With shows like Mad Men, I think there’s been a huge sparked interest in all the inner workings of the world of Advertising. I’ve always found it interesting to learn about why certain tactics are used in certain markets, but what really captivates me is how the Ads were in decades past. This is why I was thrilled to come across the following Ads from 1950′s Japan. I find these excellent because it was before a time of photo manipulation…or really photography at all really. These Ads utilized vibrant illustrations to sell things like gum, medicine, food, & fabric.

Check this out…

The use of color in these ads is fantastic! They totally pull you in…and I have no idea what is even being advertised in most of these, but I do know that I would love to buy whatever it is.I also find it interesting that the image of a cat is used quite a bit in these ads. It seems like the Japanese love cats…and I do too, so that’s fine by me! For more of this awesome vintage illustration, check out here & here.