As with the Meiji era, to the Taisho era, to the Showa, Heisei and finally the current Reiwa era, Japanese history has for centuries been divided into eras with unique names that, as of recently, are meant to coincide with the emperor that reigned at that time. Each of these eras is defined and remembered by the events and trends that occurred throughout them. currently, antique styles are finding new fans, with “Showa Retro” style products and interior designs being some of the most popular! You can even see this style represented in the recent hit Animal Crossing game, as shown in the tweet below!
Table of Contents
Can You Create Your Own Showa Retro Style?
If you want to showcase the characteristics or trends of a certain time, then of course buying the products of that time directly is the easiest way. However, they often become more difficult to obtain as time goes on, so I would like to tell you the best pointers for replicating Showa Retro style in different ways today!
Showa Interior Design Point 1:
The first Showa Interior Design Point is to consider a wooden design to your interiors and furniture. Old-fashioned wooden furniture from this time usually has a deep brown shading to it. Also, a combination of wooden interiors and leather furnishing is an unmistakable feature of cafes from the Showa period.
Showa Interior Design Point 2:
The second important Showa Interior Design Point is the modest beauty of its memorable glass products. The window glass of the Showa era was often painted with a clear paint and had a special, easily recognizable pattern, as you can see in the image to the left.
In addition, strikingly designed hanging lamps such as the one in this image on the right here are another key fixture of Showa era glass product design (make sure that you use yellow light bulbs to fully evoke the era!).
Showa Interior Design Point 3:
The third and final Showa Interior Design Point is to utilize a variety of objects and floral patterns. After World War II, the number of products from the United States increased dramatically, and American style posters or decorations became quite common, as seen in the gallery below!
Recommended Showa Retro Toys
Furniture and interior goods are heavy and expensive to send by mail, but if you are still interested in getting in Showa era how about Showa-style toys instead?
Showa Era Fan (Mini Size)
Showa TV Cat Scratch Toy
With a USB cable, a swing function and two breeze levels, this useful little fan modernizes a famous Showa era design!
This design of this TV toy made for your cats to play in and file their nails is based on how a typical TV would look in the Showa era!
Showa Dollhouse Kit
This dollhouse is based on a Showa era candy store from the 30’s, and even includes batteries to power the store lights!
Showa Smart Television
This mini Showa Smart TV hides an advanced design, with the ability to watch videos through a video app you control via your smartphone!
Expand Your Showa Retro Collection Today!
If reading this article today sparked your interest in trying to get in on the Showa Retro design trend for yourself, but you don’t know where to start, have no fear! There are many sites that still sell plenty of furniture, toys and other products from this memorable time in Japanese history. You can even order from many of them from outside of Japan! Check out the link below and see what Showa Retro goods you might fall in love with!
