“Akira” (アキラ), Ultra‑Rare Original Japanese 1987 Theatrical Promotional / Non‑Sale (非売品) B2 Poster — Kaneda & Tetsuo Split‑Portrait Design, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) H204

“THE STORY OF AKIRA BEGINS AFTER WORLD WAR III UNDER THE SKY OF NEO TOKYO.”

This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1987 for Akira’s early Japanese release campaign—produced ahead of the film’s Japanese theatrical opening (1988/7/16).

This specific artwork is a “非売品” (not‑for‑sale) promotional poster.

At the top‑left, you’ll find the distinctive English character copy printed on the sheet:

“KANEDA — One of the healthy but delinquent youths who goes to a vocational training school.”

“TETSUO (Tetsuo Shima) — Kaneda’s classmate and fellow motorcycle gang member.”

Across the lower image, the red tagline reads:

“THE STORY OF AKIRA BEGINS AFTER WORLD WAR III UNDER THE SKY OF NEO TOKYO.”

And at the lower right, the copyright line is printed:

“© 1987 マッシュルーム・アキラ製作委員会”

This poster is considered one of the earliest and hardest‑to‑find Akira poster variants from the whole promotional campaign.

About the film
Akira (『AKIRA』) is Katsuhiro Otomo’s landmark animated cyberpunk feature—released theatrically in Japan in 1988 (runtime 124 minutes), adapted from Otomo’s manga and produced as a major late‑’80s animation event that helped redefine anime’s global impact.

Poster design
Graphic, stark, and instantly recognizable: a split composition fusing Kaneda (profile) with Tetsuo (front) in high‑contrast halftone dotwork, framed by a red patterned border and anchored by the huge AKIRA wordmark. The unusual English character bios at top give it a distinct “campaign / promo” feel compared with the more common text‑light theatrical imagery.

Why collectors prize this example
1987 printing: produced before the 1988 Japanese theatrical opening—an early promotional artifact from Akira’s launch window.

Non‑sale classification (非売品) making it scarce compared with standard theatrical B2s (which were printed in tens of thousands). 

Striking “Kaneda / Tetsuo split‑portrait” artwork + English profile text, a standout variant that’s far less commonly encountered than the best‑known theatrical imagery. 

Condition
Excellent condition, with one tiny pinhole in each corner from prior display. Clean, well‑preserved color and print; please review the photos (front and back)—they show the exact poster for sale.

It is over 38 years old!

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.