While they might not all be that way, you may be aware at how Japanese advertisements can be a bombastic assault on the senses, sometimes. However, things weren't always so animated, and these quaint and fascinating alcohol and tobacco advertisements from the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa Eras of Japan will have you wanting to knock back a drink back in the good 'ol days.

Several of the ads feature right-to-left text that is difficult to read and rather rare in modern day ads (unless they are deliberately going for a retro feel), and while there is a hint of militaristic propaganda in some posters, it provides just another subject to show off beautiful illustrations along with glossy liquor bottles and warming cigarettes that'll make you want to take a visit to the rusty hole-in-the-wall drinking stalls under Tokyo train tracks that still have these types of posters on display.

Message from Japan Monopoly Corporation, 1954

Hero Cigarettes, 1894

Kirin Beer, 1939

Anti-black market poster (violators face 3 years in prison, 50,000 yen fine), 1948

Sakura Beer, 1938

"Defense for country, tobacco for society" (South Kyoto Tobacco Sellers' Union), 1937

Gekkeikan sake, 1935-1938

Zuigan sake, 1934

Sakura Beer, 1924

Cascade Beer, 1929

Sakura Beer, 1928-1932

Urara Cigarettes, 1932

Minori Cigarettes, 1930

"Tobacco Profits for National Defense" Week, 1930 // Hibiki Cigarettes, 1932

Yebisu Beer, 1930

Kirin Beer, 1933

Takara shōchū, 1935-1938

Umegatani sake, 1926

Dai Nippon Brewery Company, 1912

Kabuto Beer, 1911

Kembang Beer (Sakura Beer export label), 1912-1916

Tokio Beer, 1896-1906