{"product_id":"mariko-okada-koken-bike-engine-コーケンバイクエンジン-very-rare-original-japanese-advertising-poster-c-1950s-b2-size-51-73-cm-s280","title":"“Mariko Okada \/ Kōken Bike Engine” (コーケンバイクエンジン), Very Rare Original Japanese Advertising Poster, c. 1950s, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) S280","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-8 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fbskMG_root LR5Y_W_content markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis is an \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal Japanese B2 advertising poster\u003c\/strong\u003e for \u003cstrong\u003eKōken Kōgyō Co., Ltd. (高研工業株式会社)\u003c\/strong\u003e, promoting the company’s \u003cstrong\u003e60cc auxiliary bicycle engine\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e90cc motorbike\u003c\/strong\u003e. The small production imprint at the lower right explicitly credits \u003cstrong\u003eMariko Okada (岡田茉莉子)\u003c\/strong\u003e as the model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eA striking combination of \u003cstrong\u003escreen-star glamour, mechanical detail and bold commercial graphics\u003c\/strong\u003e, the poster belongs to the world of post-war Japanese consumer advertising rather than a theatrical film campaign. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIts brilliant red background, cream borders and oversized blue lettering give it an immediate graphic presence, while the prominently displayed motorised bicycle makes it an unusual crossover piece for collectors of \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese cinema, vintage advertising and motorcycle history\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical context\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eDuring Japan’s post-war reconstruction, bicycles fitted with auxiliary engines became an important means of everyday transportation. This was a crowded, competitive market in which numerous products offered a motorised alternative to the ordinary pedal bicycle. The early 1950s were a particularly significant period for this form of transport, before small purpose-built motorcycles became increasingly widespread. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe Kōken advertisement presents both approaches on the same sheet: a \u003cstrong\u003ebicycle fitted with a compact engine\u003c\/strong\u003e occupies the main composition, while a \u003cstrong\u003elarger 90cc motorbike\u003c\/strong\u003e appears in the inset above. Rather than presenting machinery through technical diagrams alone, the design combines the products with fashionable styling and an approachable, informal pose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe result conveys more than mechanical utility. It offers an image of \u003cstrong\u003emodernity, convenience and personal mobility\u003c\/strong\u003e, expressed through colour, clothing and the relationship between the model and the bicycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMariko Okada\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe printed credit reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e「モデル・岡田茉莉子」\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“Model: Mariko Okada.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eOkada’s film career would encompass both classical Japanese studio cinema and the more experimental territory of the Japanese New Wave. Her memorable appearance in \u003cstrong\u003eYasujirō Ozu’s \u003cem\u003eLate Autumn\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e placed her within one of the director’s major late works. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eHer subsequent creative partnership with \u003cstrong\u003eKijū Yoshida\u003c\/strong\u003e, also known as \u003cstrong\u003eYoshishige Yoshida\u003c\/strong\u003e, produced films including \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAkitsu Springs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEros + Massacre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, establishing her as a significant presence in Japanese art cinema. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eHere, the presentation is deliberately lighter and more accessible. A \u003cstrong\u003epale pink blouse or cardigan, slim black trousers, short hairstyle and understated jewellery\u003c\/strong\u003e create a polished but relaxed appearance. The styling provides a soft contrast to the bicycle’s black frame, exposed engine and bright metal fittings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePoster design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe composition is built around a large \u003cstrong\u003esaturated red field\u003c\/strong\u003e, bordered by warm cream along the left and across the lower portion of the sheet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe main photograph brings the bicycle close to the viewer. Its handlebars extend beyond the image at left, while the sprung saddle, rear carrier, spokes, pedals and engine remain clearly visible. This close cropping gives the machine considerable scale without obscuring its practical construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe model’s elbow rests on the saddle, creating a direct visual connection between the fashion portrait and the product. Her black trousers echo the bicycle frame, while the pale pink clothing stands out against the red background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eNear the bottom of the bicycle sits the prominently displayed \u003cstrong\u003eauxiliary engine\u003c\/strong\u003e, with bright metallic surfaces, cooling fins and a distinctive \u003cstrong\u003ered-and-cream circular casing bearing the K emblem\u003c\/strong\u003e. This small area of concentrated detail draws attention to the actual product being advertised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAt upper left, a second photographic image shows a rider on the \u003cstrong\u003e90cc motorbike\u003c\/strong\u003e, isolated against an irregular cream shape. The inset’s playful outline contrasts with the straight bicycle frame and the broad rectangular colour field, giving the layout a lively, distinctly mid-century character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe 60cc engine and 90cc motorbike\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eTwo yellow captions distinguish the advertised products:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e「60 c.c. バイクエンジン」\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“60cc bike engine.