Takashimaya Kimono Store established the art department in 1911 (Meiji 44). Daimaru and Sogo department stores also hosted many calligraphy and painting exhibitions.

Art gallery generally develops with the economical support from patrons. Whereas, in Osaka, some merchants with profound knowledge for art privately supported their favorite artists.

Raising popularity of avant-garde art and modernism from the Taisho to the early Showa era, the merchants adapted this new trend of art and design for advertisement or store design. This gave designers more opportunities to show their talent than ever.

Among others, a famous pharmaceutical company, Tanpei Seiyaku, stood out the most in this Osaka modern art scene. A modern looking Tanpei House, built and run by Tanpei Seiyaku, became the center of art and commerce. There was a pharmacy, cosmetic shop, photo studio, beauty salon and American style Soda Fountain in it; the company also established a research institute for western films and Tanpei photography club where many talents were born.