Postcards from Japan

And other curated design inspiration for your enjoyment

Happy May!

I hope you’ve been basking in the springtime sun like a happy little reptile, blissfully unburdened by seasonal allergies. 🤧

As I’m sure you’re aware, the season of vacationers pouring photos of their travels into our eyeballs has dawned. And I’m happy to say… I’m no exception!

I took an extended trip to Japan last month, where I collected images of pretty much everything—including several designs I found intriguing. The beauty (and cuteness) of Japanese art was truly off the charts. From illustrated event posters to manhole covers, even a poster about standing clear of train doors was delightful. Below is a sampling of some photos for your creative reference and enjoyment. Right click an image and select “open link in new tab” if you want to view any of these larger on a laptop/desktop.

Postcards from Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. I can’t quite translate the artist’s signature (still learning kanji!). If you can, please contact me so I can give credit.

Sake barrels along the path to Meji Jingu in Tokyo

Flyer for After Bath Craft Beer Fest in Kyoto. Illustrated by HOMGAMA.

Fujiyoshida Sakura Week brochure. Illustrator unknown (reach out if you do know!)

Manhole covers in Fujiyoshida

Lanterns at Shibuya Station in Tokyo

Scene from the book Bread Thief, written and illustrated by Keiko Shibata

Posters spotted in the subways: left in Tokyo and right in Kyoto

Sign for a Chinese restaurant serving Peking duck in Kyoto

Postcards of “Thousand Torii” and “Cherry Blossom Dance” by Hide Kato

Takase River in Kyoto running pink with sakura petals. Photo by me (Liz Volpi).

Ok, I have to stop sharing before I recreate my phone’s photo feed. But I hope these images spark ideas for you! If you see any that resonate, feel free to save them to your mood boards or use them for reference (I’ll be doing the same). Just be sure to give me a photo credit (or credit to the illustrator, when known) if your mood board / referencing art is public.

I’m holding on tight to the joy I felt witnessing so much beauty and creativity in Japan. Travel has this way of pulling us out of our routines, injecting our minds with new perspectives, and teaching us a different way of seeing.

But truthfully, we don’t have to go far for these experiences. Creativity and inspiration live in our own communities, if we can see with fresh eyes. I think that’s been the best part of this trip for me: a new appreciation for the creativity in my own home, and a renewed dedication to my community.

Well, thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed my travel-inspired newsletter today. As always, feel free to reach out if you have questions about Japan or otherwise—or if you just want to say hi. I’m still aiming to keep up bi-weekly posting, so I’ll see you later this month!

じゃあね (jaane),
⁃ Liz (aka リズ)