On the other hand, Mitsukoshi continued in the face of state dictates against the West, luxury, and play to showcase all three. What imagined geography is conjured by the images below? How does it relate to the one conjured by images of war and conquest?

Nature was also a prominent theme, arguably "neutral."

Note the various graphic styles employed. Can they be reconciled with the war effort?

In sum, do these covers speak of resistance? Do they suggest militarist austerity was ultimately a bridge too far for a retailer identified with Western luxury goods? Or do these covers simply represent wistful escapism?