Vintage Japanese Showa Era Retro Metal Home First aid Medicine Box

Cool retro Japanese medicine box from the traditional household medicine system, where medicine sellers placed stocked boxes in homes and customers paid only for what they used. The front is marked Jōbiyaku, meaning “household medicine.” The upper drawer advertises Topic Super, described as a “new comprehensive cold-treatment medicine.” The lower section names Shin Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., based in Kōka, Shiga Prefecture. Original approval and distributor stickers remain on the front, including one marked “approved by the Minister of Health and Welfare.” A beautifully aged piece of Japanese domestic history, with worn metal drawers, original graphics, and wonderful patina. Interestingly I found that when I removed the drawers the inside of the metal cabinet is insulated with foam, presumably to protect the medicine from the hot summers. Made from metal (steel? It is magnetic) Found in Osaka on our most recent trip to Japan in May 2026. Measures 22.5cm wide x 22cm tall x 26cm deep