“Horrors of Malformed Men” / 「江戸川乱歩全集 恐怖奇形人間」, Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1969, STB Tatekan Size (51 × 145 cm) — T150

This is a rare original Japanese STB tatekan theatrical poster produced for the 1969 release of Horrors of Malformed Men, directed by Teruo Ishii and distributed by Toei.

One of the most distinctive titles in Japanese cult horror, the film brings together the unsettling fiction of Edogawa Rampo, Ishii’s theatrical approach to exploitation cinema, and the extraordinary physical presence of Tatsumi Hijikata and his butoh performers.

Printed in two sections designed to align vertically, this imposing poster combines an enormous green title with tinted photographic scenes and a densely layered horror montage.

Film background

Released in Japan in October 1969, Horrors of Malformed Men draws on several works by Edogawa Rampo, particularly The Strange Tale of Panorama Island and The Demon of the Lonely Isle.

The story follows Hirosuke, a medical student confined in a psychiatric hospital. A familiar lullaby draws him into a mystery involving his past, a murdered circus performer, and a journey towards an isolated island.

Written by Teruo Ishii and Masahiro Kakefuda, the film transforms Rampo’s mysteries into an increasingly surreal spectacle of concealed identities, bodily transformation, obsession, and grotesque theatricality.

Teruo Yoshida leads the cast, while Tatsumi Hijikata, a central figure in the development of butoh, contributes a disturbing physical presence. The involvement of his performers gives the island sequences a connection to Japan’s experimental performance culture.

The film has developed an enduring cult following, particularly among collectors interested in the intersection of Japanese horror, literary fantasy, underground performance, and late-1960s exploitation cinema.

Poster design

The composition uses the elongated tatekan format to move from relatively conventional film advertising into a crowded, disorienting spectacle.

The upper section has a pale background dominated by enormous dark-green brush lettering:

「恐怖奇形人間」

Beside it, a narrow black panel carries the literary attribution in white:

「江戸川乱歩全集」

“The Collected Works of Edogawa Rampo.”

The title extends across the meeting point of the two sheets, visually connecting the full composition.

A vertical sequence of photographic scenes introduces threatening faces, bodies, and moments of confinement. Tinted violet, pink, yellow, and green, these images give the upper section a deliberately unnatural colour scheme.

Along the right margin, the red promotional slogan reads:

「近づく者は二度と帰れぬ 怪奇と官能の孤島！」

“Those who approach never return—an isolated island of horror and sensuality!”

Below the smaller scenes, portraits of Teruo Yoshida and two alarmed women provide a human focal point before the imagery becomes more fantastical.

The lower sheet is dominated by an enormous green-tinted, long-haired face with red eyes, partially obscured by a pale, mottled hand. Around it, performers and figures overlap against a vivid pink-red background.

A thin, green-painted figure sits back-to-back with a woman draped in pale blue. Elsewhere, raised arms, a goat-headed figure, a face behind bars, and groups of contorted bodies create a theatrical panorama. A large goat’s head fills part of the foreground.

The mixture of photographic detail and strong applied colour gives the poster an unsettling appearance that closely suits the film’s combination of mystery and staged spectacle.

The credits identify Teruo Ishii as director and Edogawa Rampo as the source author. The billing also highlights Tatsumi Hijikata and his butoh troupe, making their participation part of the original promotional appeal.

The Toei emblem appears at the upper right, while the adult classification and admission restriction remain visible within the lower section.

Rarity and significance

This is a particularly striking format for a film whose reputation rests so strongly on its imagery.

The tall composition allows the lettering, portraits, and island tableaux to unfold across two sheets, creating a substantial display piece for collectors of Teruo Ishii, Edogawa Rampo, Tatsumi Hijikata, Toei horror, and Japanese cult cinema.

Our experience of handling this design only twice in four years makes it an especially welcome return to the gallery.

Release and format note

An original Japanese STB tatekan theatrical poster, printed in two sections for vertical display.

Overall assembled size: approximately 51 × 145 cm / 20 × 57 inches.

Produced for the film’s 1969 Japanese theatrical release.

Condition

Very good condition, particularly considering its age, large format, and previous cinema display.

There are pinholes, edge wear, creasing, and small tears. The bottom corners have tears and areas of paper loss around former pinholes. The photographs also show age-related marks and spotting, with small tape repairs visible on the reverse.

The principal imagery retains strong colour and considerable visual impact.

Once framed, this poster will display very well. We have taken its condition into account when pricing.

Reference: T150.

Please review all photographs, including the corner details and reverses, as they show the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 1969 release campaign.

It is now over 55 years old.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.