Tag: ‘Vintage’

Addictive ads, 1894-1954

14 Sep 2010

Here is a collection of Japanese advertisements for drinks and smokes (1894-1954).

Vintage ad --
Hero Cigarettes, 1894

Vintage ad --
Tokio Beer, 1896-1906

Vintage ad --
Chūyū Cigarettes, 1900

Vintage ad --
Peacock Cigarettes, 1902

Vintage ad --
Kabuto Beer, 1911

Vintage ad --
Dai Nippon Brewery Company, 1912

Vintage ad --
Kembang Beer (Sakura Beer export label), 1912-1916

Vintage ad --
Sakura Beer, 1924

Vintage ad --
Umegatani sake, 1926

Vintage ad --
Sakura Beer, 1928-1932

Vintage ad --
Cascade Beer, 1929

Vintage ad --
Yebisu Beer, 1930

Vintage ad --
Minori Cigarettes, 1930

Vintage ad -- Vintage ad --
"Tobacco Profits for National Defense" Week, 1930 // Hibiki Cigarettes, 1932

Vintage ad --
Urara Cigarettes, 1932

Vintage ad --
Kirin Beer, 1933

Vintage ad --
Zuigan sake, 1934

Vintage ad --
Takara shōchū, 1935-1938

Vintage ad --
Gekkeikan sake, 1935-1938

Vintage ad --
"Defense for country, tobacco for society" (South Kyoto Tobacco Sellers' Union), 1937

Vintage ad --
Sakura Beer, 1938

Vintage ad --
Kirin Beer, 1939

Vintage ad --
Anti-black market poster (violators face 3 years in prison, 50,000 yen fine), 1948

Vintage ad --
Message from Japan Monopoly Corporation, 1954

[Sources: Tabako Omoshiro Catalog Zukan (Kodansha, 1987) and Meiji/Taisho/Showa O-Sake No Hōkoku Graffiti (Kokusho, 2006)]

Medical woodblock prints from 19th-century Japan

06 Sep 2010

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) maintains a collection of 400 health-themed woodblock prints from 19th-century Japan. The collection -- which includes drug advertisements, illustrated instructions for treating and preventing contagious diseases, and visual guides to the human body -- offers a unique look at Japanese medical knowledge in the late Edo and early Meiji periods. Here are a few images from the collection.

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Ad for Kinder-Puwder, King of Pediatric Drugs -- Morikawa Chikashige, 1880 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Chasing measles away -- Utagawa Yoshimori, 1862

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Ten realms within the body -- Utagawa Kuniteru III, c. 1885 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Pills to cure toxic illnesses such as syphilis and gonorrhea -- Artist unknown, late 19th century

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Protective gods help good drugs fight evil disease -- Utagawa Yoshikazu, 1858 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Hōsō-e talisman print to ward off smallpox -- Artist unknown, c. 1849

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Ad for drug to improve handwriting and reading skills -- Utagawa Yoshitsuya, 1862

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Foods that can be eaten by measles patients -- Utagawa Yoshimori, 1860s

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Pregnancy guide -- Hamano Teisuke, 1880 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Eye, ear, nose and hand -- Ochiai Yoshiiku, c. 1865

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Defeating cholera -- Kimura Takejiro, 1886 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Hōsō-e talisman print to ward off smallpox -- Utagawa Toyohisa II, c. 1830

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Three mighty men conquering measles -- Ochiai Yoshiiku, 1870s [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Measles treatment -- Ochiai Yoshiiku, 1862

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Teaching on harmonious body and mind -- Utagawa Yoshikatsu, 1850 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Measles-themed hand game -- Utagawa Yoshitsuya, 1862

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Illustrated guide to parental obligations -- Utagawa Yoshitora, 1880 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Shinto god from Izumo province for preventing measles -- Taiso Yoshitoshi, 1862

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Seller of eyeglasses -- Katsushika Hokusai, c. 1811-1814

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Hōsō-e talisman print to ward off smallpox -- Utagawa Yoshitsuru, c. 1849

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Illustrated account of cholera prevention -- Taiso Yoshitoshi, 1877 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Bodily functions personified as popular kabuki actors -- Artist unknown, late 19th century [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Methods for preventing measles -- Utagawa Fusatane, 1858 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Defeating measles (personified as a child) -- Utagawa Yoshifuji, c. 1840

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Pregnant women playing in summer heat (5 heads, 10 bodies) -- Utagawa Kunitoshi, 1881 [+]

[Link: UCSF Japanese Woodblock Print Collection]

Ultra Monster paintings by Toshio Okazaki

01 Sep 2010

A pair of action-packed Ultraman Monster paintings by Toshio Okazaki were published in Shōgakukan's 1979 edition of Ultra Kaiju (Shōgakukan Nyūmon Hyakka Series #97).

