Japanese Nagoya Castle Tourism Poster

Immerse your space in the dramatic, vibrant elegance of mid-century Japanese graphic design. Originally created circa 1950 by the celebrated Nagoya-born artist and designer Kenkichi Sugimoto for the Nagoya Tourism Association, this striking poster titled Nagoya no Aki (Autumn in Nagoya) captures the iconic majesty of Nagoya Castle.

Framed by brilliant crimson and golden maple leaves (momiji) and the stark, blocky silhouettes of pine branches, the legendary fortress stands proud against an intense, radiant red background. Meticulously restored to preserve its bold coloration, clean graphic lines, and vintage kanji typography, this exquisite travel print brings a sophisticated, globally inspired focal point to any contemporary interior.

The History: Commissioned around 1950 by the Nagoya Tourism Association, this poster was designed to promote seasonal travel to the historic city of Nagoya during the mid-century tourism boom. The artist, Kenkichi Sugimoto (1905–2004), was an incredibly revered Japanese painter and graphic designer who became famous for his atmospheric travel posters and close cultural ties to the region. The poster features Nagoya Castle, originally constructed in 1612 by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, instantly recognizable by its tiered, mint-green patina roofs and the Kinshachi (golden tiger-headed carps) gleaming atop its highest keep. Sugimoto’s design brilliantly celebrates the timeless cultural tradition of kōyō (autumn leaf viewing), making this piece a treasured relic of Shōwa-era graphic art.

The Aesthetic: A tour de force of mid-century Japanese minimalism, this composition relies on a fiercely bold, high-contrast palette to create an unforgettable visual impact. The intense, saturated red background commands immediate attention, beautifully offset by the cool, structured grays and sage-greens of the castle’s architecture. Deep black, airbrushed pine silhouettes slice dramatically across the upper frame, while delicate, fiery maple leaves drift gracefully across the canvas. Complete with clean, stylized silver-white Japanese typography at the top, this print balances powerful graphic modernism with serene, traditional organic motifs.

It is an ideal statement piece for:

• Admirers of traditional Japanese culture, vintage travel ephemera, graphic design, and East Asian art history.

• Living rooms, prominent entryways, creative studios, or dining walls demanding an energetic, warm splash of color.

• Japandi, mid-century modern, minimalist, or eclectic interior design styles that embrace bold color-blocking and clean lines.

Product Details

Artist: Kenkichi Sugimoto – Vintage Japanese Tourism Poster

Title: Autumn in Nagoya (Nagoya no Aki / Nagoya Castle)

Subject: Retro Japanese Architectural and Autumn Landscape Illustration

Original Year: c. 1950 (Shōwa Era)

Style: Mid-Century Japanese Graphic Art / Vintage Travel Poster

Museum-Quality Vintage Prints

Our vintage posters are made to order using premium Giclée printing techniques. Every piece is printed on thick, heavyweight fine art paper (200gsm) with a smooth, completely matte finish.

We specifically source an acid-free, natural-toned paper that perfectly recreates the warmth and authentic character of original mid-century lithographs. Unlike standard glossy posters, our premium matte finish ensures there is zero glare when your artwork is framed behind glass, resulting in a rich, museum-quality display. Combined with long-lasting, UV-resistant pigment inks, your print is designed to remain vibrant for generations.