking hours (October 1980)

The "Journey to the West" monkey urges passengers not to smoke on the platform during the designated non-smoking hours (7:00-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM).

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
You've had too much to drink (October 1976)

This October 1976 poster of a drinking Santa is addressed to the drunks on the train. The text, loosely translated, reads: "I look like Santa because you've had too much to drink. It's only October. If you drink, be considerate of the other passengers."

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Wasureemon (June 1980)

Doraemon offers a friendly reminder not to forget your umbrella. The text at the bottom is a suggestion to write your name, address and company name (or school name) on your possessions.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Marcel Marceau (October 1978)

Marcel Marceau gestures toward a priority seat reserved for elderly and handicapped passengers, expecting mothers, and passengers accompanying small children.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
I stepped in gum (March 1980)

The image of a cat stepping in gum is a playful twist on the popular children's song "Neko Funjatta" ("I Stepped on a Cat").

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Clearly show your train pass (September 1976)

This poster is a reminder for passengers to clearly show their train passes to the station attendant, even when they fly like Superman through the ticket gates.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Please open it (July 1977)

This poster of a melting snowman aims to encourage passengers seated near a window to let cool air in when it is hot inside.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Non-smoking Time (November 1982)

The image of John Wayne on a mock cover of Time magazine serves as a reminder not to smoke on the platform during non-smoking hours (7:00-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM).

* * * * *

[Source: Manner Poster 100, published by Teito Rapid Transit Authority, 1983]

Video: H.R. Giger x Pioneer

19 Mar 2010


+ Video

A monster designed by H.R. Giger starred in a 1985 Japanese commercial for the Zone home entertainment system by Pioneer. The biomechanical beast -- which was also featured in a series of print ads that ran at the same time -- appears to be based on illustrations Giger made for underground filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky's screen adaptation of "Dune," which never made it to production.

HR Giger --
H.R. Giger illustration for Alejandro Jodorowsky's "Dune"

HR Giger --
H.R. Giger illustration for Alejandro Jodorowsky's "Dune"

HR Giger --
H.R. Giger illustration for Alejandro Jodorowsky's "Dune"

HR Giger --
H.R. Giger illustration for Pioneer

[Images via The Dark Portal of Art]

Cursed Kleenex commercial

03 Mar 2010

An eerie Kleenex commercial featuring a baby red demon sparked a host of rumors and fears after airing on Japanese TV in the mid-1980s. (Watch at your own risk.)


+ Video

After the ad ran, rumors began to circulate about the unfortunate fate of everyone involved. Keiko Matsuzaka, the actress in the commercial, was rumored to have become pregnant with a demon child. Others claim she was institutionalized after suffering a mental breakdown. The young actor who played the red demon is said to have died suddenly under mysterious circumstances. And one by one, the entire production staff either fell ill or suffered unfortunate accidents.

The song in the commercial also gained notoriety. Some viewers thought the lyrics sounded like a German curse, and there were claims that the sound of the music varied according to the time of day. Whenever the commercial aired late at night, the singer's angelic voice would transform into the raspy voice of an old woman, bringing misfortune to all who heard it.

Needless to say, there is no truth to these claims. The producers simply wanted a dreamy fairy tale look for the commercial, and they chose the song "It's A Fine Day" (recorded by Jane) for its cheerful message. The commercial failed to get the desired response.

[Note: This is the latest in a series of weekly posts on Japanese urban legends. Check back next week for more.]

Video: 8-bit ‘Thriller’

24 Nov 2009

As a tribute to Michael Jackson, Japanese chiptune pioneer Saitone has released an 8-bit version of "Thriller."


+ Video

Watch the full live version here.

[Link: Hear Japan]

Sci-fi illustrations by Shusei Nagaoka

10 Nov 2009

In the 1970s and 1980s, the sci-fi art of Japanese illustrator Shusei Nagaoka graced numerous album covers and appeared in a variety of advertisements, magazines, and movie posters. Here is a small sample of his fantastic work. (Click the "+" under each image to enlarge.)

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Munich Machine (album cover), 1977 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Midnight Star: "The Beginning" (album cover) 1980 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
ELO: "Out of the Blue" (album cover), 1977 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
The Humanoid (movie poster), 1979 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Close Encounter of the Fifth Kind [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Star Trek [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Conceive [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Airplanes are not as safe as you might think (magazine announcement) [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Earth, Wind & Fire: "I Am" (album cover inside), 1979 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
The Skyliners: "The Love Bug" (album cover), 1978 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Station (illustration for Tsukuba Expo '85), 1984 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Space Flower (illustration for Tsukuba Expo '85), 1984 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Nuclear explosion over Tokyo (for NHK's "Earth After Nuclear War"), 1984 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Monster Bird, 1972 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Deep Purple: "When We Rock, We Rock..." (album cover), 1977 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Sun: "Destination Sun" (album cover), 1977 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
The Sylvers: "New Horizons" (album cover), 1977 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Hovercraft for leisure use, 1975 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Humanoid (magazine cover), 1982 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Bridge (poster for Mitsubishi Cordia XG), 1984 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Station (poster for Mitsubishi Cordia XP), 1984 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Birth (poster for Mitsubishi Starion GSR-X), 1984 [+]

Sci-fi illustration by Shusei Nagaoka --
Caldera: "Sky Island" (album cover), 1970 [+]

[Images from "The Works of Shusei Nagaoka" Part 1 (1981) and Part 2 (1985), NHK Publications]

Vintage doll action flicks

10 Jul 2009

Via KomadoriBrothers comes a stellar pair of action-packed doll animations shot in glorious 8mm.

"CAT's EYE PV by Japanese BARBIE" (Hirofumi Okamura, 1984) stars Licca-chan (a.k.a. "Japanese Barbie") in a riveting short film set to the theme song from the early-80s anime Cat's Eye.

And "Sailor-suited Fighter NANAMI-chan" (Satoshi Imai, 1988) kicks it up a notch with spectacular special effects and epic battles against Kuidaore Taro (Osaka's iconic clown mannequin) and a giant crab ship piloted by foreign invaders.