A Collection of Canned Food Labels (Design Book)

Mizumaru Anzai

Reiko Harajo

Features approximately 550 canned food labels from the Meiji to Showa periods.

Presents a wide variety of designs, color schemes, and motifs in full color.

This book features approximately 550 canned food labels printed from Meiji 10 through the Showa period for both domestic* and export markets. From fish, meat, and shellfish to fruits, vegetables, and even side dishes served at the dinner table, the labels—which depict a wide variety of ingredients—reveal Japan’s abundant food resources at the time as well as the high level of design expertise cultivated amid international competition.

The boldness and freshness of these outstanding designs likely reflect the spirit of modern Japan.

 Please enjoy the commercial design of these vintage canned food labels, which remain full of fresh charm even decades after their creation.

Made in Japan: A Collection of Canned Food Labels
A collection of approximately 550 canned food labels, primarily from goods produced for export, dating from as early as 1877 through the late 1920s.

Beyond simply being attractive from a retro-style perspective, many of these labels exhibit an exceptional sense of design and capture the viewer’s attention with their vivid reflections of Japan’s vigorous early stages of modernity.