53: Japanese Film Posters

The Poster Boys

This month on The Poster Boys, designers Brandon Schaefer and Sam Smith survey the history of Japanese Film Posters, defined by gorgeous photo-collage, dynamic uses of scale, color, and typography, and an overall unique elegance with the occasional zany flair. While not much is known (in English) about the production of these designs, their excellence is overdue for greater appreciation. Brandon and Sam select some of their favorites, including posters for many of the arthouse classics of the modern era, and highlight key designers including Masakatsu Ogasawara, Kiyoshi Awazu, and Tadanori Yokoo.

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SHOW NOTES & LINKS

Jeremy Wheeler - “Dynamic Design: The Wild World of Japanese Movie Posters Eiko Ishioka Poster Exhibition Columbia University Libraries - Hisamitsu Noguchi Noguchi Hisamitsu Cinema Graphics

Music selections: “Bass on Titles” theme, Eat from HAUSU (HOUSE)

Thank you to our patrons: Jason Suzuki, Aschley Fish, John Paino, Jay Shaw, Midnight Marauder, Makiko, Dylan Marchetti, Ben Toupein, Jacob Lindström, Matthew McCarthy, Scott Saslow, Matt McKee, DRW, Max A. Butler, Robert Ewing, Unsupervised Kids, Dafna Pleban, Mike Guzman, Tim Cook, Juan Motoa, Nico, Marie Julian, Daniel Mouton, Bryan West, Neven Udovicic.

Follow Brandon Schaefer at @seekandspeak, and Sam Smith at @samsmyth.

Produced by Adrian Cobb

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