{"product_id":"ephemera-2","title":"Tōkō Skin Medicine, Pharmaceutical Ad","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Japanese pharmaceutical handbill from the late 1930s to early 1940s advertises Tōkō Mentamu, a skin health medicine, using imagery that reflects the increasing militarization of Japanese society during the imperial era. A young boy marches forward in military-style dress, wearing a pith helmet with a star insignia, carrying a Japanese sword, and displaying medals across his chest. A German Shepherd walks beside him while a Rising Sun flag appears prominently in the background.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe product name combines the Japanese characters Tōkō (東光), meaning “Eastern Light,” with \u003cem\u003eMentamu\u003c\/em\u003e, derived from the Western pharmaceutical name Mentholatum. This blending of Japanese and Western terminology reflects the influence of imported medicines and branding on Japan’s growing pharmaceutical industry. The vertical text identifies the product as a medicine for skin health.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMilitary imagery became increasingly present in Japanese popular and commercial culture during the 1930s and early 1940s. Children were frequently depicted in military-inspired clothing and activities, while themes of physical health, discipline, and national service became closely connected. Even an advertisement for an everyday household medicine could reflect the broader political and cultural environment of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe soft teal background and warm earth tones also demonstrate the sophisticated color printing found in Japanese commercial art of the era. Originally produced as disposable advertising material, surviving handbills such as this provide a fascinating record of the intersection of commerce, childhood, medicine, and militarized popular culture in pre-war and wartime Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 13.25\" x 6.0\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Good, Age-appropriate wear. Paper toning in accordance with the print's age. Marks\/stains as per photo. Wear around the edges and minor paper loss might be present in some prints. Please refer to each print's image to get a better understanding of the condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Authentic Vintage Posters","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45333251784819,"sku":"AP8478","price":114.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0088\/3005\/8556\/files\/edited_ce867eab-2560-4f1f-896e-77666e2e9595.jpg?v=1786995012","url":"https:\/\/www.authenticvintageposters.com\/en-nl\/products\/ephemera-2","provider":"Authentic Vintage Posters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}