Poster art in Japan between approximately 1920 and 1945 mirrors the rapid militarisation of society and the growth of militarism; statism and fascism during the Showa Era.

In the 1920s expo poster art features elements of modern art and even Art Deco. Themes are whimsical and outward looking; representing Japan's growing importance and influence in the world of international commerce and art. By the 1930s this kind of poster art had grown much more bleak; less concerned with human themes and more directed towards statism and social control. Feminine imagery disappears to be replaced by wheels of industry; with distinct similarities to contemporary Nazi art in Fascist Germany.

From the outbreak of full scale hostilities with China through to Pearl Harbour and Japan's entry into World War II; ponderous; heavy machinery; marching soldiers; menacing guns and above all bomber aircraft combine to give the posters a crushing; inhuman; Orwellian aspect. This epitomises Japanese fascist art of the Showa Period. Pictures From History