“Star Wars” (スター・ウォーズ), Original Re‑Release Japanese Movie Poster 1982, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) ZA395

This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1982 for the first Japanese theatrical re‑release of Star Wars (later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope), written and directed by George Lucas and originally distributed in Japan by 20th Century Fox. Star Wars first reached Japanese cinemas in June 1978 in English with Japanese subtitles, where it became a pop‑culture phenomenon. In 1982 the film returned to theatres in a special revival that finally offered a full Japanese‑language dub, reflecting the huge young audience the film had attracted and keeping excitement high ahead of the later sequels.

Film background

The original 1977 film launched one of cinema’s most influential franchises, combining mythic storytelling, groundbreaking special effects and John Williams’ rousing score to redefine the modern blockbuster. It followed farm boy Luke Skywalker, smuggler Han Solo and Princess Leia as they battled Darth Vader and the Empire’s planet‑killing Death Star. Star Wars was a worldwide hit and went on to win seven Academy Awards at the 50th Oscars, including Best Visual Effects, Best Original Score and a Special Achievement Award for sound.

Poster design

This 1982 B2 is sometimes referred to as the “Oscars” version and features the classic composition created for the U.S. campaign by artist Tom Jung, here adapted for the Japanese market by illustrator Seito. Luke stands in heroic pose, lightsaber raised to the stars, with Leia at his side and Darth Vader’s helmeted visage looming behind them. The Death Star and a squadron of X‑wings arc in from the left, while the familiar opening line “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” runs across the top border in English. At lower left a gold Oscar statuette and red Japanese text proudly celebrate the film’s seven Academy Awards, tying this re‑release directly to its international prestige. The white lower panel carries the Japanese credits and bold blue STAR WARS logo with the katakana title beneath, along with the 映倫 (Eirin) censorship seal, underscoring the poster’s theatrical origin.

This poster is in excellent condition (please refer to the imagery of the exact poster for sale).

It is over 43 years old.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.