An exploration of otherworldliness and death in avant-garde Japanese poster design

Abstract

This study examines the multi-faceted visual and metaphoric representations of otherworldliness and death in avant-garde Japanese posters from the post-World War II era. Following Japan’s surrender in World War II, the country experienced significant socio-political turmoil and transformation. It is in this context that the subversive Japanese avant-garde ethos was born. Focusing primarily on posters designed for angura (underground) theatre and film productions, this study analyses the socio-political, ideological, historical, religious and cultural reasons for the prevalence of otherworldliness and death as themes in the posters (from 1953 to 1989). To this end, a literature review presents Japanese perspectives on death, aesthetics, beauty, suicide and religion, which are intrinsically linked to the central themes of this study. Several definitions of otherworldliness are provided to facilitate a deeper understanding of the term. Philosophical and thanatological theories inform the theoretical framework, which is situated at the intersection of otherworldliness and death. The framework is subsequently applied for purposes of a comprehensive case study analysis of selected avant-garde posters. The significance of this study lies in its in-depth exploration of the underlying causes and visual expressions of the prevalent themes of death and otherworldliness in avant-garde posters, which, at the same time, reflect the socio-political and cultural milieu of post-war Japan.