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
[+]

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
[+]

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Alien Guts, Windam, Gyango, Black End, Kingsaurus III, Bemstar

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Alien Icarus, Gomora, Muruchi, Alien Baltan, Alien Magma, Kemular

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Dancan, Giradorus, Astromons

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Gandar, Gabora, Alien Metron, Agira, Antlar, Seabozu, Woo

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Gubira, Takkong, Pestar, Gamakujira, Bemular

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Eleking, Alien Kuuru, King Joe, Zemistiar

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Geronimon, Jirass, Alien Pegassa, Dino-Tank

Ultra kaiju painting by Toshio Okazaki --
Pegassa, Hydra, Black King, Mephilas, Verokron, Starbem Gyeron, Red King, Dorako, Godola

[Source: Ultra Kaiju (Shōgakukan Nyūmon Hyakka Series #97), 1979]

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]

Macabre kids’ book art by Gojin Ishihara

26 Jul 2010

Here is a collection of wonderfully weird illustrations by Gōjin Ishihara, whose work graced the pages of numerous kids' books in the 1970s. The first 16 images below appeared in the "Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters" (1972), which profiled supernatural creatures from Japanese legend. The other illustrations appeared in various educational and entertainment-oriented publications for children.

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
- Kappa (river imp), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Jorōgumo (lit. "whore spider"), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
- Kubire-oni (strangler demon), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Goujin Ishihara --
- Rokurokubi (long-necked woman), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Goujin Ishihara --
- Onmoraki (bird demon), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Nekomata (cat monster), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
- Tengu (bird-like demon), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Tenjō-sagari (ceiling dweller), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Enma Dai-Ō (King of Hell), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Kyūbi no kitsune (nine-tailed fox), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Baku (dream-eating chimera), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Yūrei (ghost), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
- Yamasei (mountain sprite), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Goujin Ishihara --
- Rashōmon no oni (ogre of Rashōmon Gate), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Waira (mountain-dwelling chimera), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Nure-onna (snake woman), Illustrated Book of Japanese Monsters, 1972

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Hell of Repetition (Illustrated Book of Hell, 1975)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Burning Hell (Illustrated Book of Hell, 1975)

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
- Demons of the Orient (The Complete Book of Demons, 1974)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- The appearance of Satan (The Complete Book of Demons, 1974)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Gorgon (Illustrated Book of World Monsters, 1973)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Aliens in ancient Japan (Mysteries of the World, 1970)

Illustration by Goujin Ishihara --
- Alien (Mysteries of the World, 1970)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Emergency Command 10-4 10-10 (sonosheet book, 1972)

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
- Emergency Command 10-4 10-10 (sonosheet book, 1972)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Kaiketsu Lion-Maru (sonosheet book, 1972)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Kaiketsu Lion-Maru (sonosheet book, 1972)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Prehistoric man as modern-day baseball player (Prehistoric Man, 1970)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Prehistoric man as modern-day wrestler (Prehistoric Man, 1970)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Prehistoric man as modern-day security guard (Prehistoric Man, 1970)

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
- The secretary who spied for 18 years (from Spy Wars)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- World's biggest glutton (World's Greatest Wonders, 1971)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Precognition of plane crash (Mysteries of the Body, 1973)

Illustration by Gojin Ishihara --
- Nostradamus (Psychics of the World, 1974)

Illustration by Goujin Ishihara --
- Frozen planet (Year X: End of the World, 1975)

Illustration by Gōjin Ishihara --
Dark star gravity (Year X: End of the World, 1975)

[Link: Gōjin Fechi]

Proletarian posters from 1930s Japan

08 Jul 2010

In the 1930s, a new style of poster emerged that reflected the growing significance of the masses in Japanese society. These artistic posters borrowed elements from Western design and often incorporated bold slogans with political, economic and educational themes. Here are a few examples.

