A Collection of Canned Food Labels MADE IN JAPAN

Approximately 550 canned food labels from the Meiji to Showa period are included, introducing a wide variety of designs, color schemes, and patterns in full color.

Canned food, now a familiar staple food for everyday preservation, was first manufactured in Japan about 150 years ago, in 1871 (Meiji 4). At that time, most of the canned food sales were for export, and many of the remaining labels were made for overseas markets.

This book contains about 550 canned food labels printed from the 10th year of the Meiji period to the Showa period, for both domestic and export use.

From fish, meat, crustaceans, fruits, and vegetables to side dishes served at the table, the labels depicting many ingredients reveal Japan’s abundant food resources at the time and the high design skills developed through international competition.
The uniqueness and freshness of the outstanding designs may also reflect the breath of the modern era of Japan.
Please enjoy the bygone commercial design of canned food labels, still brimming with fresh charm decades after their creation.

Contributor: Mizumaru Anzai
Design: Reiko Harajo