“Samurai (Samurai Assassin)” (侍), Original Japanese Movie Speed Poster 1965, First Release, (26 × 73 cm), Starring Toshiro Mifune O505

This is an original Japanese speed poster (narrow roadside / station format) printed in 1965 for the first theatrical release of Samurai (侍)—internationally known as Samurai Assassin—directed by Kihachi Okamoto, written by Shinobu Hashimoto, and distributed by Toho. Adapted from Jirō Osaragi’s novel Samurai Nippon, the film was produced by Mifune Productions and stars Toshiro Mifune at the height of his powers.

Speed posters were printed in far smaller numbers than standard B2s and displayed outdoors for only a brief period, making surviving examples extremely rare.

Film background
Set in the turmoil of late‑Edo Japan, the film follows rōnin Niiro Tsuruchiyo (Mifune), who becomes embroiled in the plot to assassinate senior councilor Ii Naosuke at the Sakuradamon Gate. Okamoto uses the historical incident to examine ambition, disillusionment, and the impossibility of becoming a “true samurai” in a decaying order. With Hashimoto’s tight script, Masaru Satō’s score and Mifune’s ferocious swordplay, Samurai is now regarded as one of the great post‑war chambara masterpieces. 

Poster design
This speed poster is a masterclass in minimalist graphic design. The entire sheet is dominated by an enormous brushed black kanji 「侍」 that fills the lower two‑thirds of the layout like a looming shadow. At the top, bold typography in black and red lists the core collaborators: down the center runs 三船敏郎 (Toshiro Mifune) in red, flanked by 岡本喜八 (director) and 橋本忍 (screenplay) in black. The classic round 東宝 mark sits to the left, while near the base a small full‑length photo of Mifune in kimono, hand extended in mid‑draw, provides the only photographic element. The contrast between the massive calligraphic character and the tiny yet intense figure of Mifune perfectly captures the film’s tension between individual will and implacable history.

This poster is in good / very good condition for its age (please refer carefully to the imagery of the exact poster for sale). There is a central horizontal fold, age toning, and tape remnants / minor wear at the corners and fold edges, all consistent with a 1960s theatrical display piece and easily minimized with professional framing or restoration.

It is almost 60 years old.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.