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Health Exercises for the People (Bureau of Postal Insurance, 1930)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Tohoku Area Famine Relief (Federation of Tokyo Area Proletarian Organizations, 1931)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
The 2nd Proletarian Art Grand Exhibition (Japan Proletarian Artists Federation, 1929)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Workers and Farmers Russian Art Exhibit (Japan Proletarian Art League, 1927)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Listen! Workers of All Nations! (1931)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Safety Leads to Efficiency (Labor Welfare Association, 1932)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Proletarian Art Institute (1930)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Poster for The Proletarian Graph Magazine (Proletarian News Company, 1929)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Indulging in Alcohol Ruins Your Health (Labor Welfare Association, 1932)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Harufusa Ohashi (Election Poster for Labor-Farmer Party, 1928)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Come, the Dawn of Mankind is Breaking (Farmers' Theater Performance, 1928)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
National Bonds for the Sino-Japanese War (Ministry of Finance, 1937)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
The Grand National Exhibition of Advancing Japan (City of Gifu, 1936)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Records of a Victory (Leftist Theater's 20th Performance, 1931)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
A Town With No Sun (Leftist Theater's 14th Performance, 1930)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
A Happy Worker Makes a Happy Home (Labor Welfare Association, 1932)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Rise, All Japanese Citizens (Imperial Rule Assistance Association, 1940)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
The Key to Harmony Is the Spirit of Mutual Help (Ehime Factory Improvement Committee, 1929)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
To Manchuria! (Ministry of Overseas Affairs, 1927)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Poster for Taishu [The Masses] Magazine (Taishusha, 1929)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Kusunoki Masashige Festival (Kenkoku Kai, 1931)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Mobilizing All Citizens and Organizations for the Nation (Industrial Guilds Central Committee, 1937)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Pay a Living Wage (Japan Textile Workers' Union, 1930)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Prevent Tuberculosis (Ministry of Home Affairs - Social Affairs Bureau, 1930)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Clean Up Before Make Up (Labor Welfare Association, 1932)

[Source: "Japanese Posters and Handbills in the 1930s - Communication in Mass Society," published by National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, 2001]

Future transportation (1936)

30 Jun 2010

In 1936, Shōnen Club magazine published an illustrated article entitled "World Transportation Invention Competition," which took a look at the future of transportation.

Retro-futuristic transportation in Shonen Club magazine, 1936 --
Sphere-wheeled car -- Reiji Iizuka, 1936

This futuristic car with spherical wheels, illustrated by Reiji Iizuka, is based on an idea from a German inventor. The vehicle's tires -- a pair of oversized rubbery spheres -- offer a smoother ride than the conventional tires on a four-wheeled car, and they act as a cushion in the event of an accident.

* * * * *

Retrofuture design in Shonen Club magazine, 1936 --
Amazingly swift flying machine -- Matsujirō Murakami, 1936 [+]

This ultra-fast airplane, illustrated by Matsujirō Murakami, is based on a design by an American inventor. The vehicle is powered by propellers that blast air through a pair of large ducts.

* * * * *

Retrofuturistic transportation in Shonen Club magazine, 1936 --
Ship with built-in boat dock - Gyosui Suzuki, 1936 [+]

This safety-conscious passenger ship, illustrated by Gyosui Suzuki, is based on an idea by an American inventor. The hull of the ship is designed to open up in an emergency, and it contains a small fleet of boats that allow people to escape quickly and safely.

* * * * *

Retrofuture design in Shonen Club magazine, 1936 --
Mountain monorail - Kikuzō Itō, 1936 [+]

The design for this innovative monorail train, illustrated by Kikuzō Itō, originated with an American inventor. The two-wheeled design looks rather precarious, but the powerful airplane propeller and tail fin manage to keep the train upright and stable as it zips through the mountains. Extra wheels extend out from the sides when the train comes to a halt.

* * * * *

Retro-futuristic transportation in Shonen Club magazine, 1936 --
High-speed tank-style boat - Matsujirō Murakami, 1936

This high-speed battle boat, illustrated by Matsujirō Murakami, is also inspired by an American design. A pair of caterpillar tracks allow the vessel to roll across the water like a tank on land.

