Yukio Mishima, The Aesthetics of End

This poster is designed by Tadanori Yokoo. The title “終りの美学” (The Aesthetics of the End) adapted from one of Yukio Mishima’s essay, this work reveals the change of cultural atmosphere of Japan in the 1960s. As well as the fusion of Japanese ukiyo-e and American pop culture.

At the very top centre, the words “YUKIO MISHIMA” written in black letters on a red background. On the left is a photograph of Yukio Mishima, and on the right is an illustration of a half-naked blonde woman in red panties, captioned “終りの美学” (The Aesthetics of the End). In the centre,  a black steam train facing forward, with  waves rendered in a ukiyo-e style underneath it. In front of the train,  blonde woman in a red bikini holding a large lotus leaf, while on the right side there is a white lotus flower. The background features a blue and gold rising-sun motif.