Tokyo Advertising Museum: Unearthing Creative Treasures from Vintage Ads

Nestled in a corner of Shiodome, the Tokyo Advertising Museum (ADMT) is a surprising treasure trove. It not only showcases the history of advertising from the Edo period to the present but also serves as a source of inspiration for design enthusiasts and creative professionals. Stepping into the museum feels like traveling through time, with exhibits ranging from hand-drawn ukiyo-e advertisements and Showa-era TV posters to modern digital ads, all tracing the evolution of Japanese life. The museum's gift shop may be small, but its selection is impeccably curated. I particularly love the canvas bags and notepads adorned with Showa-era advertising slogans—retro yet playful. There's also a collection of washi tapes and stickers co-branded with old Japanese brands, featuring intricate designs that make them highly collectible. The items here aren't mainstream; they're creative picks that only true connoisseurs would appreciate. Bringing one home isn't just a souvenir—it's like carrying a piece of design history and spirit from a bygone era.