A Visual Exploration of Showa-era Signboard Architecture: Renewed Edition Release Announced

The Visual Exploration of Signboard Architecture: A New Edition

On December 26, 2025, the eagerly awaited new edition of 'Showa Signboard Architecture: Shops and Life in the Showa Era' will be released by Two Virgins, a publishing house based in Chiyoda, Tokyo. This renewed version marks the latest volume in the series 'A Taste of Architectural Journeys,' featuring a visually rich exploration of architecture, urban life, and historical context, focusing on the unique style of signboard buildings.

What Are Signboard Buildings?

Coined by architect Terunobu Fujimori, the term 'signboard buildings' refers to a type of structure that serves both as a shop and a dwelling. Typically appearing in the post-Great Kanto Earthquake reconstruction period, these buildings are predominantly two to three stories tall and characterized by their decorative facades clad in fire-resistant materials such as copper, mortar, and tiles. This publication has even received recommendations from Fujimori himself, the original proponent of signboard architecture.

During the early Showa period, Tokyo’s lower town was brimming with uniquely styled storefronts. Whether stationery shops, flower shops, barber shops, or snack houses, many of these family-owned businesses have since vanished, yet they played a vital role in the vibrancy of local communities. This book offers a glimpse into a world that those living in the 21st century must not forget.
— Terunobu Fujimori (Architectural Historian and Architect)

Inside the New Edition

This revised edition includes updated interviews with homeowners who operate shops out of signboard buildings, particularly in the Kanto region. These conversations share the rich narratives of their lives intertwined with their businesses, showcasing the essence of community and historical character encapsulated in these structures. Readers can look forward to touching stories from 11 different homeowners that unveil the zeitgeist of past decades.

Interviews Highlighted in the Book:

1. Pali Shokudo (Chichibu) – A lively Western-style restaurant glowing in the night.
2. Midoriya (Yokosuka) – A kimono shop preserving the culture of festivals.
3. Edo-ya (Nihonbashi) – A brush shop supporting cutting-edge technology.
4. Ichifunii (Tsukiji) – A tableware store spreading from Tsukiji to the world.
5. Mansei Fruit Parlor (Closed) – A beloved coffee shop adored by University of Tokyo students.
6. Okamasa Uraji Button Shop (Kanda) – A fabric materials store supporting local tailors.
7. Yamamoto Dental Clinic (Kanda) – A dental clinic intrigued by architecture.
8. Fujita Barber Shop (Nishitama) – A barber shop that draws you in.
9. Yuasa Bussankan (Kamakura) – A commercial complex ticking time on the approach to the shrine.
10. Hoshino Photo Studio (Kamakura) – A photography studio with sunlight pouring in by the sea.
11. Takara-yu (Chichibu) – A public bath rejuvenating mind and body.

Nostalgic Archives of Signboard Architecture

This book not only provides accounts of existing and accessible signboard buildings but also features an archive celebrating lost structures that have been closed or demolished. It includes nostalgic glimpses into Showa-era life through photographs, along with a detailed list of still-existing establishments.

Photo Archive Includes:

- Chuo Ward (Nihonbashi Area)
- Chuo Ward (Ginza/Tsukiji/Shintomi Town/Irifune/Hatchobori Area)
- Bunkyo Ward (Nezu/Hongo/Korakuen Area)
- Chiyoda Ward (Kanda Area)
- Taito Ward (Ueno/Taito Area)

(Additional listings for various districts and their cultural significances).

Deeper Insights Through Columns

The book features columns that delve into the decorations and history of signboard architecture deeper for readers. Once common sights, these structures have become rare in contemporary urban landscapes, urging recognition of their value as a cultural heritage piece. The columns cover various topics, from the storied flavors of enduring establishments to the unique craftsmanship that characterized these buildings.

Examples of Columns:

1. Tasty Signboard Buildings: Flavors Passed Through Generations
2. I Am a Signboard Building: A Collection of Store Names
3. Enjoying the Design: Part Illustration 1
4. Enjoying the Craftsmanship: Part Illustration 2
5. Reborn Signboard Architecture: The Renovation Story
6. Captivated by Glass: Rare Antique Glass
7. Visiting Signboard Buildings: Edo-Tokyo Architectural Park
8. Nearby Signboard Architecture: Ishioka/Suwa
9. Craftsmanship Stories: Ishioka/Tsuchiya Residence
10. Facade Analysis of Signboard Architecture: Four Gems

This new edition promises to be a treasure trove for architecture enthusiasts and a nostalgic journey for those yearning for a peek into the elegant life of the Showa era.

Book Information

- Title: New Edition of 'Showa Signboard Architecture: Shops and Life in the Showa Era'
- Published by: Two Virgins
- Price: 2,400 yen (2,200 yen + tax)
- Format: A5, paperback, 208 pages, full color
- ISBN: 978-4-86791-069-6
- Release Date: December 26, 2025