Calpis Vintage Advertising Poster

Have you ever heard of Calpis? It’s a popular Japanese soft drink, a bit milky, a bit acidic. It was first introduced to the market in 1919 and, because it could keep well without a refrigerator, soon became a staple in people’s homes.

Our print is a reproduction of an original vintage Calpis advertising poster, dating back to 1928, when the name was still written in characters right-to-left. All hazy, relaxed and soft focus.

Prewar Japanese posters are some of the most beautiful adverts ever made. In the early 20th Century, when the Japanese advertising industry needed an image, it would be painted by hand. Cue genteel characters, soft lighting and aspirational locations.