“Flower and Dragon” (花と龍), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1965, Kinnosuke Nakamura / Ryoko Sakuma, STB Tatekan Two-Sheet Format (c. 51 × 145 cm) — N265

This is an original Japanese STB tatekan theatrical poster for the 1965 release of Flower and Dragon (Hana to Ryū). Over sixty years old, this complete two-sheet example combines bold brush lettering with a dramatic portrait composition.

Directed by Kosaku Yamashita and adapted from Ashihei Hino’s novel, the Toei production stars Kinnosuke Nakamura, alongside Ryoko Sakuma, Keiko Awaji, and Takahiro Tamura. Set among the dockworkers of northern Kyushu, the story follows Kingoro Tamai and his wife as they confront hardship, violence, and competing loyalties. The film opened in Japan on 20 November 1965. 

Printed on two sheets arranged vertically, the design makes striking use of the tall tatekan format. The oversized Japanese title 「花と龍」 runs through the upper section in expressive red and black brushwork, set against a pale background with sweeping grey shading. Green and turquoise cast lettering adds colour around the central title, while the Toei triangle logo occupies the upper-left corner.

The lower section is dominated by the tattooed protagonist, wearing a tied headcloth and holding a sword across the foreground. His dragon tattoo provides a direct visual connection to the title, while the woman standing behind him in a striped kimono brings a quieter counterpoint to the confrontational pose.

The prominent red promotional line reads:

「北九州に男あり！」
“In northern Kyushu stands a man!”

The accompanying copy names Kingoro Tamai and evokes the rising dragon emblazoned on his skin. Together, the lettering, tattoo imagery, and imposing portraits give this poster considerable appeal for collectors of Toei cinema, Japanese crime dramas, and traditional Japanese graphic design.

Condition: Very Good+. The poster shows age toning, horizontal and vertical folds, handling creases, and light scattered marks. The poster should display very well once framed.

Please review all photographs, including the individual sheets and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.

STB tatekan format: approximately 51 × 145 cm when assembled.
Stock code: N265.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.

About STB (Tatekan) posters
Japanese STB / tatekan posters were tall standing-board advertisements, printed in two pieces to be joined vertically for cinema display. Typically measuring around 51 × 145 cm, their elongated proportions offered considerable scope for distinctive compositions. Designed for temporary theatrical use, complete surviving examples preserve an important part of Japan’s cinema advertising history.