[Source: 昭和之雜誌廣告・ナツカシモノ]

‘Bakemono Zukushi’ monster scroll

24 Jun 2010

The Bakemono Zukushi handscroll, painted in the Edo period (18th-19th century) by an unknown artist, depicts 24 traditional monsters that once used to spook the people of Japan.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Oyajirome (親白眼) has a bulging eye on the back of its head and a claw on its one-fingered hand.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Daichiuchi (大地打) is a mallet-wielding monster with a bird-like face.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Dōmo-kōmo (どうもこうも) is a two-headed creature with gray skin.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Sara-hebi (さら蛇) is a large, snake-like creature with the head of a woman.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Mi-no-kedachi (身の毛立) has a coat of body hair that stands on end.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Nobusuma (のぶすま) has a brown body, human-like face, spiky hair, claws, and sharp black teeth.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Uma-shika (馬鹿) is a horse-like monster with a horn on its head and a single bulging eye.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Hajikkaki (はぢっかき) has a round white body with short arms and legs.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Odoroshi (おどろし) is a red-faced monster with big eyes, black teeth, and long hair.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Yume-no-seirei ("dream ghost" - 夢の精霊) appears as a thin old man in a white robe.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Yamamba (山姥) is a mountain hag.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Rokurokubi (ろくろくび), a long-necked woman, is pictured next to an Inugami (犬神) dog spirit.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Boukon (亡魂), a departed soul, appears to have pale blue skin, long hair, and a distended belly.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Ushi-oni (牛鬼) is a sea monster with the head of a cow and the body of a giant spider or crab.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Yamawaro (山童) is a one-eyed kappa-like creature found in the mountains.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Buraribi (ぶらり火) is a white, bird-like creature surrounded by ghostly flames.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Uwan (うわん) is a creature that inhabits abandoned buildings.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Akashita ("red tongue" - 赤舌) is a hairy-faced creature that hides in a dark cloud.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Yuki-onna ("snow woman" - 雪女) appears on snowy nights as a beautiful woman with long hair.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Nekomata (猫また) cat demon plays the shamisen next to a kitsune (狐) fox spirit.

Bakemono Zukushi monster scroll --
Kami-kiri ("hair cutter" - 髪切) are known for sneaking up on people and cutting off their hair.

- View the entire scroll.

[Via: International Research Center for Japanese Studies - Yokai Database]

Sci-fi illustrations by Shigeru Komatsuzaki

21 Jun 2010

Here is a collection of sci-fi illustrations by the prolific Shigeru Komatsuzaki (1915-2001), whose fantastic work appeared on plastic model kit boxes and in magazines and picture books in the 1960s to 1970s. Click the "+" under each image for a larger view.

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
The Missiler, 1970 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Giant Shocker Machine, 1975 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Space colony, 1980 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Crawler, 1968 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Mobile marine airport, 1980 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Tokyo volcano, ca. 1965

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Attack Boy, 1970 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Undersea super tunnel, 1981 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
SHADO-mobile, ca. 1970 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
UFO, ca. 1970 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Solar City, 1982 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Thunderbird 1, 1964 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Thunderbird 2, 1964 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Thunderbird 3, 1964 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Thunderbird ships, 1964 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Rikishi Boy, 1970 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Frog car boat, 1961 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Baron car boat, 1961 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Highway rescue boat, 1981 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Space train, 1981

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Moon bus [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Air car [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
HariHari, 1970 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Sea monster battle, 1954 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
The Mole (Jet-Mogura Tank), 1968 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Thunderbird 6 - Sky-Ship 1, 1968 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Thunderbird Mars Explorer - Zero X, 1967 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Proteus Bluebird CN7, 1963 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Long John - Spirit of America, 1963 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Earthquake, 1979 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Guardman Robot, 1970 [+]

* * * *

Edit: A few more images. (Thanks, Franz!)

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Underground metropolis, ca. 1980 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
World Space Force, 1982 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Horizon Car, ca. 1960 [+]

Illustration by Shigeru Komatsuzaki --
Ark of Space, 1968 [+]