-
"Very nice Posters. The quality is amazing and we received it very quickly !"
-
"A shop to visit absolutely. Huge selection of posters. We spent more than an hour there !"
-
"Perfect to find gift. Price are very good. An they can frame and pack it on site"
About the Artist
Japanese Railways refers to the national railway authorities and tourism organizations that played a pivotal role in shaping travel culture during the early Shōwa era. In the 1920s and 1930s, these bodies commissioned striking posters to encourage domestic exploration, using graphic design as a bridge between modern mobility and regional identity. Their work helped define the golden age of Japanese travel advertising, blending public information with visual allure.
This poster is part of a broader tradition that elevated destinations through artful promotion, making it a natural companion to our advertising poster collection for those interested in transport history and classic graphic design.
The Artwork
This poster, Retreat of Spirits, was created to promote Kirishima in Kagoshima Prefecture, a region renowned for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and spiritual significance in Japanese mythology. During the interwar period, such destinations were marketed as restorative escapes, offering city dwellers the promise of renewal and tranquility through travel. The work reflects how railway networks transformed remote natural sites into accessible and aspirational journeys, weaving myth and modernity together.
By presenting Kirishima as a place of both natural wonder and spiritual retreat, the poster captures the era's fascination with travel as a means of personal transformation and cultural connection.
Style & Characteristics
The visual style is defined by bold, simplified shapes and a harmonious palette dominated by fresh greens, punctuated by warm orange, red, and yellow accents that evoke volcanic activity. Areas of white lend the composition an airy, open quality, while the integrated Japanese typography reinforces its period authenticity.
The overall mood is serene yet subtly mystical, with the landscape rendered in a way that balances clarity and atmosphere. This vintage poster exemplifies early 20th-century Japanese graphic art, making it especially appealing to admirers of landscape wall art and vintage Japanese aesthetics.
In Interior Design
This travel poster serves as a striking focal point in living rooms, entryways, or studies, where its landscape theme introduces a sense of calm and place. The green-centric color scheme pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood, stone, and linen, enhancing a tranquil, spa-inspired ambiance.
Its warm accents bring subtle energy to minimalist or contemporary interiors, and it integrates seamlessly into gallery walls alongside other Japanese and oriental prints. Ideal for collectors of vintage travel art, nature lovers, and those seeking serene decor with a touch of mythic atmosphere.