Japanese Enamel Sign – “EGAHO” Cold Remedy (Showa Era) Before medicine spoke the language of chemistry, it spoke the language of emotion. This bright yellow enamel sign advertised a cold remedy called “Egaho”— a word that simply means “smile.” Not “strong.” Not “fast.” But smile. In Showa-era Japan, a cold could keep you from work, from school, from family life. This medicine promised not just recovery, but the return of ordinary happiness. The yellow background radiates warmth and reassurance— the color of morning light and renewed energy. Bold red characters declare the product name with confidence, while the smaller black lettering gently explains its purpose. Even from across the street, the message was clear: this is medicine for people, not machines. Before antibiotics, before modern healthcare systems, medicine often carried hope more than certainty. This sign belongs to the same emotional history as vintage European pharmacy signs and apothecary bottles— objects that promised comfort, not miracles. Small chips, softened enamel, and traces of weather are signs of a life spent outdoors, serving its purpose. Today, such pharmaceutical enamel signs are disappearing rapidly, making surviving examples increasingly collectible. This is not just advertising. It is working-class poetry, fired in glass. [Size] 60x11.5cm [Condition] Good vintage condition. Although it shows signs of use, the letters and designs remain clearly visible. Please check the photos. Any taxes related to international shipping must be borne by the purchaser. Occasionally, customs or the delivery company in your country may contact you for customs clearance via phone or email. Kindly ensure you are available to respond. Failure to do so may result in the parcel being returned to me, incurring additional shipping fees for reshipment. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. I will pack the item securely, but there may be cases where the item is repackaged at customs or damaged upon arrival due to a mistake by the shipping company. If this happens, please contact me immediately. Please promptly send me a photo of the item when it arrives and a photo of the damage to the item. We will provide refunds depending on the situation.