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e「90 c.c. モーターバイク」\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“90cc motorbike.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe main image makes the auxiliary-engine concept especially clear: the familiar bicycle structure and pedals remain in place, with the motor incorporated near the crank area. The smaller inset introduces the separate motorbike offering without competing with the principal photograph.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eTogether, the images make this a particularly informative piece of advertising. It preserves not just a brand name, but the \u003cstrong\u003eproducts, presentation and visual selling language\u003c\/strong\u003e of the manufacturer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTypography and branding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAcross the cream lower band, the brand appears in oversized, sharply slanted blue lettering:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eコーケンバイクエンジン\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“Kōken Bike Engine.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe forward-leaning characters suggest movement and speed. Their strong blue colour provides a cool counterpoint to the red background and warm cream border.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eBeneath, the manufacturer is identified as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e高研工業株式会社\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“Kōken Kōgyō Co., Ltd.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe words \u003cstrong\u003eTokyo\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eOsaka\u003c\/strong\u003e flank the company name, while the large red \u003cstrong\u003eK symbol\u003c\/strong\u003e repeats the branding visible on the engine casing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe integration of the photograph with the lettering is particularly effective: the bicycle and the model’s shoes extend into the lower advertising area, preventing the composition from feeling like separate photographic and typographic panels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollecting significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003every rare original advertising poster\u003c\/strong\u003e brings together subjects that are usually collected separately: \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese screen culture, mid-century fashion, motorised transport and commercial graphic design\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIts appeal is not dependent on technical interest alone. The limited palette, confident typography and carefully arranged photograph give the sheet a strong decorative identity, while the printed manufacturer and model credits preserve its specific commercial context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor a collection centred on Japanese movie posters, it offers a compelling companion piece—a connection to the same screen culture, expressed through the advertising of an everyday industrial product rather than a film.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcellent original condition overall.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe poster retains \u003cstrong\u003erich red colour, strong blue lettering and clear photographic detail\u003c\/strong\u003e, particularly across the bicycle, engine and principal portrait. The warm cream areas provide an attractive contrast to the saturated printing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThere is \u003cstrong\u003elight age-related handling and edge wear\u003c\/strong\u003e, including small creases and slight irregularities along the margins, together with subtle surface impressions and natural paper undulation. These are most noticeable around the lighter border areas and do not substantially interrupt the main composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003ePlease review the photograph carefully; it shows the \u003cstrong\u003eexact poster for sale\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis is an \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal Japanese commercial advertising poster, catalogued circa 1950s\u003c\/strong\u003e, rather than a theatrical release poster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIt is \u003cstrong\u003enot a reproduction or a modern reprint\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertificate of Authenticity included.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCode: S280\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Japan Poster Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57283976561018,"sku":null,"price":300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0424\/8859\/4591\/files\/IMG_4549_55aa0740-c28d-4a03-80a0-84b53cc93c0c.jpg?v=1789770681","url":"https:\/\/japanposter.co.uk\/products\/mariko-okada-koken-bike-engine-%e3%82%b3%e3%83%bc%e3%82%b1%e3%83%b3%e3%83%90%e3%82%a4%e3%82%af%e3%82%a8%e3%83%b3%e3%82%b8%e3%83%b3-very-rare-original-japanese-advertising-poster-c-1950s-b2-size-51-73-cm-s280","provider":"Japan Poster Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}