“Showa Genroku: Tokyo 196X-Nen”, Original Release Japanese Movie Poster, 1968, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) — ZA84
A striking original Japanese release poster for Showa Genroku: Tokyo 196X-Nen (昭和元禄 TOKYO・196X年), directed by Hideo Onchi. Its psychedelic collage brings together photographic portraits, oversized typography and vivid colour, capturing the restless atmosphere of late-1960s Tokyo.
Produced by Tokyo Eiga and distributed by Toho, the film opened in Japan on 23 October 1968. Written by So Kuramoto, it follows a journalist returning from Vietnam who becomes involved in a sensational magazine investigation centred on a young fugitive and a model. Featuring Juzo Itami, Miki Yoshida and Joji Ide, the film explores youth, intimacy and the intrusive influence of the press against a contemporary Tokyo backdrop.
The poster’s appeal lies in its unusually layered composition. A young couple face one another in the foreground, their clasped hands forming the centre of the image. Behind them, nightclub figures and fragments of urban imagery dissolve into saturated yellow, turquoise, green and purple. An enormous monochrome hand reaches down from above, adding a surreal interruption to the scene.
The woman’s circular earring, decorated with an eye and teardrop motif, provides another distinctive detail. Across the upper section, monumental red Japanese lettering contrasts with the cream TOKYO・196X年 title and blue director credit. The combination of photography, graphic patterns and abrupt changes in scale gives the design its distinctly trippy character.
An expressive piece of 1960s Japanese film advertising, with strong appeal for collectors of psychedelic graphics, Japanese cinema and vintage photographic collage. Its vivid palette and bold B2 composition make it particularly effective for framing.
Condition: Excellent. Light handling creases and minor edge wear are visible, with some age-related toning and marks to the reverse. The colours remain strong and the overall image presents beautifully. Please refer to the photographs for the condition of this individual example.
An original vintage Japanese cinema poster, not a reproduction or modern reprint.
Approximately 58 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
Stock reference: ZA84
