Original Japanese 1980s Movie Posters (1980–1989)

Explore Japan Poster Shop’s extensive collection of original Japanese movie posters from the 1980s (1980–1989), featuring rare and highly collectible theatrical artwork from one of the most influential decades in cinema, animation and graphic design.

The 1980s witnessed an extraordinary period of cinematic creativity, from the rise of the modern Hollywood blockbuster and groundbreaking science-fiction filmmaking to the emergence of Japanese animation as an internationally influential art form. Japanese theatrical posters from this era are particularly celebrated for their dramatic illustrations, bold typography, vivid colours and distinctive interpretations of internationally acclaimed films.

Of particular significance is our exceptional selection of original Japanese Star Wars posters, including rare theatrical artwork for The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983), alongside scarce promotional material and large-format advertising designs. The celebrated Japanese illustrator Noriyoshi Ohrai produced some of the most recognisable and highly sought-after science-fiction poster artwork of the decade.

Our collection also encompasses original Japanese posters for landmark productions such as Blade Runner (1982), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), The Terminator (1984), Back to the Future (1985), Aliens (1986), RoboCop (1987) and numerous other classics of science fiction, action and cult cinema.

The decade was equally transformative for Japanese animation, with the founding of Studio Ghibli in 1985 and the release of influential films including Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), Castle in the Sky (1986), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Grave of the Fireflies (1988) and Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989). The groundbreaking Akira (1988) further established the extraordinary artistic ambition of Japanese animated cinema, with its original theatrical posters becoming increasingly prized by collectors worldwide.

Our holdings also celebrate the distinctive traditions of Japanese horror, crime cinema, science fiction and cult filmmaking, including the revival of the Godzilla franchise with The Return of Godzilla (1984) and the work of influential Japanese directors throughout the decade.

Of particular interest are our rare original Japanese B1 and B2 theatrical posters, exceptionally scarce STB Tatekan formats, large-format B0 billboards, first-release examples, advance promotional designs and unusual advertising variants. Many original posters from this period are now more than forty years old, with scarce designs and exceptional-condition copies becoming increasingly difficult to acquire.

These posters represent an important chapter in the history of Japanese cinema, international film advertising and late twentieth-century graphic design, combining historical significance with enduring visual appeal.

Every poster offered by Japan Poster Shop is an authentic original, carefully sourced in Japan and individually catalogued. We do not sell reproductions. All posters are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, with worldwide DHL Express shipping available from our gallery in Tokyo.