Showa-era Japanese Enamel Sign “Fumin Hoska” Humic Fertilizer – Kansai Nissan Chemical This striking enamel sign originates from Japan’s Showa era, when agricultural science and chemical innovation were transforming farming across the country. The bold yellow lettering reads “Fumin Hoska,” a fertilizer formulated with humic acid (腐植酸)—a natural organic compound derived from decomposed plant material. During the mid-20th century, humic fertilizers were promoted for their ability to enrich soil structure, improve nutrient absorption, and support stronger crop growth. At a time when Japan was striving to increase food production, such innovations were highly valued by farmers. The sign also bears the name Kansai Nissan Chemical, a company connected to the broader Nissan chemical industry network that played a significant role in supplying agricultural chemicals and fertilizers during the post-war reconstruction period. Fertilizer brands like this were essential to rural life, helping improve harvest yields in rice fields and vegetable farms throughout Japan. The visual design captures the aesthetics of Showa industrial advertising: a deep blue enamel background contrasted with bold yellow typography and a red star emblem at the top. This high-contrast color scheme ensured the sign could be recognized from a distance, whether mounted outside an agricultural supply shop or near a rural distributor. Small enamel chips, rust marks, and weathered edges remain visible on the surface. Rather than detracting from the piece, these marks provide evidence of its long working life outdoors, exposed to sun, rain, and decades of agricultural commerce. Today, the sign stands as a vibrant artifact of Japan’s agricultural modernization—an era when chemistry, industry, and traditional farming came together to shape the country’s food production. [Size] 60.2x15.6cm [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.