Many of the primary sources no longer exist. One of the most interesting aspects of this book is how much of what it says, and shows, about Japanese graphics still applies today. Visit Japan, or pick up a Japanese magazine, and you'll be struck by the resemblance between 1990s ads and what's in this book. Not in the styles, which have changed, but in the approach. Western figures, especially women, appear in ads.
English words are mixed in with Japanese ideographs.
There's a fascination with Western culture and style. The authors note that Japanese graphic designers rapidly adopted Western art trends. Within months after an exhibit of futurism visited Japan in the 1920s, they point out, futuristic-style graphics were appearing in Japanese publications. The same thing happened with a show of German photography that toured in the same decade. In common with trademarks from other countries in this era, the trademark design often provides no clue as to the product, or consists of common advertising icons that bears little relation to the product line.